1

2

What is Asbestos?

Three different types of

asbestos (Image courtesy

of QBM)

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found on the surface

of the earth. It contains strong fibres that have excellent

durability, fire resistance and insulating properties. Asbestos

fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, can float

in the air for a long time, can be invisible to the naked eye and

can be breathed into the lungs.

In the past, asbestos was mined from the ground and

manufactured into many different materials. Materials

containing asbestos were very common in the Australian

residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s

before their production stopped.

The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally

since 31 December 2003. The ban does not apply to asbestos

installed prior to this date (eg. asbestos materials in houses).

3

History of asbestos production and use Asbestos is the fibrous form of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and

amphibole groups of rock-forming material. It includes actinolite, amosite (brown

asbestos), anthophyllite, chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos),

tremolite, or any mixture containing one or more of the mineral silicates belonging to

the serpentine and amphibole groups.

Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can lead to a number of diseases, including

asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. It is unclear what level of exposure causes

the development of these diseases, and there is typically a long latency period between

the relevant exposure and the onset of the disease. Due to the long latency associated

with these diseases, it is expected that their incidence in the Australian population will

not peak for some time, despite the fact that asbestos is now a banned substance and

in-situ asbestos is subject to strict management procedures.

In Australia, more chrysotile than amphibole asbestos was mined until 1939. New South

Wales, the first State to mine asbestos, produced the largest tonnages of chrysotile

(until 1983) as well as smaller quantities of amphibole (until 1949). With the

commencement of mining at Wittenoom, Western Australia in 1937, crocidolite

dominated production until final closure of the mine in 1966. In addition to what was

mined, Australia also imported chrysotile from Canada and crocidolite and amosite from

South Africa. Consumption peaked in about 1975 at 70,000 tons per year (Leigh et al.

2002).

Australia also imported many manufactured asbestos-containing products, including

cement articles, yarn, cord and fabric, joint and millboard, friction materials and gaskets.

The main sources of supply were the United Kingdom, US, Federal Republic of Germany

and Japan. With the closing of the crocidolite mine4at Wittenoom, Australian asbestos

production and exports declined. Imports of chrysotile also started to decline (Leigh et

al. 2002).

In Australia, over 60% of all production and 90% of all consumption of asbestos fibres

occurred in the asbestos cement manufacturing industry (Hughes, 1978 in Leigh et. al.

2002).

4

From about 1940 to the late 1960s amosite, crocidolite and chrysotile were all used in

this industry. Crocidolite was phased out from 1967; Amosite was used until the mid-

1980s and chrysotile until about 1987. Much of the industry output remains in service

today in the form of “fibro” houses and water and sewerage piping. By 1954 Australia

had the fourth highest consumption of asbestos cement products in the western world,

after the US, UK and France, and the first on a per capita basis (Leigh et. al. 2002). After

World War II in 1954, 70,000 asbestos cement houses were built in the state of NSW

alone (52% of all houses built). In Australia as a whole, until the 1960s, 25% of all new

housing was clad in asbestos cement [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)].

Reports of asbestos use internationally go back as far as 2500 BC, when it is believed

that asbestos was used to make pottery (Lemen & Bingham, 1994).

Modern uses of asbestos began in the mid-1800s when it was used as a packing

material. The use of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) was progressively expanded

up until the middle of the twentieth century (Vitra, 2006).

Through most of the 19th century, Canada dominated the production and export of

asbestos products, however, during the 20th century, the US was the largest market

economy and world user of asbestos (Vitra, 2006). The Soviet Union (later Russia)

became the largest consumer of asbestos products in 1970, and the largest producer

since 1975. Several other countries (including Canada, China and Brazil) continue to

mine asbestos despite the known health risks associated with its use (Vitra, 2006).

In 1996 the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed to work with other inter-

governmental organizations in order to eliminate asbestos related diseases. Part of this

strategy involves the effective management and control of asbestos. While production

and consumption of asbestos products continue in several countries, a number of

countries have adopted bans on the importation and use of asbestos products. With a

few technical exemptions, bans have been adopted in over 40 countries, including

Australia and all member states of the European Union (ACT Asbestos Task Force, 2005).

Less stringent regulations have been adopted in other countries. There have also been

calls for an international ban on asbestos to be introduced and enforced (BWI & IBAS,

2006).

5

Is it dangerous?

Current scientific and medical

evidence supports the fact that

simply living or working in a

building that contains asbestos

is not dangerous as long as the

asbestos is in good condition

(i.e. undamaged, undisturbed).

It is when asbestos is handled or

disturbed and asbestos fibres

are released that the risk of

developing an asbestos related

disease is increased.

While most cases of asbestos

related diseases result from

sustained workplace exposure, some asbestos related diseases, particularly

mesothelioma, can result from brief periods of breathing in asbestos fibres.

To minimize the chance of anyone being exposed to asbestos, it is very important that

DIY home renovators prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air.

6

The two types of materials containing

asbestos

There are two types of materials used in housing

construction that contain asbestos.

1. Bonded (tightly bound) asbestos Bonded materials containing asbestos are the most

common in domestic houses. They are mainly made

up of a bonding compound (such as cement), with

typically up to 15% asbestos. Bonded materials

containing asbestos are solid, quite rigid and the

asbestos fibres are tightly bound in the material.

They are commonly called 'fibro', 'asbestos cement'

and 'AC sheeting'.

2. Loosely bound (friable) asbestos Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are not

commonly found in domestic houses. They were primarily used in commercial and

industrial settings for fire proofing, sound proofing and insulation, but can be found in

some old domestic heaters, stoves, hot water systems and associated pipe lagging and

in the backing of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings.

These materials can be made of up to 100% asbestos. They are quite loose and can be

turned to dust with very light pressure, such as crushing with your hand. Loosely bound

materials containing asbestos are very dangerous as the asbestos fibres can get into the

air very easily. They must only be handled and removed by an asbestos removalist with

an ‘A Class Licence’.

Example of corrugated asbestos

cement (a bonded material

containing asbestos) - (Image

courtesy of Dept. of Human Services,

Victoria)

7

Asbestos in the home Approximately, one third of all homes built in Australia contain asbestos products. As a

general rule, if your house was built before the mid-1980s, it is highly likely that it may

have some asbestos containing materials (ACM). If your house was built between the

mid-1980s and 1990, it is likely that it may have asbestos containing materials. If your

house was built after 1990, it is unlikely that it would have asbestos containing

materials.

The use of ACMs in the home has been extensive and there are many areas in the home

where ACMs can be found including (but not limited to):

Roof sheeting and capping

Guttering

Gables, eaves/soffits water pipes and flues

Wall sheeting (flat or a whiteboard style)

Vinyl sheet flooring

Carpet and tile underlays

Zelemite backing boards to the switchboards

Flexible building boards

Imitation brick cladding

Fencing

Carports and sheds

Waterproof membrane

Telecommunications pits

Some window putty

Expansion joints

Packing under beams

Concrete formwork

It is not possible to determine whether a material contains asbestos by simply looking at

it. The only way to be sure is to get a sample tested by a National Association of Testing

Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory.

8

Asbestos in the workplace The Work Health Safety (WHS) Regulations set out the training and competency

requirements for asbestos assessors, asbestos removal workers and supervisors. Under

the Regulations, two licences have been established - Class A and Class B. Businesses

with an A Class licence are permitted to remove all types of asbestos, including both

friable and non-friable asbestos. Businesses with a Class B licence can only remove non-

friable asbestos.

The WHS Regulations also created a new licence category for asbestos assessors. The

role of the licensed asbestos assessor is to carry out air monitoring and clearance

inspections following removal of friable asbestos.

In addition, Safe Work Australia has developed two model Codes of Practice to provide

practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking who have duties

under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations.

How can asbestos affect my health? Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The

risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the

risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. People who

get health problems from inhaling asbestos have usually been exposed to high levels of

asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until

about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

When does asbestos pose a risk to health? Asbestos fibres can pose a risk to health if airborne, as inhalation is the main way that

asbestos enters the body. Small quantities of asbestos fibres are present in the air at all

times, and are being breathed by everyone without any ill effects. Most people are

exposed to very small amounts of asbestos as they go about their daily lives and do not

develop asbestos-related health problems. Finding that your home or workplace is

made from fibrous products does not mean your health is at risk.

9

Studies have shown that these products, if in sound condition and left undisturbed, are

not a significant health risk. If the asbestos fibres remain firmly bound in cement,

generally you do not need to remove the fibro.

People who have suffered health effects from exposure to asbestos have generally

worked in either the asbestos mining or milling industry, worked in industries involved

in making or installing asbestos products, or are from the immediate families of these

people. In all of these situations, there was exposure to high levels of airborne dust, from either

the processes involved or from the clothes of the workers.

Regulation of asbestos in Australia Exposures to asbestos in the past were very high in some Australian industries and

occupations. For example, there have been as much as 25 million particles per cubic

foot (150 fibres/ml) in asbestos pulverisers and disintegrators in the asbestos cement

industry (Roberts and Whaite, 1952 quoted in Leigh et. al. 2002), and up to 600

fibres/ml in baggers at Wittenoom (Major, 1968 in Leigh et.al. 2002). However, the

recognition of the associated health risks led to a series of regulations being adopted

nationally in the late 1970s. Exposure limits of 0.1 fibres/ml for crocidolite and amosite;

and 1.0 fibres/ml for chrysotile were imposed. In July 2003 a revised national exposure

standard for chrysotile asbestos of 0.1 fibres/ml was declared by the National

Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC).

In 2001, NOHSC declared a prohibition on all uses of chrysotile asbestos from 31

December 2003, subject to a very limited range of exemptions, and confirmed earlier

prohibitions of the use of amosite and crocidolite asbestos.

The prohibition of chrysotile was adopted simultaneously under regulations in each

Australian OHS jurisdiction, as well as Australian Customs, on 31 December 2003. The

prohibition does not extend to ACMs in situ at the time prohibition took effect and is

subject to a very limited range of exemptions. Since 1988, NOHSC, and then the ASCC,

has provided detailed guidance material to minimize occupational exposures to

asbestos.

10

This material was revised in 2005 and includes national codes of practice for the safe

removal of asbestos and for the management and control of asbestos in workplaces

[NOHSC: 2018 (2005)] and [NOHSC: 2002 (2005)]. It also includes a Guidance Note on

the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres 2nd Edition

[NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].

Australia, the US, the European Union and the UK have had policies and standards for

asbestos management in place since the 1980s, or earlier, and are the most advanced in

their management processes (ACT Asbestos Task Force, 2005).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US has regulated

exposure to asbestos since 1971 and has modified its standards several times since in

response to new information about asbestos and the associated risks becoming

available (Martonik et al., 2001). All of these countries restrict who is able to undertake

work with asbestos materials and have strict training requirements in place.

As a result of its high level of asbestos consumption in the past, Australia has a legacy of

a large volume of in situ asbestos in the form of ACMs in buildings (especially domestic

buildings), and in water and sewerage piping. Disturbing in situ asbestos can result in

the release of airborne asbestos fibres. As a result, State and Territory legislation

prohibits many activities involving in situ asbestos, such as drilling, boring and grinding.

The removal of in situ asbestos and the renovation/demolition of buildings containing

these materials is also known to increase the risks of asbestos exposure unless

undertaken in accordance with the regulations. Information and training must be

provided to workers, contractors and others who may come into contact with ACM in

their workplaces [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)].

11

Unions have campaigned for decades about the dangers of asbestos and have

successfully banned it from Australia and helped secure long term compensation

for people affected by asbestos-related disease.

Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950s

until the 1980s. About every third domestic dwelling built between 1945 and 1987

(when the manufacture of asbestos products in Australia ceased) is thought to contain

asbestos.

Australia’s union members have been hit hard by the asbestos epidemic. Many have lost

their lives through their exposure in the workplace. Miners of asbestos have been badly

affected, but also many other tradespeople, workers and even family members of

workers. Waterside workers who loaded asbestos onto ships, mechanics that worked

with asbestos-filled brake pads, electricians and technicians in power stations that used

asbestos, as well as builders, carpenters, roofers and other tradespeople that used

‘fibro’ building products.

After many years of concerted union campaigning, the use of asbestos in Australian

workplaces was banned at the end of 2003. But more than 500 Australians die annually

from the asbestos disease mesothelioma, that rate is still increasing and the number of

deaths each year are still to peak. Even after the projected peak number of deaths each

year, people will continue to die from asbestos-related diseases for many years to come.

And now, added to all these deaths, there are serious concerns that the boom in DIY

renovations will expose more people breathing in asbestos. Home renovators

contracting asbestos related diseases are already being called the ‘fourth wave’ of

sufferers.

12

Asbestos Related Diseases Asbestos related diseases characteristically develop over a long period of time. The first

symptoms may not appear for from anything between 10 and 50 years. Peak mortality

rates are expected between the years 2010 and 2020.

The list of diseases includes:

1. Mesothelioma

2. Asbestosis

3. Lung Cancer

4. Laryngeal Cancer

5. Ovarian Cancer

6. Testes Cancer

7. Pleural plaques

8. Pleural thickening

9. Pleural effusion

13

Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen caused

by asbestos exposure. It occurs due to some inhaled fibres, which penetrate to the lung

walls and cause cancer in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma has:

High association with amphibole asbestos (brown and blue)

Can take up to 45 years to develop after initial exposure

Extremely aggressive (“Turbo charged”) cancer

No relation to smoking

Death usually occurs within 6-18 months after diagnosis

There is no cure

Red numbers:

(1) Right lung,

(2) Spine,

(3) Left lung,

(4) Ribs,

(5) Descending part of the aorta,

(6) Spleen,

(7) Left kidney,

(8) Right kidney,

(9) Liver.

The mesothelioma is indicated by yellow arrows, the central pleural effusion (fluid

collection) is marked with a yellow star.

14

Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective

sac that surrounds the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, stomach and

reproductive organs. The mesothelium is made up of two layers of cells; one layer

immediately covers the organ and the other forms the sac around it.

The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid between the layers, allowing movement

of the organs so that they can move easily within the body, such as the inflating and

deflating lungs, or beating heart against surrounding structures.

The vast majority of people develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos

fibres. The fibres lodge in a patient's body either through inhalation or swallowing,

affecting the lungs, stomach and/or reproductive organs. Exposure to asbestos often

occurs 20 to 40 years prior to the mesothelioma diagnosis.

There are several different types of mesothelioma, including:

1. Mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects a patient's lungs and is the most

common form of mesothelioma

2. Mesothelioma of the peritoneum, which affects a patient's abdomen;

3. Mesothelioma of the pericardium, which affects a patient's heart and is an

extremely rare form of mesothelioma; and

4. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (men) or the tunica serosa uteri

(women), which affects a patient's reproductive organs and is also an

extremely rare form of mesothelioma.

15

Mesothelioma cancer, encompassing the lungs, over a series of x-rays

16

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Courtesy: Dr Daniel Sterman USA

17

Facts about White Asbestos and Mesothelioma

18

Asbestosis

Asbestosis causes:

Total lung volume reduced

Shortness of breath, coughing, phlegm and lung infections

Cyanosis (blue skin coloration) through oxygen starvation

Places tremendous strain on the heart muscle

Eventually asbestos leads to a painful death generally by heart failure

All types of asbestos cause a similar fibrosis

Usually appears 10-20 years after high exposure

Smoking increases the risk of death from asbestosis

It is progressive and does not reverse

There is no treatment

19

Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic medical condition affecting the

parenchymal tissue of the lungs caused by the inhalation and retention of asbestos

fibres. It usually occurs after high intensity and/or long-term exposure to asbestos

(particularly in those individuals working on the production or end-use of products

containing asbestos) and is therefore regarded as an occupational lung disease. People

with extensive exposure to the mining, manufacturing, handling or removal of asbestos

are at risk of developing asbestosis.

Sufferers may experience severe dyspnea (shortness of breath) and are at an increased

risk for certain malignancies, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis

specifically refers to interstitial (parenchymal) fibrosis from asbestosis, and not pleural

fibrosis or plaquing.

The signs and symptoms of asbestosis do not manifest until after an appreciable latency

(time since first exposure), often several decades. The primary symptom of asbestosis is

generally the slow onset of dyspnea, especially on exertion. Clinically advanced cases of

asbestosis may lead to respiratory failure. On auscultation of the lungs, the physician

may hear inspiratory rales.

The characteristic pulmonary function finding in asbestosis is a restrictive ventilatory

defect. This manifests as a reduction in lung volumes, particularly the Vital Capacity (VC)

and Total Lung Capacity (TLC). The TLC may be reduced through the alveolar wall

thickening; however, this is not always the case. Large airway function, as reflected by

FEV1/FVC, is generally well preserved. In the more severe cases, the drastic reduction in

lung function due to the stiffening of the lungs and reduced TLC may induce right-sided

heart failure (cor pulmonale). In addition to a restrictive defect, asbestosis may produce

a reduction in Diffusion Capacity and arterial hypoxemia.

Asbestosis is the scarring of lung tissue (around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts)

resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibres. There are two types of fibres:

amphibole (thin and straight) and serpentine (curved).

The former are primarily responsible for human disease as they are able to penetrate

deeply into the lungs.

20

When such fibres reach the alveoli (air sacs) in the lung, where oxygen is transferred

into the blood, the foreign bodies (asbestos fibres) cause the activation of the lung's

local immune system and provoke an inflammatory reaction. This inflammatory reaction

can be described as chronic rather than acute, with a slow ongoing progression of the

immune system in an attempt to eliminate the foreign fibres.

Macrophages phagocytose (ingest) the fibres and stimulate fibroblasts to deposit

connective tissue. Due to the asbestos fibres' natural resistance to digestion, the

macrophage dies off, releasing cytokines and attracting further lung macrophages and

fibrolastic cells to lay down fibrous tissue, which eventually forms a fibrous mass. The

result is interstitial fibrosis. The fibrotic scar tissue causes alveolar walls to thicken, which

reduces elasticity and gas diffusion, reducing oxygen transfer to the blood as well as the removal of

carbon dioxide.

X-ray of Asbestosis.

21

Pleural Plaques

Pleural Plaques quite common Benign growths that rarely produce symptoms. They are

unrelated to appearance of scar tissue. They produce discrete patches of thickening of

the lining of the chest wall and diaphragms in the pleural membranes that surround the

lungs

Lung Cancer (not asbestos related)

Lung Cancer is very common in the general public and is the most frequent cause

of death from cancer, particularly in cigarette smokers. There is a close association

between asbestos and lung cancer (about 50% of people dying from or with asbestosis

have a lung cancer at post mortem).

Lung cancer facts;

1. Asbestos fibres enter the lung and alter the cells

2. Unless it can be surgically removed very early, it tends to spread by blood and

lymph and lead to early death

3. Smoking greatly increases the risk

4. May take 20-25 years to develop

5. Is nearly always fatal

22

Therapies There are various therapy possibilities readily available and Asbestos-wise recommends

that you liaise using the suitable medical team. A single remedy isn't necessarily

appropriate for all folks and at times many distinct combinations are appropriate based

on personal selection and presenting illness. Outlined beneath can be a simple overview

of many of the remedies offered.

Standard medicine There are various solutions and they differ considerably based on individual cases. There

is extensive research in the therapy selections for mesothelioma and these selections

should be discussed along with your oncologist, as they're not normally appropriate for

all cases. Some examples of standard medicine within the therapy of asbestos

associated ailments are:

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy

Photodynamic therapy

Surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy)

There are actually various ways to detect lung and pleural illness like:

Physical examination

Chest X-ray

Pulmonary function tests

Biopsy/Bronchoscopy

Computed Tomography Scans (CT Scan)

Complementary and Alternative Medicines Complementary and Alternative Medicines is a group of diverse healthcare practices

and merchandise that are not thought of to become a part of conventional medicine.

Conventional medicine is practiced by a registered medical doctor, or other allied health

professional.

23

Complementary therapy is utilized as an adjunct to standard medicine, though an

alternative medicine is used in place of traditional medicine.

Examples of complementary and option therapies and disciplines involve:

Alternative medical systems: such as Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese medicine,

Ayurveda and Homeopathy

Mind-body interventions: like patient assistance groups, cognitive-behavioural

therapy meditation, prayer, mental healing and therapies that use creative

outlets including art, music or dance

Biological-based therapies: such as herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary

supplements

Manipulative and body-based strategies: which includes therapeutic massage,

chiropractic and osteopathy, and

Energy therapies: including acupuncture, therapeutic touch, reiki, qi-gong,

electromagnetic fields and magnetic fields

(The Senate report around the inquiry into services and treatment solutions for

persons with cancer, June 2005, Submission 45, pp 5-6: The Gawler Foundation)

Different forms of asbestos material, different risk levels

If asbestos fibres are in a stable material such as bonded in asbestos-cement sheeting

such as fibro and in good condition they pose little health risk. However where fibro or

other bonded asbestos sheeting is broken, damaged or mishandled fibres can become

loose and airborne posing a risk to health. Disturbing or removing it unsafely can create

a hazard.

In materials such as pipe lagging and sprayed roof insulation asbestos fibres are not

bound in a matrix. High concentrations of fibres are much more likely to be released

into the atmosphere when these materials are disturbed or removed.

24

Get to understand Asbestos - The 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check

1. At least 1 in 3 Australian homes contain of asbestos including brick,

weatherboard, fibro and clad houses.

2. Asbestos was broadly used in constructing components before 1987 so in case

your house was constructed or renovated ahead of 1987 it probably contains

asbestos.

3. If asbestos is disturbed through renovations or maintenance your well-being

and also the well-being of your family could possibly be at threat.

4. DIY just isn't advisable where asbestos is present.

5. When renovating or living in and about properties, if in doubt assume

asbestos components are present and take each and every precaution.

6. Dealing with asbestos is important and severe, but it’s not overwhelming - It is

MANAGEABLE!

7. If you’re not confident if asbestos is inside your dwelling it is possible to have

it inspected by a licensed removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor, such as

Safe Asbestos Management.

8. Products made from asbestos cement involve fibro sheeting (flat and

corrugated), drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles, guttering and floor and

wall coverings. It may very well be anywhere!

25

9. If you come across asbestos in your home; Do not drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t

sand it! Don’t saw it! Do not scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Do not dismantle it!

Don’t tip it! Do not water blast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do…

Don’t dump it!

10. If left undisturbed asbestos supplies in a stable situation are unlikely to

release harmful fibres and pose an overall health danger. Subsequent, you

don’t need to get rid of the asbestos. Paint it and leave it alone but keep in

mind to check it sometimes for any signs of wear and tear.

11. There are legal needs concerning asbestos management, its removal and

disposal.

12. While some may well follow the regulations and security requirements to take

away small amounts of asbestos, the safest solution to handle its removal

would be to retain a licensed professional asbestos removalist equipped to

protect you as well as your family members in the dangers of asbestos dust

and fibres, such as Safe Asbestos Management.

13. Where asbestos fibres are friable ONLY licensed friable asbestos removalists

should be contracted to take away it.

14. Professional removal of asbestos is affordable. You can’t afford NOT to use a

professional! What price do you put on your health?

15. The expense of asbestos removal by a licensed professional is comparable to

most licensed tradesmen (includes electricians, plumbers and builders).

26

16. The price of disposal at a lawful site is often included with all the price of

removal by a licensed expert removalist, such as Safe Asbestos Management.

17. Never use tools on asbestos supplies as they are going to make asbestos

fibres airborne such as: electric drills, angle grinders, circular saws and

sanders. By no means use higher pressure water blasters or compressed air.

18. Don’t play renovation roulette! Think smart. Consider protected. - Because it’s

not worth the risk

Asbestos Labs

Below is a list of Australian laboratories offering asbestos testing and analysis

services. Following page details how to take a sample for laboratory analysis.

NSW

Envirolab Services

12 Ashley Street

Chatswood NSW 2067

Phone: (61) (2) 9910 6200

Fax: (61) (2) 9910 6201

Mobile: 0400 88 5292

Website: www.envirolabservices.com.au

Geo-Logix Environmental Consultants

Unit 2309/ 4 Daydream Street

Building Q2, Level 3

Warriewood NSW 2102

Phone: (61) 9979 1722

Fax: (61) 9979 1222

Website: http://www.geo-logix.com.au/

NSW Laboratory

Level 1, 9 Park Avenue

Coffs Harbour 2450 NSW

Enquiries: 1300 138 366

Website: www.nswlaboratory.com

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Newcastle

Level 3, 51-55 Bolton Street

Newcastle NSW 2300

Phone: +61 2 4929 8300

Website: www.pb.com.au

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Sydney

Level 27, Ernst & Young Centre

680 George Street

Sydney NSW 2000

27

Phone: +61 2 9272 5100

Website: www.pb.com.au

Safe Environments Pty Ltd

Unit 6 The Hub

128 Station Road

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Phone: 02 9624 2600

Fax: 02 9624 2700

Website:

www.SafeEnvironments.com.au/asbestos-

check

Safety & Environmental Services Australia

Pty Ltd

Unit 15, 3 Kaleski Street

Moorebank, NSW 2170

Phone: 02 8747 0360

FAX: 02 9770 4637

Mobile: 0406 367 247

Website: www.sesa.com.au

SGS Australia Pty Ltd

SGS Environmental Services

Sydney Laboratory

16/33 Maddox Street, ALEXANDRIA

NSW 2015

Phone: (02) 8594 0400

Website: www.au.sgs.com

QLD

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Queensland

Level 4, 69 Ann Street, Brisbane 4000

Telephone: 07 3854 6200

website: www.pb.com.au

Queensland Laboratory (Gold Coast)

1A, 22 Ereton Drive

Arundel, QLD 4214

Ph.(61) (7) 5537 2536

Fax. (61) (7) 5537 2535

Website: www.queenslandlab.com

Queensland Laboratory (Gladstone)

20 Tank St, Gladstone Qld 4680

Enquiries: 1300 138 366

Ph: 07 4972 0329

Fax: 07 4972 9539

Website: www.queenslandlab.com

SGS Australia Pty Ltd

SGS Environmental Services

Cairns Laboratory

2/58 Comport Street, CAIRNS

QLD 4870

Phone: (07) 4035 5111

Website: www.au.sgs.com

SGS Australia Pty. Ltd.

Environment and OHS

17 Chain Street

Mackay, QLD 4740

Phone: (07) 4951 5414

Website: www.au.sgs.com

TAS

SGS Australia Pty Ltd

SGS Environmental Services

Bell Bay Power Station Laboratory

East Tamar Highway,

BELL BAY

TAS 7253

28

Phone: (08) 9373 3592

Website: www.au.sgs.com

VIC

Identifibre Pty. Ltd.

Suite 9, Level 1, 469 King Street

West Melbourne, Victoria 3003

tel: +61 (0)3 9328 2254

fax: +61 (0)3 9328 2612

Website: www.identifibre.com.au

Sharp and Howells Pty Ltd Unit 1, 33 Greenaway Street BULLEEN VIC 3105 NATA Lab. No. 61 Phone: (03) 9850 9722 M: 0407 477 617 Website: www.sharpandhowells.com.au Identifibre Pty. Ltd.

Suite 9, Level 1, 469 King Street

West Melbourne, Victoria 3003

tel: +61 (0)3 9328 2254

fax: +61 (0)3 9328 2612

Website: www.identifibre.com.au

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Victoria

Level 15, 28 Freshwater Place

Southbank 3006

Telephone: 03 9861 1111

website: www.pb.com.au

SGS Australia Pty Ltd

SGS Environmental Services

34 Norfolk Court, COBURG

VIC 3058

Phone: (03) 9350 4800

Website: www.au.sgs.com

Mairin OHS&E Consulting Pty Ltd

NATA facility Reg 15727

18-20 Kirk Street, Moe

Victoria 3825

Mobile: 0408 692 662

Phone: 03 5127 2311

Fax: 03 5127 2399

WA

Analytical Reference Laboratory (WA)

46-48 Banksia Rd

Welshpool WA 6106

ph: (08) 6253 4444

Website: www.arlwa.com.au

Microanalysis Australia Pty Ltd

Suite 6, 642 Albany Hwy

Victoria Park WA 6100

Phone: (+61) (8) 9472 4880

(Office/Laboratory)

Website: www.microanalysis.com.au

MPL Laboratories

16-18 Hayden Court Myaree WA 6154

Australia

Tel. (+61) (8) 9317 2505 Fax (+61)(8) 9317

4163

Website: http://www.coffey.com/our-

businesses/mpl/mpl-laboratories/about-us

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Western Australia

Level 5, 503 Murray Street

Perth 6000

29

Telephone: 08 9489 9700

Website: www.pb.com.au

SGS Australia Pty Ltd

SGS Environmental Services

Newburn Laboratory

10 Reid Road

Perth International Airport

Newburn WA 6105

Phone: (08) 9373 3500

Website: www.au.sgs.com

Emission Assessments Pty Ltd

Unit 6, 35 Sustainable Avenue

Bibra Lake WA 6163

Phone: Telephone +61 8 9494 2958

Fax: +61 8 9494 2959

Website:

www.emissionassessments.com.au

Lifetree Environmental Pty Ltd

Address: 12 Whyalla Street, Willetton Perth

WA

email: info@lifetreeenviornmental.com.au

Phone: (08) 6228 1904

Fax: (08) 6323 1028

Website:

http://www.lifetreeenvironmental.com.au/

30

HOW TO TAKE AN ASBESTOS SAMPLE FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS There will be a time when a suspicious material needs to be positively identified as

either containing asbestos or not containing asbestos. Clues on how to identify asbestos

and non-asbestos building materials have been given. Though these maybe be good for

an initial assessment, ultimately the only way to determine if a material contains

asbestos fibres or not is to have it laboratory tested.

Proper analysis of asbestos can only be done with some highly specialized equipment.

Depending on the type of sample to be analysed, these methods include:

Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM)

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer microanalysis (EDS)

Below left: Asbestos (crocidolite) fibres as seen using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM).

Below right: Asbestos insulation board magnified.

Photo Credits: sarflondondunc

31

Four good reasons for sampling suspicious materials:

Occupational health and safety During a renovation or demolition you should make clear whether or not any suspicious

material contains asbestos. Any material with a positive result will need to be dealt with

carefully during removal and disposal. Not only is this vital for DIY (Do it Yourself)

renovators, but for any subcontractors working on your site with any suspicious

material. A laboratory report with a negative result will go a long way to convincing

subcontractors they do not need to worry about working with asbestos.

Disposal and demolition clearance Asbestos has become increasingly harder and more expensive to dispose of. For

example, many profiles of Hardiflex and Hardifence are difficult to distinguish between

those containing asbestos and those made from safe cellulose based material. Many

waste disposal operators specifically state not to dispose of any asbestos products with

general waste as this may cause an entire skip bin or truck load to be rejected at the

refuse site. A laboratory report will make clear any asbestos and non-asbestos material.

Also, any old hessian carpet underlay, vinyl tiles and lino may contain asbestos which

may concern waste disposal operators.

If you’re hiring a skip bin to dispose of a large amount of non-asbestos fibre cement

sheeting for example, a lab report will provide some documented evidence of the

composition, if some question is raised by the disposal company.

Sale of property. Generally any asbestos present on a property or material suspected of

being asbestos will detract from the sale price. A negative lab result (no asbestos

detected) of suspicious material increase the value of the property, using asbestos free

fibro for any future renovations and/or additions will be less stressful, easier and

increase the value to any property.

32

How to take a sample for laboratory analysis. Equipment you need:

Pliers, resealable plastic bags, P2 respirator mask with disposable cartridge, disposable rubber gloves,

PVA glue, plastic drop sheet, water spray bottle.

33

Preparation:

1. Lay down a plastic drop sheet to catch any loose material that may fall off

while sampling.

2. Put on respirator mask and disposable gloves.

3. If you’re doing a particularly dirty job or overhead sampling then wear a pair

of disposable coveralls.

4. Turn off any fans or air conditioning if you’re inside. If outside, then sample on

a non-windy day.

5. Sampling procedure:

6. Dampen down the area with the water spray bottle.

7. Remove a thumbnail sized piece of material with the pliers. For fibre cement

sheeting, take the sample from a corner edge or along an existing hole or

crack.

8. Place sample into a resealable plastic bag seal and enclose it

9. Double bag the sample along with date and location information and asbestos

caution warning.

10. Procedure for sampling fibre cement.

34

35

Sampling for asbestos in lino (and lino underlay) and vinyl tiles.

Some older lino and lino underlay/backing may contain asbestos as do some older vinyl tiles. To take a

sample, find an open edge of the lino and snip off a triangular shape. If you can’t find an open edge

then try using a hole punch to take a sample. With vinyl tiles, use a stanley trimmer to cut a corner off

and then lift it carefully with a paint scraper. A hole punch may also be work. It may also be wise to take

a few samples from different locations so that you have a representative sample size.

36

Sampling carpet underlay

With revelations some carpet underlay was manufactured from hessian bags which

were used to transport raw asbestos, you may consider taking a sample for analysis

before you start ripping out any old carpet underlay.

Queensland Laboratory has written great guide to sampling carpet underlay:

Hessian Carpet Underlay – Sampling Procedure.

37

Sampling friable asbestos

If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter friable asbestos, then extra care should be

taken. Friable asbestos is loosely bound material that can easily be crumbled or crushed

by hand into a powder when dry and therefore has the potential to release asbestos

fibres quite easily. Friable asbestos may be found in such places as old heaters and

stoves, fuse boxes, ceiling insulation, acoustic ceiling tiles, lagging on hot water pipes

and some types of decorative ceilings.

Above: Old hot water pipe lagging and decorative ceilings may contain friable asbestos.

Photos: sarflondondunc

If you encounter any of this, then it is strongly recommend calling in a professional

asbestos consultant, as friable asbestos should be treated with care. Also keep in mind

Australian states require friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed removalist with

an A class certificate.

38

Procedure:

1. Turn off any fans or air conditioning and close any doors or windows.

2. Lay down a plastic drop sheet to collect any spillage.

3. Spray sampling area with water to reduce dust.

4. Use tweezers, pliers or scissors to take a sample and put into bag, then seal it.

Double bag this along with an asbestos warning, date and location.

5. Seal sampled area with PVA/water solution.

6. Clean up and dispose of everything thoughtfully.

Bagging your Samples.

Above: Double bag the sample along with a warning label, date and location.

Clean up:

1. Seal the edges with PVA glue where the sample was taken.

2. Carefully wrap up the plastic drop sheet with tape and then put this into

another plastic rubbish bag.

3. Wipe down the tools and equipment with a dampened rag.

4. Place disposable gloves into rubbish bag along dampened rag and drop sheet.

5. Seal plastic bag.

39

6. Wash hands and clothing.

7. Keep respirator on until clean-up is completed

Laboratory cost and results. A complete laboratory analysis with a report costing from $169 depending on the type

of sample submitted and type of analysis method used. TEM/SEM (Transmitted Electron

Method/ Scattered Electron Method) analysis will be more expensive than PLM (Particle

Light Method) analysis.