Why is Asbestos Testing So Important?

Asbestos analysis or testing is essential in establishing the health and safety risks associated with asbestos-containing buildings. It plays a vital role in analyzing the type of asbestos present in a premise and developing an ideal management plan. 

Although mining asbestos has already ended, older homes and buildings still contain asbestos materials that can cause severe threats to health and safety when damaged or disturbed. Builders and contractors should be aware of the presence of this carcinogenic mineral in the buildings they are in charge of. 

So, if you are in the construction industry, you should definitely know the importance of asbestos inspection. Conducting asbestos surveys ensure proper handling of asbestos materials on building premises so that they do not pose dangers or hazards to the living environment. 

Here in this blog, we will discuss the powerful reasons to conduct asbestos surveys, the types of asbestos surveys, and the benefits of asbestos testing.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fiber component found in nature. This naturally occurring mineral was widely used in construction and other industries. There are three types of asbestos:

● Chrysotile (white)

● Amosite (brown)

● Crocidolite (blue)

Asbestos comprises soft and flexible fibers that are highly resilient to corrosion, heat, and electricity. That’s why they were used in buildings for roofing, flooring, and insulation until the late 1990s. But, eventually, it became evident that asbestos is a toxic mineral as it possesses the capability to break down into tiny particles of fibers that cannot be seen, felt, or tasted.

Asbestos can react adversely to those exposed to it. Asbestos is commonly found to enter the human body through breathing. This can potentially lead to breathing problems as the tiny particles of asbestos fibers can get stuck into the lungs and irritate the lung tissues.

Why conduct asbestos surveys?

Poor maintenance of asbestos-containing buildings can pose health and safety risks to people living in them. Asbestos materials can pollute the air and cause dangerous health hazards. Health and safety risks increase even more when an asbestos-containing building undergoes repair, renovation, or remodel works. These are times when residents and workers can potentially be exposed to asbestos if adequate measures are not taken. 

Moving further, let’s find out the most powerful reasons to conduct asbestos surveys.

● Identifies Asbestos: Asbestos analysis is the only way to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building. This helps to determine the potential risks that can be caused by these materials. 

● Safety: As a duty holder or owner of an asbestos-containing property, safety should be your top priority. You should undoubtedly take steps to conduct a professional asbestos inspection on your premises. This will help you keep your building safe from asbestos hazards. 

● Assesses Risks: Asbestos can cause severe health hazards and thus, it’s very crucial to identify the presence of this hazardous material and ensure nobody gets exposed to it. Only a proper risk assessment can help house occupants to stay away from asbestos.

What are the types of asbestos surveys?

Asbestos surveys involve sampling and analyzing the presence or absence of asbestos-containing materials in building premises. They are mainly classified into two types:

● Management Asbestos Survey: A management asbestos survey is usually carried out during the continued management of asbestos-containing materials in a building premise.

● Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: This is carried out when a building needs to be remodeled, renovated, repaired, or demolished. It primarily aims to identify the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials in a building premise before any structural work begins there.

What are the advantages of asbestos testing?

Asbestos testing is remarkably beneficial for occupants and workers present in an asbestos-containing building. It actually detects the presence of asbestos in the premises and protects individuals from getting harmed due to asbestos exposure. Here’s why you should conduct asbestos testing.

● Peace of Mind: Asbestos testing ensures that you are protected from the hazardous effects of asbestos poisoning. It gives you peace of mind that you are not at health and safety risks of asbestos exposure. 

● Prevents Diseases: Asbestos can cause deadly diseases if not assessed or managed appropriately. Asbestos testing reduces the potential risks of occupants and workers getting exposed and affected by asbestos-containing materials. 

● Return on Investment: Once you invest in asbestos testing, it adds long-term value to your building. If you plan to sell the property in the future, potential buyers will get an assurance that they need not worry about getting exposed to asbestos-containing materials.

Bottom Line

Without asbestos analysis, it’s impossible to determine the presence or absence of asbestos-containing materials in your building premises. Asbestos testing allows you to identify the location and condition of asbestos materials, helping you to take instant measures to eradicate this carcinogenic substance. Getting rid of asbestos can reduce the potential risks of accidents and health hazards on a property.