Asbestos Analysis Results

How to read your asbestos analysis results

If the forth column shows a red result then asbestos has been identified and the type(s) of asbestos identified will be shown. The fifth column will also show the analysts opinion on the material type to aid in removal/maintenance.

My sample contained asbestos what do I need to do?

The first step is not to panic, asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) can be perfectly safe if they are left alone and are in good condition. If you are not planning to disturb the material then it is recommended that any ACM’s are left alone and checked on an annual basis to ensure that no degradation has occurred.

Many times however asbestos containing materials may need to be removed if they pose a hazard to occupants (ie if damaged) or if they will interfere with planned works. If this is the case then an experienced asbestos removal specialist with appropriate training and equipment should be approached.

We do not advise carrying out any removal works yourself!

While professional removal doesn’t come cheap, it is much safer and easier to leave asbestos removal in the hands of those who know what they’re doing.

To find an appropriate asbestos removal contractor a simple search of the internet will provide plenty of removal contractors for you to approach.

You will need to supply a copy of the analysis certificate and an approximate square meterage of the material. Pictures of the area including any fixtures or fittings may also help. These will help the removal contractors provide an adequate quotation. It is recommended to approach 3 removal specialists and chose the one that will provide a cost and timescale appropriate to your needs.

There are two main types of removal based off the type of material. Licensed products are materials that have a high likelihood of fibre release when disturbed while non-licensed products are materials that are more highly bonded and have a lower risk of fibre release.

Licensed Asbestos Products

Licensed asbestos removal refers to the removal of high-risk asbestos, these materials require a licensed asbestos removal contractor. These works require the removal contractor to inform the HSE two weeks in advance with details of how the removal is to be carried out. A certificate of reoccupation is provided by an independent analytical laboratory after the works are carried out to provide reassurance the area has been cleaned adequately and is safe to re-enter.

Types of Licensed Asbestos Products

•  Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
•  Sprayed coatings and Thermal Insulation.
•  Pipe lagging and hard set lagging
•  Any work involving loose-fill insulation

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal

Non-licensed asbestos removal is simply when the job doesn’t require the individual to hold a license to carry out the works.

While it is not required to have air monitoring carried out following non licensed removal it is advisable to request a reassurance air test to be carried out after the removal.

Types of Non-Licensed Asbestos Products

•  Asbestos cement (AC)
•  Asbestos textured coatings
•  Asbestos floor tiles and bitumen’s
•  Asbestos textiles
•  Asbestos composites

I think I may have been exposed to asbestos

People who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos are understandably concerned about the possible effects on their future health. Thankfully most cases of asbestos exposure are short-term and will most likely have led to minimal exposure to asbestos fibres and little likelihood of any long-term ill health effects.

If you are concerned about possible exposure to asbestos it is advisable to consult your GP and ask for a note to be made in your personal file about possible exposure, including date(s), duration and type of asbestos fibres. While your GP may not be help further in the short term, a record may help should further respiratory issues occur in the future.