Reading an asbestos testing report involves a few different crucial steps. From checking the sample description, analysing method, and detecting asbestos type to understanding fibre percentage and the material or risk rating, there is a lot that this focuses on.
The presence of asbestos is extremely common in Australia. Reports suggest that 1 in 3 homes across Australia have reported the presence of asbestos. However, it is not just the homes. Rather, it is most of the buildings that were built or renovated before 1990, including businesses, factories, and others.
Asbestos might appear like a harmless material. However, when the material gets damaged, it disperses microscopic fibres, which, when inhaled, lodge in the lungs, causing severe diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. This is what has made it essential for organisations to get asbestos testing for the building premises.
Asbestos testing helps in detecting the presence of asbestos and proceeds to find remedies for it. However, getting the test isn’t enough. It is also essential for an organisation to be able to read and understand them.
Well, in this blog, we will help you with that. We will help you understand how you can read an asbestos testing report, making it easier for you to navigate the rest of the process.
Key Components of an Asbestos Inspection Report
Before proceeding to read an asbestos report, it is essential to understand how it is structured. This way, it becomes easier to manage the risks of asbestos in a building and understand the findings of the report. Some of the crucial components of this report are:
Client & Site Information
This section offers information regarding the organisation that has commissioned the survey. This involves complete details regarding the client, including their name, contact person, address, contact details, and duty holder details. Plus, it also includes the necessary information regarding the site, its address, building description, site plan and number, areas included and excluded, survey purpose and method, and inspection dates.
Executive Summary
This part of an asbestos inspection report points out the findings of the inspection. It points out the key aspects regarding identifying asbestos materials and sums up where and in what condition these asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were found.
Inspection Findings
This section focuses on details regarding the ACMs. It further discusses the position, condition, and quantity of the ACMs. Then the materials are sorted by type, and their risk and actions to tackle them are discussed. This part of the report is important to understand the dangers and ways to manage the risks of asbestos.
Laboratory Analysis Results
The lab analysis results confirm whether asbestos is present in the building premises. This shows the results acquired from tests done on various samples. It gives necessary details on the different types and amounts of asbestos present, making it easier to form plans in dealing with them.
How to Interpret Asbestos Test Results
Reading an asbestos testing report involves understanding a few things. Some of these things are:
Check if the Certificate is Yours
The first thing that one must do when reading an asbestos test report is to check if the report is related to their site. The site address, site Ref No, and other essential details will be clearly highlighted on the report, so checking ownership is easier than one thinks.
Check Your Results
Now that you are certain that the report belongs to your site, you can proceed to check the results without any question. The report will clearly list out the samples collected from your site and the findings related to it. The findings will include the following:
Asbestos Type Identified
The report will include a section that will clearly highlight the types of asbestos identified in the premises. You will have to look for specific names like Chrysotile, Amosite, and Crocidolite. Other than that, it might also include names like Tremolite, Actinolite, which are less common. Otherwise, if there is no presence of asbestos, then the report will read “None Detected” / “N.A.D.I.S.” (No Asbestos Detected in Sample).
Fibre Percentage
The fibre percentage in an asbestos testing report indicates the concentration of asbestos in a bulk material sample. This percentage will determine if the material is legally classified as asbestos-containing material (ACM) and dictate the necessary safety precautions and regulations for handling the materials. Based on that, risk ratings like low, medium, and high.
Material Condition
The material condition section in an asbestos testing report describes the current state and integrity of the asbestos-containing material (ACM). This directly relates to the risk of releasing harmful fibres into the air. You will find terms like intact, weathered, damaged, friable, or non-friable, all indicating the condition.
Don’t Confuse the Key
The footer section of the report will include a final sign-off from the lab analyst. There will also be a grey box with a grading of “KEY”. Then it will be followed by NADIS or “No Asbestos Detected in Sample”. You must not confuse this with your results, as it is a simple KEY that states what NADIS means.
How to Read the Recommendations Section
The recommendations section of an asbestos test report provides a plan of action tailored to the specific type, location, condition, and risk level of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found.
You must look for information like actionable steps, specific locations, and risk assessment. Other than that, it also includes information regarding ongoing monitoring, repair, enclosure, remediation, and others.
What an Asbestos Report Does Not Tell You
Even with all the available information, there are a few things that you won’t find on an asbestos test report. These things include:
- Exact cost of mitigation
- Scope of demolition safety
- Airborne fibre concentration, which requires an air monitoring report
- Long-term safety without expert guidance
In Summation
Getting an asbestos test report is not enough to tackle the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a place. Rather, it is also essential for one to learn how to read the report. This makes it easier for one to identify the ACMs in a building, understand their condition, and look out for ways for safe management and remediation. This is one simple way to prevent severe health issues caused by the harmful material and its fibres.
Want to Get a Detailed Asbestos Test Report for Your Site?
Reach out to us for a detailed asbestos test report. Understand the presence of ACMs and look out for ways of safe remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Asbestos Test Results?
An asbestos test result typically takes 1-3 days. However, there are a few labs that might take less or more time than that.
Can the Site Still Be Used While Waiting for Asbestos Test Reports?
Yes, you might. However, that is only advisable if the suspected asbestos is undisturbed. Other than that, one must avoid the suspected areas until the test results are shared.
What Should I Do if the Test Results Show Asbestos?
If the asbestos test report shows the presence of asbestos, then it is essential to contact an expert for asbestos remediation. The material cannot be mitigated otherwise, as only experts have the skills required and know how to follow safety guidelines.
What Are the Common Asbestos-containing Materials Found in Australian Properties?
Some of the common asbestos-containing materials include fibro or asbestos cement sheets for walls, ceilings, eaves, and fences, corrugated roofing, vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, sprayed coatings, and bitumen-based waterproofing.
