Asbestos Sampling
Sampling / Sample Analysis
Carters consultants have many years of asbestos identification experience and in some cases can advise on further requirements based upon initial visual sampling processes. Bulk or dust samples can be collected safely using trained personnel who then organise analysis by a NATA accredited laboratory.
Samples can be provided direct for us to analyse, however the person taking the sample must be competent and implement safe work procedures when obtaining the sample to ensure they do not expose themselves or others to asbestos fibres.
How big a sample is needed?
A piece about the size of a 50 cent coin is ideal for most materials. If the material is either vinyl tile or seamless vinyl – please collect a piece the size of a credit card. If the material is loose, such as loose fill insulation, about half a cup is adequate. Please note for loose fill insulation, we strongly recommend having one of our consultants collect the sample.
How do I seal the materials for delivery?
If providing a sample to Carters, please seal the sample inside a plastic ziplock bag (a sandwich bag is fine).
Clearly mark the site address, location of where the sample was taken and your contact details on each sample.
Place all samples inside a second plastic ziplock bag, ensuring the sample information can be read through the ziplock bags.
Ensure each ziplock back is sealed.
Airborne Asbestos Fibre Monitoring
What is Asbestos Air Monitoring?
Asbestos Air Monitoring measures the amount of respirable asbestos fibres in the air. The term ‘respirable’ means that the fibres are of a size and shape that can be deposited within the lungs. Air monitoring is usually carried out during or following asbestos removal works, or as an air quality check.
While air monitoring usually shows that the respirable fibres are within the guideline levels in most cases (< 0.01 fibres/mL), it is a proven way to put people’s minds at ease about asbestos removal works or asbestos safety. Air monitoring for asbestos can be very useful if there are concerned neighbours, adjacent workers or people that will re-occupy the area following asbestos removal works. In some circumstances, it may be a legal requirement.
When is air monitoring required?
Air monitoring is used to assess whether controls and work methods are in place to assure that asbestos fibres are being contained and not airborne. Air monitoring for asbestos is a legal requirement in some circumstances, for example, if:
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Friable asbestos is being removed;
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Asbestos removal is being carried out indoors; or
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Asbestos removal works may impact on others.
Carters can provide asbestos clearance certificates in combination with air monitoring as required.
Monitoring is conducted in accordance with NOHSC guidelines.
What are the different kinds of air monitoring for Asbestos?
Carters have the experience and expertise to advise and tailor an air fibre monitoring programme to suit your requirements;
Clearance Air Monitoring
Clearance air monitoring is carried out within the asbestos removal area following works to prove that the area is safe to re-occupy. Clearance air monitoring is a legal obligation for any friable asbestos removal works or can be used to provide future occupants of the area with peace of mind.
Control Air Monitoring
This kind of air monitoring is carried out during asbestos removal works to measure the effectiveness of the controls used. For bonded asbestos removal works, the controls are usually an exclusion zone with signage warning people at any entrances to the work area.
Control air monitoring is usually a public relations exercise to prove that works are safe, however, it is also mandatory if friable asbestos is being removed, if works are carried out indoors or if works may affect others in the vicinity.
Background Air Monitoring
Is carried out as an air quality check or to set a baseline of airborne asbestos fibres. Sometimes this is carried out because people have a specific concern they would like assessed.
Exposure Air Monitoring
Personnel wear and air pump and an air filter is placed within 30cm of the breathing zone, usually just on the lapel. Air monitoring is run for a duration of time to measure the air concentration during the activities undertaken whilst wearing the filter.
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42 Trembath St
Bowden, SA 5007
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