Asbestos is a hazardous mineral found in properties constructed before the 2003 ban. Identifying and managing them can be intimidating when you suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building; fortunately, professionals can help with your asbestos reports.
Whether you plan to remove friable asbestos or maintain safety compliance, performing asbestos air testing and monitoring is paramount. Air monitoring determines the level of airborne asbestos fibres that may place occupants at severe risk of respiratory issues.
But who are the individuals qualified to perform air monitoring routines? We’ll discuss them in this article.
Organising Air Monitoring
As the business owner who has organised the asbestos removal project, it is your prime responsibility to ensure a licensed asbestos assessor not involved in the removal performs the air monitoring.
If you are a homeowner, who hired a licensed asbestos removalist to remove asbestos at the premise, the removalist is tasked with organising the air monitoring.
During asbestos-related work, the person in charge of the business or enterprise must ensure that air monitoring is conducted by a professional to comply with regulations.
Air Monitoring: Friable Asbestos Removal (Class A)
Friable asbestos pertains to asbestos that is easily pulverised, crumbled, or reduced to dust. These pose a higher health risk for occupants and workers since they can release more fibres into the air. Friable asbestos is commonly found in insulation, ceilings and floor tiles.
When removing friable asbestos-containing materials, you must commission an independent licensed asbestos assessor to monitor the air. This also includes clearance inspections and clearance certificate issuance.
Air Monitoring: Non-Friable Removal (Class B)
Non-friable asbestos is usually mixed with cement and other hard bonding materials, making it more stable than friable counterparts. However, it can become friable once old or damaged. This type of asbestos is often found in cement sheets and vinyl floor tiles.
Removal of non-friable ACMs (more than 10m2) requires a licensed asbestos assessor or competent individual for air monitoring. They must have the following qualifications:
- Experience and knowledge in the asbestos removal industry
- Can implement the most appropriate sampling strategy and install sampling pumps in the correct areas
- Competence in operating monitoring equipment (sampling pumps)
- Can sufficiently store and transport samples before analysis
An occupational hygienist or a person with an attainment statement in the VET course for asbestos assessors (CPCCDE5001 Conduct air monitoring and clearance inspections for asbestos removal work) and experience with ACMs is considered competent for air monitoring projects.
Fully Licensed and Certified Asbestos Assessors
Promoting health and safety in any property should be your top priority. If your building has been around long before asbestos was nationally banned in Australia, you must have it thoroughly inspected, tested, and managed.
Ensure your property’s environment is asbestos-free with Global Asbestos Audits.
