Asbestos is a natural silicate fibre that poses a health risk when released into the air and inhaled into the lungs. It was widely used in building construction until it was banned in about 1990.
Before sampling, shutting down any heating or cooling systems and taking samples on a non-windy day is essential. It is also important to wear protective clothing and to dampen the material with a water/detergent mist before sampling.
NATA-accredited laboratory
The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) is Australia’s leading accreditation body, providing the foundation for confidence in calibration, inspection, testing and laboratory services throughout Australia. NATA assesses and accredits laboratories, inspection bodies, technical facilities, reference material producers and proficiency testing scheme providers across international standards, including the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice. For more accredited asbestos testing Adelaide, check this out.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral silicate that poses a health risk when inhaled into the lungs. It was used extensively in building construction until 1990 when it was banned. Many buildings still contain asbestos-like materials, which must be tested and inspected before any renovations or demolition occurs.
A NATA-accredited laboratory can identify and test for asbestos and other potentially harmful substances in the home or workplace. They can also offer advice on safely renovating or demolishing the affected areas. They will also provide a report with the results of their tests.
NATA-accredited laboratories have a quality management system that ensures they perform their work to the highest standards. They are required to follow a set of strict rules, including document control and auditing. In addition, they must meet specific requirements that apply to their industry. These are known as Specific Accreditation Criteria (SACs).
An endorsed NATA certificate assures that a laboratory’s results have been verified. The NATA logo, the laboratory’s accreditation number and the relevant international standard are all shown on the certificate. Some laboratories charge extra for a NATA-endorsed report, while others include the NATA endorsement as part of their scope of accreditation. For more accredited asbestos testing Adelaide, check this out.
NATA has a strong network of best-practice industry experts to support laboratories to achieve and maintain accreditation. Its accreditation programs are designed to enhance business efficiency, increase client confidence and improve tendering success. It also helps to facilitate trade through international recognition of testing and calibration services.
Based within the Doherty Institute, the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL) has achieved 50 years of continuous accreditation with NATA. This is a significant milestone and reflects MDU PHL’s long-term commitment to delivering high-quality public health laboratory services in Australia.
Encapsulation
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral used for decades in domestic, commercial and industrial building materials such as thermal, fireproofing and electrical insulation. It was also used in roof tiles, cladding and fencing materials. Asbestos has many hazardous properties, and it is a risk to your health when it comes into contact with your lungs. This can lead to breathing problems, heart disease, cancer and other severe conditions. This is why asbestos testing is essential.
The only way to know whether an item contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. The chrysotile type of asbestos is the most common and can be found in ceilings, walls, roofs and floor coverings. However, other types of asbestos, including amosite and crocidolite, can be found in fences, sheds and eaves. These types of asbestos are less dangerous than chrysotile, but they can still cause harm if they become airborne and inhaled.
Testing for asbestos before starting any work on your property is essential, especially if it was built before 1990. This is because it is likely that the building materials contain asbestos. A professional inspection can identify asbestos in building materials such as insulation, cladding and fences and help you decide on a course of action.
Having a qualified asbestos inspector can save you money and ensure the safety of your family, employees, and customers. It can also help you comply with WHS regulations, which require a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to maintain a register and asbestos management plan for all ACMs in their workplaces.
A certified inspector can identify asbestos by taking a sample of the suspected material and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The model must be taken from the material in a controlled environment to minimise exposure. The laboratory will use techniques to analyse the sample, such as stereomicroscope and polarised light microscopy. The results of the test will be sent to you in a report.
It is important to note that certain material types release asbestos fibres more readily when they are disturbed or broken. For this reason, you should only sample a material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed during the sampling process. It is also advisable to shut down any heating or cooling systems and lay down a plastic drop sheet before sampling. If possible, you should also wet the material with a fine mist of water and detergent to reduce the release of asbestos fibres. For more accredited asbestos testing Adelaide, check this out.