The Comprehensive Guide to Asbestos Testing Services in Auckland
If you’re considering contracting a professional team for asbestos testing services in Auckland, there are a few things to know before you jump in. From Auckland’s long history with this dangerous substance to the professional asbestos testing process, we’ve built a comprehensive guide to asbestos testing services.
With this guide, we hope to provide you with the first steps on your journey toward safely managing asbestos where it may be present.
Without any further ado, let’s get started.
Auckland’s History with Asbestos
Auckland has a long and storied history with asbestos. In the mid-20th century, we began using it as a building material for its fire resistance and durability. While rarely used in its raw form, asbestos became a popular construction material component for roofing, insulation, flooring, and pipes.
This echoed the widespread patterns of asbestos use around the rest of the world – since the dangers of asbestos weren’t well understood at the time. These days, we know how dangerous it can be. Over time, regulations and guidelines were put in place to control the use of asbestos, but by then, many of the older buildings in Auckland already had asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in them.
That means that when it comes time to destroy, renovate, or otherwise do construction on these buildings, the possibility of asbestos flaking into the air becomes a hazard to anyone nearby. And that’s when asbestos testing services become important.
The Importance of Asbestos Testing in Construction
Testing for asbestos is critical in ensuring the safety of building occupants, construction workers, and the wider community. Asbestos is a naturally fibrous and crystalline material, even in ACMs. That means that, when disturbed, it will flake off into fibres that will drift through the air.
The inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious respiratory conditions, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Before any renovation or demolition work takes place, it is essential to identify and manage the presence of asbestos to prevent its release into the air.
If asbestos is detected, a company like ours can also recommend management measures that allow you to remove it safely.
The Professional Asbestos Testing Process
So, how does asbestos testing happen? Consultex Group houses a series of IANZ-accredited laboratories staffed with experienced teams who can test for asbestos. We have a carefully honed process that establishes a transparent chain of custody for any and all items possibly containing asbestos, including air samples.
Our process involves the following:
Site Assessment
Our team of trained professionals thoroughly inspect your site, identifying any potential asbestos-containing materials.
Sample Collection
If we identify any ACMs on site that will be disturbed by the planned construction work, the next step is to collect samples. We collect physical samples for bulk sampling or set up air sampling machines so that we can count the asbestos fibres in the air (this is more common during construction).
- Laboratory Analysis
Once we have the samples, they’re transported to one of our laboratories, where they undergo rigorous testing. Our team works to identify the type, amount, and danger potential of any asbestos present.
Report Generation
Finally, we generate a survey report with detailed management recommendations. This report is tailored to your needs, incorporating any planned work on the site. It might include our recommendations for PPE, on-site asbestos measuring, or surveillance by our professional team.
What Happens if We Find Asbestos
If our team finds asbestos, we’ll generate a report that summarises our findings. With that report, we’ll set up a consultation with you to work out the next steps.
The next steps might look like involving our team in the removal process, allowing us to survey ongoing works or test air samples on-site to ensure the ACMs haven’t been disturbed. It could also look like us providing guidelines for safe disposal of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring that they are safely transported to an appropriate facility.
In summary, professional asbestos testing services in Auckland are designed to give you all the information you need to carefully work on sites that potentially contain asbestos. While it might not be easy to avoid ACMs, thanks to Auckland’s history with the material, we can avoid the long-term health hazards presented by asbestos with careful planning, testing, and disposal.
If you’re unsure if there’s asbestos on-site or if you’re simply unsure of how to proceed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Consultex Environmental.
Reach out to the experts providing asbestos testing services in Auckland.
Consultex Environmental is a collection of experts providing asbestos testing services in Auckland. From air sampling to laboratory analysis, we do everything to make sure you and your crew can safely work on-site without the health risks associated with asbestos.
We service areas all around the country, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Nelson, and Dunedin. As the largest privately owned company in the sector, our resources, capacity, and ingenuity sets us apart, enabling us to do the most for you. Get in touch with our team to set up a free consultation.