Adelaide asbestos testing involves removing samples from a material. Before removing the sample, seal off the area. You can place a plastic sheet on the floor below. If possible, you can wet the material with detergent, which minimises the release of asbestos fibres. Once the sample has been removed, the cleanup process begins. There are several important steps to follow. Here are some of the most common steps to follow after asbestos testing.

TEM AHERA method

The TEM AHERA method is the most frequently used asbestos analysis method, mainly because it is the only TEM air method fully promulgated by the EPA. It uses specific pass-fail criteria and requires a controlled environment with HEPA filtered air under positive pressure. In addition, the analysis must be conducted on an open laboratory blank with nominally 10 200 mesh grid openings and an average concentration of 18 structures/mm2 (asbestos content of 0.15%).

The TEM AHERA method for asbestos testing requires three separate measurements: the length of asbestos fibres, their width and shape, and the diffraction pattern. Each measurement must be compared to a standard diffraction pattern. In addition, the diffraction pattern of each fibre type must be recorded, and a morphological descriptor must be specified for each. Therefore, unlike other methods, TEM AHERA is only reliable for identifying asbestos fibres.

PLM Point Counts

PLM Point Counts for Adelaide asbestos testing determine whether a sample contains 1% or less of the material. One per cent is the legal limit for asbestos, and anything below that level is considered non-asbestos. In other words, if you find 1% asbestos, you should take immediate action to abate the material. However, point counting is not a substitute for asbestos abatement, costing thousands of dollars.

Asbestos point counting is a useful method of estimating the amount of asbestos present in bulk building materials. The method works well on most sample types but requires point counting for accurate estimation. It is not applicable for materials that contain large amounts of fine fibres. The results from this method should be used with caution since the EPA guidelines suggest that asbestos abatement should only be done when a particular sample is 100% free of asbestos.

TEM

TEM is a laboratory technique that uses 20,000 times or higher magnifications to determine the asbestos content of bulk building materials. This method can also identify inorganic and acid-soluble components present in building materials. The TEM microscope is equipped with powerful chemical and mineralogical instruments, which help the technicians identify and classify asbestos minerals. The analysis is completed in a single day, and the results are typically available within 4 to 6 hours.

TEM air testing

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a method for identifying and quantifying asbestos fibres in bulk and air samples. TEM can analyse samples at high magnifications and identify individual fibres based on their elemental analysis, morphology, and crystalline structure. When used with a Kevex Sigma Gold EDAX electron detector, TEM can also perform Selected Area Electron Diffraction, which provides important information about the crystalline structure of asbestos.

Path of construction / Pre-Renovation Asbestos Survey

Asbestos surveys are required in any building constructed after 1980. If you plan to remodel or demolish a building, an asbestos survey is crucial. Asbestos is a potentially hazardous material that can lead to lung cancer and other related illnesses. Asbestos-containing materials are also present in older homes. Therefore, a qualified professional should perform a pre-renovation or Path of construction asbestos survey to ensure that the structure is free.

Protective gear for asbestos testers

Adelaide asbestos testing and removal projects can create dangerous airborne dust particles. When inhaled, these fibres can cause severe diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It reduces the risk of inhalation, and asbestos testers should wear protective clothing, including disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots. The boots and gloves should be heavy-duty synthetic fabric, without any external pockets or Velcro. Also, the used overalls should be disposed of properly and in a designated asbestos waste bag.