Asbestos, historically widely used in construction for its durability and heat resistance, is now known to pose significant health risks. If you’re concerned about asbestos in your home or workplace, an asbestos test is crucial in ensuring safety. But where can you buy an asbestos testing kit, and how should you use it safely? This guide will walk you through the process, emphasising the importance of proper sample collection and analysis.
Where to Buy an Asbestos Testing Kit
You can purchase asbestos testing kits from Global Asbestos Audits. DIY kits should only be used with materials like textured coatings and asbestos cement in low-risk situations. If you are still determining the type of asbestos or if the particles are loose or airborne, you should always use a professional surveyor. These kits typically include PPE, sample bags, a dust sheet, and instructions on safely collecting and sending samples to a NATA laboratory for analysis. Kits can be ordered by phone or email. Click Here for Contact Details.
The cost to supply sample kits with analysis:
- 1 sample kit $120
- 2 sample kits $145
- 4 sample kit $280
Safe Collection of Asbestos Samples
While asbestos testing kits provide a convenient way to check for asbestos, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines meticulously. Asbestos fibres can be extremely hazardous when disturbed and inhaled, so proper precautions are critical.
Here are key steps to ensure safe sample collection:
Protective Gear: Wear disposable gloves, an asbestos-rated mask, and PPE to minimise exposure.
Minimise Disturbance: Wet the area to be sampled to reduce the release of asbestos fibres.
Collect the Sample: Use tools to carefully collect a small sample of the material in question. Follow the kit’s instructions precisely.
Seal and Label: Place the sample in the provided airtight bag, label it clearly, and follow the instructions for sealing it.
Sending Samples to a NATA Laboratory
Once collected, the sample must be sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis. NATA laboratories are certified to provide accurate and reliable results, ensuring that you get a definitive answer regarding the presence of asbestos. The testing kit will include a pre-addressed envelope for returning your sample.
Discussing Results with a Specialist Asbestos Consultant
After receiving the test results, consulting with a specialist asbestos consultant, such as Global Asbestos Audits, is crucial. Professionals can interpret the results accurately and provide expert advice on the next steps. If asbestos is detected, Global Asbestos Audits will advise you on the extent of the issue and recommend appropriate actions to mitigate any risks.
Implementing an Asbestos Management Plan
If asbestos is found in your property, it is vital to implement an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP). This plan outlines how to handle and monitor the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to ensure they do not pose a health risk. An effective AMP includes:
Assessment: A thorough assessment of the condition and location of the ACMs.
Monitoring: Regular inspections to check for any signs of deterioration or disturbance.
Control Measures: Strategies to manage and minimise exposure, such as encapsulation or removal by licensed professionals.
Record-Keeping: Detailed records of the location, condition, and management actions related to the ACMs in an asbestos register.
Communication: Informing all relevant parties, including workers and residents, about the presence of asbestos and safety procedures.
Buying an asbestos testing kit or engaging an asbestos assessor is the first step in ensuring a safe environment free from asbestos-related hazards. You can effectively manage any asbestos risks by following proper safety protocols for sample collection, sending samples to a NATA laboratory for analysis, and consulting with specialists like Global Asbestos Audits.