Asbestos Testing

Please be sure to collect the samples following Safe Work Australia, Code of Practice, How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, Appendix B

A competent person should take the following steps to carry out a sampling:

STEP 1 – PREPARATION

Make sure no one else is in the vicinity when sampling is done.

Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimise the spread of any released fibres.

Turn off any fans if you’re inside. If outside, then sample on a non-windy day.

Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.

Collect the equipment you will need for sampling, including pliers, resealable plastic bags, disposable coveralls, waterproof sealant, plastic drop sheet, water spray bottle, P2 respirator, rubber gloves.

STEP 2 – TAKING THE SAMPLE

Wear disposable gloves.

Put on respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Wear a pair of disposable coveralls.

Lay down a plastic drop sheet to catch any loose material that may fall off while sampling.

Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibres.

Carefully cut a thumbnail piece from the entire depth of the material using the pliers.

Take the sample from a corner edge or along an existing hole
or crack for fibre cement sheeting.

Place the small piece into the resealable plastic bag.

Double bag the sample, include the date and location and an asbestos caution warning.

Ensure the container has an airtight seal.

Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet.

Use a damp paper towel or rag to clean up any material on the outside of the container
or around the area sampled.

Dispose of asbestos materials according to state or territory and local procedures.

Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fibre release.

STEP 3 – CLEANING UP

Seal the edges with waterproof sealant where the sample was taken.

Carefully wrap up the plastic drop sheet with tape and then put this into another plastic rubbish bag.

Wipe down the tools and equipment with a dampened rag.

Place disposable gloves and coveralls into a rubbish bag and the damp rag and drop sheet.

Seal plastic bag.

Dispose of asbestos materials according to state or territory and local procedures.

Wash hands.

Keep RPE on until clean-up is completed.

Follow a decontamination procedure (personal washing) upon completion of the task

STEP 4 – SUBMIT YOUR SAMPLES, INCLUDING YOUR

Samples double bagged

Completed order form

Payment reference

to Opira at 32 Dividend Street Mansfield QLD 4122

If you require any further information, please call Opira on 1300 157 969