At Coastal Asbestos, we often encounter a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding asbestos testing. Today, we’re here to clear up the facts and offer guidance on how to ensure your asbestos tests are conducted legally and accurately.

The Only Legally Recognised Testing Method

In Australia, the only recognised method for asbestos testing that holds up under legal scrutiny is through NATA-accredited laboratory testing. The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) provides a framework ensuring that testing procedures and policies maintain consistent integrity and accuracy across all assessments. This means if you’re having asbestos testing done, look for the NATA symbol to ensure the results are legally valid.

The Risks of Non-Approved Testing Methods

While there are various methods out there claiming to offer quick asbestos testing results, such as handheld infrared devices, these methods are not legally recognised in cases where courts, the council or Workplace Health and Safety are involved . Using these could not only put your health at risk but also fail to stand in legal or regulatory settings if you need to present evidence of asbestos presence.

The Importance of Proper Sampling and Handling

Asbestos is classified as a hazardous substance, and it’s illegal to send asbestos samples through the mail. This poses a significant risk to postal workers and others in the delivery chain. At Coastal Asbestos, we never recommend this practice. Instead, we offer a service where our team of experts safely collects the sample and personally delivers it to a NATA lab. This process ensures that the sample is handled correctly and reaches the laboratory without posing a risk to others.

Our Commitment to Safety and Compliance

At Coastal Asbestos, our mission is to eradicate asbestos-related diseases in Australia. We achieve this by adhering strictly to safety and compliance protocols. We ensure that every sample collected from your property is analysed correctly and safely. Our dedication to excellence has been recognised through various awards, including the Workplace Health and Safety Excellence Award from Master Builders Gold Coast and a Business Excellence Award from the Gold Coast Small Business Association.

What to Expect from a NATA Lab Test

When you opt for a NATA lab test, the laboratory will provide a detailed certificate of analysis. This certificate will tell you the type of asbestos present—whether it’s chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), or crocidolite (blue)—and whether it is friable or non-friable. This precise information is crucial for planning any necessary removal or remediation processes.

Choose a Trusted Partner for Asbestos Testing

It’s vital to work with a reputable and ethical asbestos testing and removal service. With over 10,000 jobs completed, including testing, removals, and reporting, Coastal Asbestos is a proven leader in the field. Our nationally accredited safety system and the awards we’ve received stand as testimony to our commitment to high standards.

Conclusion

Don’t risk your health or legal standing with inadequate or incorrect asbestos testing methods. Ensure your testing is done right by choosing a reputable provider who adheres to the highest standards.

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your property, contact Coastal Asbestos today. We’ll ensure that your testing is conducted safely, legally, and accurately. Visit our website or call us to schedule your professional asbestos testing. With Coastal Asbestos, you can trust that you’re in safe hands.

Asbestos, once a common building material, is now known for its health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Due to these dangers, stringent regulations govern the management of asbestos in buildings. At Coastal Asbestos, we emphasise the necessity of conducting thorough asbestos audits and developing comprehensive management plans, especially for older buildings. Here’s why these steps are crucial for maintaining safety and compliance.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Management

In Queensland, any workplace constructed before 1990, and in New South Wales, before 2004, must have an asbestos register and a management plan in place. These documents are not merely bureaucratic formalities; they are legal requirements designed to safeguard the health of individuals who might come into contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Updating Asbestos Registers

It’s mandated by law that all asbestos registers be updated every five years. This requirement ensures that any changes in the condition of asbestos-containing materials or changes in building use are accurately reflected. Regular updates help in identifying risks of exposure before they become health hazards, thereby preventing accidental contamination.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe penalties. Fines for non-compliance can reach up to $25,000, underscoring the seriousness with which these regulations are enforced. More importantly, non-compliance could result in undetected asbestos exposure, posing significant health risks to unsuspecting individuals.

Benefits of Asbestos Audits and Management Plans

An asbestos audit is a comprehensive assessment that identifies and documents the presence and condition of asbestos in a building. A management plan outlines procedures for managing the risk of asbestos exposure, including maintenance, monitoring, and removal strategies. These tools are essential for:

• Preventing Exposure: They help avoid accidental asbestos disturbances, which can release dangerous fibres into the air.
• Planning Renovations Safely: Understanding where asbestos is located and its condition is crucial for any renovation or maintenance work.
• Ensuring Health and Safety Compliance: They keep your workplace in line with health and safety regulations, protecting your business from legal liabilities and ensuring the safety of all occupants.

How Sure Are You About Your Asbestos Register?

“Do you have an up-to-date asbestos register in your workplace? How sure are you?” It’s a question every facility manager and property owner needs to consider seriously. Given the implications of asbestos exposure and the legalities involved, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your asbestos documentation is not just good practice—it’s a necessity.

Conclusion

At Coastal Asbestos, we specialise in providing comprehensive asbestos audits and developing tailored management plans that ensure compliance and safety. Don’t wait until it’s too late to discover the presence of asbestos in your building.

Ensure the safety of your environment and remain compliant with the law. Contact Coastal Asbestos today to schedule an asbestos audit and update your management plans. Visit our website or call us to find out more about how we can assist you in managing the risks associated with asbestos safely and effectively. Let us help you protect your premises and the people within it.

At Coastal Asbestos, our team specialises in handling one of the most dangerous materials in the construction industry: friable asbestos. Unlike its more stable counterpart, non-friable asbestos, friable asbestos presents significant risks due to its ability to easily release fibres into the air. Here’s what you need to know about friable asbestos, why it’s so hazardous, how to detect its presence in your property, and the importance of professional removal.

What is Friable Asbestos?

Friable asbestos is any material that contains asbestos and can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This type of asbestos was commonly used for its excellent insulation properties in products like pipe lagging, boiler insulation, and spray-applied fireproofing.

Why is Friable Asbestos So Dangerous?

The primary danger of friable asbestos lies in its propensity to release asbestos fibres into the air. When these fibres become airborne, they can be inhaled, leading to severe health risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis—serious diseases that often manifest decades after exposure. The friable nature of this asbestos makes it much more likely to contribute to airborne asbestos levels than non-friable forms, which are bound up in harder, more stable materials.

How to Know if You Have Friable Asbestos in Your Property

Identifying friable asbestos can be challenging, as it often resembles other insulation materials. Common places to find friable asbestos include old insulation around plumbing, attics with loose-fill insulation, and older acoustic ceiling tiles. Signs that you might have friable asbestos in your property include crumbling or powdery insulation materials or old building materials that produce dust with minimal disturbance.

The Need for Professional Removal

Due to the high risks associated with airborne asbestos fibres, removing friable asbestos is not a DIY job. It requires specialised knowledge, tools, and safety measures that only trained professionals possess. Professional asbestos removal ensures:

• Safety: Expert techniques minimise the release of asbestos fibres during removal.
• Compliance: Adherence to strict regulations and guidelines for asbestos handling and disposal.
• Peace of Mind: Reducing health risks for you and your family or employees.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your property contains friable asbestos, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate these risks. Do not attempt to handle or disturb the material yourself. Contacting a professional asbestos removal service like Coastal Asbestos ensures that the material is safely removed and that your property is left safe and asbestos-free.

For a safe living and working environment, trust the experts at Coastal Asbestos to handle your asbestos concerns. Visit our website or call us today to schedule a consultation or removal service. Protect your health and ensure your property complies with all health and safety regulations by choosing Coastal Asbestos, your partner in asbestos safety.

At Coastal Asbestos, we often encounter a significant misconception regarding asbestos removal—that typical tradesmen, such as tilers or builders, are qualified to handle asbestos because it’s included in their standard training. Today, let’s set the record straight and debunk this dangerous myth.

1. The Truth About Asbestos Removal Training

The reality is stark: asbestos removal requires specific training and licensing that is not included in the standard trade apprenticeships or training programs. In Australia, obtaining an asbestos removal licence is a separate process from other trade certifications. Whether it’s a QBCC licence in Queensland or any other state-regulated trade licence, none incorporate asbestos removal training by default.

2. Why This Myth is Dangerous

When a tradesman claims that handling asbestos is covered under their general training, they are not only misinformed but are potentially putting your family at risk. Asbestos removal is a specialised field due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure. It demands specific safety protocols, equipment, and disposal methods that general trades training does not cover.

3. The Importance of Proper Licensing and Insurance

It’s crucial for homeowners to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to handle asbestos. An authentic asbestos removal professional will hold both an asbestos removal licence and an asbestos-specific public liability insurance policy. This insurance is critical because standard trade insurances categorically exclude asbestos, meaning if an unlicensed worker mishandles asbestos, the financial and health consequences could be devastating and uninsured.

4. What You Should Do

If you’re planning any work that might involve asbestos in your home, here’s what you need to do:

1. Ask to see their asbestos removal licence: Ensure it is valid and applicable to the type of asbestos work required.
2. Request proof of asbestos-specific public liability insurance: This protects you in case anything goes wrong during the removal process.
3. Verify their professional credentials: Check if they have the necessary training and equipment to safely handle and dispose of asbestos.

5. Conclusion

Asbestos removal is not something that can be handled safely without the proper training, licensing, and insurance. Believing that your regular tradesman can manage this material as part of their other duties is not just incorrect—it’s dangerous.

For the safety of your family and the integrity of your home, always rely on licensed and insured asbestos removal professionals like Coastal Asbestos. Our team is extensively trained and equipped to handle all aspects of asbestos assessment, removal, and disposal safely and legally. Don’t take risks with asbestos. Contact Coastal Asbestos today to schedule an inspection or removal service. Ensure peace of mind with our expert team on your side—visit our website or give us a call to find out more about our services. Remember, when it comes to asbestos, always trust the professionals.

Greetings from Coastal Asbestos, the leading asbestos removal experts on the Gold Coast. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most unusual and unexpected places where asbestos has been found. This list highlights the critical need for awareness and vigilance when dealing with older materials and products.

1. Pool Shells

In the past, asbestos fibres were mixed into the material used to construct pool shells. Many such pools still exist across Australia, potentially testing positive for asbestos.

2. Filters

Asbestos was used in various types of filters during World War II, including those for gas masks, and disturbingly, for filtering products like milk, beer, wine, and even cigarette filters.

3. Linoleum Flooring

Asbestos-backed linoleum is classified as friable, meaning it easily crumbles and releases asbestos fibers, posing significant health risks. This type of flooring was popular in homes and public buildings up through the mid-20th century, often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways due to its durability and ease of cleaning.

4. HVAC Ducts

In many older commercial buildings, asbestos was used to insulate HVAC ducts, especially around heating elements, making it a high-risk asbestos-containing material. These asbestos-lined ducts can be found in schools, office buildings, and factories, where they were installed to manage air temperature efficiently over long distances.

5. Ceramic Fuses

Old ceramic electrical fuses often contained asbestos as a flashguard, which could be easily overlooked in routine electrical maintenance or upgrades. These fuses are commonly found in older residential and commercial buildings, particularly in fuse boxes that have not been updated to modern electrical standards.

6. Bakelite in Electrical Components

Bakelite, an early form of plastic used in switches and other electrical components, sometimes contained asbestos. Despite its asbestos content, Bakelite items are still found and sold today.

7. Jewellery

Asbestos can be found in some types of jewellery, particularly items made from the mineral tiger’s eye, which contains asbestos fibres that give it its characteristic appearance.

8. Rope Seals in Antique Ovens

Antique ovens and stoves often have rope seals made from asbestos, posing a risk when they degrade or are disturbed during restoration.

9. Fire Blankets

Old fire blankets, designed to smother fires, were made using woven asbestos fibres. Handling these can release dangerous fibres into the air.

10. Children’s Crayons

Recently, some imported crayons have been found to contain asbestos, a stark reminder of the ongoing vigilance needed regarding imported goods.

11. Asbestos in Lifts and Generators

In older buildings, asbestos was commonly used in components like lift brake pads and generators, areas not typically considered during asbestos assessments.

Why Awareness Is Crucial

These examples illustrate that asbestos can lurk in many unexpected places, not just in the obvious wall sheeting or insulation commonly associated with older buildings. Recognising these potential hazards is crucial in preventing health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Call to Action

If you suspect that your property or any items within it may contain asbestos, it’s essential to act promptly. At Coastal Asbestos, we provide thorough inspections and safe removal services to ensure that your environment is asbestos-free. Don’t take the risk—contact us today for expert advice and professional asbestos removal services. Visit our website or call us to learn more about how we can help you identify and manage asbestos risks in your home or business. Safety is our priority, and with Coastal Asbestos, you’re in good hands.

At Coastal Asbestos, we’re committed to raising awareness about safe asbestos handling. Today, we delve into the often misunderstood ’10 Square Metre Rule’ in asbestos removal and the significant risks involved in amateur asbestos removal.

Understanding the 10 Square Metre Rule

In many Australian states and territories, legislation permits the removal of up to 10 square metres of asbestos without a licence. However, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of this rule. The law stipulates that such removal must occur under controlled conditions. This part of the legislation is often overlooked, leading to dangerous practices.

The Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal

Amateur attempts at asbestos removal can lead to severe consequences. We’ve encountered instances where unlicensed handymen and contractors have inadvertently caused extensive contamination, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These mistakes often stem from a lack of understanding about the safe handling of asbestos and inadequate insurance coverage.

Professional Equipment is Essential

Asbestos removal requires specific equipment, like a HEPA vacuum cleaner and a properly fitted asbestos-approved mask. The cost and maintenance of such equipment are beyond the scope of a regular tradesman. A HEPA vacuum cleaner, essential for safe asbestos removal, can cost upwards of $2,000, with annual testing and maintenance requirements. Additionally, face masks must be correctly fitted, a detail often overlooked by those not specialised in asbestos removal.

The Risks of Non-Professional Removal

Allowing a non-professional to remove, drill, or even break a piece of asbestos is highly risky. Without the proper equipment and knowledge, they are not only endangering themselves but also you and your family. Asbestos removal should only be done by trained, equipped, licensed, and insured professionals.

Conclusion

The ’10 Square Metre Rule’ might seem like a loophole for easy asbestos removal, but it’s a dangerous misconception. The risks associated with improper handling of asbestos are too significant to ignore. Just as electricians are the only ones qualified to handle electricity, asbestos removal should be left to the experts.

Don’t risk your safety by attempting DIY asbestos removal. Contact Coastal Asbestos for professional, safe, and licensed asbestos removal services. Our team is passionate about keeping you safe and has the necessary expertise and equipment to handle asbestos correctly. Visit our website or call us for a consultation. Choose safety and professionalism with Coastal Asbestos.