Asbestos was used extensively in construction during the 20th century due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. If you live in a property built during the 20th century, there is a chance it contains asbestos. However, this does not necessarily mean that the property is unsafe. As long as the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are in good condition and not deteriorating, they pose no risk to human health.
That’s why it’s essential to have an asbestos audit done to identify any potential hazards—wondering why an asbestos audit is so important? Keep reading to find out!
Asbestos Inspections: Why Are They Important?
Only when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed can they release microscopic fibres into the air. The danger of asbestos is that it can decompose into microscopically thin fibres that are too small to be seen, felt, or tasted. If these fibres are breathed in, they can cause various health problems, including lung cancer. Owner-builders and renovators of residential properties must develop a renovation plan.
Where To Find Asbestos
The durability and heat resistance of asbestos has made it the ideal material for many applications for a long time. Asbestos-containing materials can be in thousands of products that have used asbestos, including building supplies, automobile components, ironing board covers, blow dryers, roof panels, duct insulation, ceiling tiles, etc.
Identify The Risks
Once you discover asbestos in your home, it is crucial to conduct a risk assessment. You can determine if you and your family are at risk. When performing your risk assessment, you’ll need to consider the following:
- The type of asbestos that has been found
- The condition of the asbestos
- How easy it would be for you to come into contact with it
- Damaged or prone to deterioration
- An area where workers are likely to come into contact with the substance
It will be easier to make an informed decision once you have all this information.
Risk Management
A control measure will ensure your workplace is safe from airborne asbestos exposure. To reduce the risk of asbestos exposure at work, you can use four types of control measures:
Elimination: This is the best way to control the risk of asbestos exposure. You should remove asbestos or asbestos-containing materials from your workplace if they pose a dangerous threat. It is necessary to dispose of renovation waste appropriately.
Risk Isolation: If it is not reasonable to remove the asbestos, you may be able to isolate it. The asbestos is enclosed, encapsulated, or sealed.
It will also reduce the risk of creating airborne asbestos if you use the correct tools and equipment when working around it.
Engineering Controls: These controls aim to minimize exposure to asbestos by using ventilation or containment systems.
Administrative Controls: Changes in work processes are required to minimize asbestos exposure. For example, you may need to limit the time employees are exposed to asbestos.
You’ll need to assess the risks of exposure to asbestos in your workplace and choose the control measure that is most effective in minimizing those risks. Asbestology’s website offers Brisbane residents hassle-free, thorough, and safe asbestos removal services. You may need to combine these controls with meeting your responsibilities under WHS laws.
