Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that was widely used in Australia in automotive, building, construction and other materials (e.g., textiles) for its superior heat-resistant, and insulating properties.
The use of asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003, but given the wide use before this time, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) may still be present in many older buildings and products, and its safe removal and disposal remain a challenge. ACM refers to any material known to contain commercial forms of asbestos in any bonded or non-bonded form.
Asbestos poses a significant health threat to humans. When ACM are disturbed, tiny fibres are released into the air, which can be inhaled and lodged in the lungs. Over time, these fibres can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to a range of respiratory problems and serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
For these reasons, the correct identification, careful handling, and management of asbestos is vital.
How to Tell if Asbestos is Present
Identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building or construction site can be challenging, as it was widely used across various industries, including the construction industry, before being banned in December 2003. While some materials, such as cement sheeting, external cladding, pipes, drains, gutters, and roofs, are known to contain asbestos, its presence isn’t always obvious.
A key step in determining asbestos in your workplace or home is conducting an asbestos register, which documents the presence of asbestos materials. If asbestos is suspected, a licensed asbestos assessor should perform an inspection. Signs that a material may contain asbestos include an aged or fibrous appearance, brittle texture, and labelling of asbestos material in older structures.
If asbestos is suspected, it is critical to avoid disturbing asbestos, as this risks exposing individuals to airborne asbestos fibres, which are dangerous to your health. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Where can asbestos be detected?
Given its legacy use, asbestos is likely to be present in certain buildings or products more than others. In these cases, a risk management approach is vital to be undertaken before construction works commence.
- Building materials, pipes, and ducts
Particularly in buildings constructed before 1980 (when it was prolifically used), certain building materials, such as insulation, pipes and ductwork, floor tiles, and roofing materials, were commonly made with asbestos.
- Soil
Asbestos-containing materials can contaminate soil in several ways. It can break down over time and release fibers into the air and soil e.g fences. Asbestos-containing waste may have been disposed of in landfills or illegally dumped (“fly-tipping”), contaminating the soil. Fibres from former industrial sites where asbestos was used or produced can also result in soil contamination.
- Renovation or demolition works
Asbestos fibres can be released into the air during highly disruptive works, so it is important to know if asbestos is present before starting.
How do you test for asbestos?
The first step in controlling asbestos is to identify its presence and assess its condition. There are several methods used to identify the presence of asbestos:
- Visual inspection
A trained professional can identify some types of asbestos-containing materials through a visual inspection. For example, if insulation appears fibrous or if ceiling tiles have a popcorn texture, it may contain asbestos. Verification of asbestos materials by visual inspection would need to be confirmed by lab analysis.
- Microscopic analysis
A sample of the material suspected of containing asbestos can be taken and viewed under a microscope. The fibers can be positively identified as asbestos through polarized light microscopy in conjunction with dispersion staining techniques as per AS4964-2004.
3. Chemical analysis
Chemical analysis can be used to identify asbestos in certain materials. This involves dissolving the material in a solution and using chemicals to separate the asbestos fibers from the other components. Once the fibers have been isolated, they can be identified under a microscope.
It’s important that only trained professionals perform asbestos sampling, as improper sampling techniques can cause the fibres to become airborne, which can be extremely dangerous. The presence or absence of asbestos within a material must be verified by laboratory sampling with analysis and results by a NATA accredited laboratory.
Asbestos in Construction Sites
The construction industry has one of the highest risks of asbestos exposure, as many older buildings still contain friable asbestos and non-friable bonded asbestos. Construction workers exposed to asbestos-containing products are at significant risk, especially during demolition or renovation projects. Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in flue pipes, drains, gutters, fibrous cement sheeting, external cladding, and insulation.
To reduce the risks associated with asbestos, workplaces must have an asbestos management plan if asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM) is present. In many jurisdictions, a permit-to-work system or licensed contractor is required before asbestos removal. Only licensed asbestos removalists can legally remove asbestos, except for certain small-scale work on non-friable asbestos under 10m².
Employers must follow Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice to ensure compliance. Workers must take reasonably practicable precautions to minimise airborne asbestos exposure, including labelling asbestos materials, using appropriate PPE (such as P2 respirators), and establishing controlled areas with regulatory warning signs.
Managing and Removing Asbestos
Effective detection, management or control of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is essential to prevent airborne asbestos contamination. The presence of asbestos-contaminated dust in a building or material at the workplace must be handled with care. A licensed asbestos removalist is required for removing friable asbestos.
The asbestos removal licence system ensures that professionals handling asbestos removal work follow strict guidelines to protect workers and the public. Asbestos health risks make proper awareness and training essential, especially in industries like construction, where exposure can occur. Asbestos awareness and training programs equip employees with the knowledge to identify hazards and implement safety measures to mitigate risks of asbestos exposure effectively.
If you encounter asbestos or suspect that asbestos be present on your project site, contact your local Douglas Partners branch for a trained professional to conduct an asbestos inspection.
Download our guide to Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs) below.
