Asbestos Testing

Finding asbestos in homes, commercial and industrial buildings

Are you looking to get your house tested for potential asbestos materials? We can help you.

Asbestos lurks in various locations in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Asbestos was widely used until the 80s and the usage declined in the 90s with banning the import and usage of asbestos in 2003.

K2E undertakes asbestos inspection and asbestos testing in Sydney and Greater Sydney. Consultants at K2E are experienced in identifying asbestos-containing materials historically used as building materials. By employing correct sampling techniques asbestos in building materials can be sampled thus avoiding false negatives. Asbestos testing involves the collection of asbestos-containing materials that are present in various forms and at various locations inside buildings and analyzing them under laboratory conditions.

Asbestos samples collected are analyzed in a NATA accredited laboratory so you can rest assured that the sample results are of high reliability and confidence. Our Consultants will be able to advise you on the removal scope required based on the outcome of asbestos testing. We also undertake asbestos risk assessments and offer hands-on practical advice to ensure that asbestos-related health and environmental risks are managed appropriately, so it does not pose any human health risk and environmental risk.

K2E is experienced in undertaking asbestos testing and asbestos inspection in the Sydney area. We understand the type of buildings, age of the buildings and the locations where asbestos materials are usually present.

Asbestos in eaves and gables:

Asbestos eaves are a common sight in buildings built in the 80s and older. Asbestos-containing eaves can be potentially damaged during your house renovation works and it is important to identify the risks before letting any tradesperson commence work in the area. As a property owner, you could be liable in case of any potential asbestos exposure to workers and any damage caused to the environment. Our comprehensive testing regimen will cover various locations where asbestos could be present at the property providing you with peace of mind.

Asbestos hidden in wall and ceiling cavities:

Asbestos can be present in the inner lining of building materials and if not assessed properly, this can lead to a false-negative situation and may lead to accidental exposure during renovation works. Asbestos sheets may be present in the ceiling space and inside the wall cavity. If you are planning to renovate a property built during the 90s or earlier, it is recommended that you get the renovation area checked for asbestos. K2E consultants employ intrusive sampling methods to identify areas proposed for demolition.

Asbestos hidden in Fireplace:

Asbestos insulation was commonly used in fireplaces as a sealant in doors frames, as a heatproof backing sheet behind fireplaces, baseboard of fireplaces. More information on asbestos in fireplaces can be found here.

Asbestos hidden in Roof Sheet:

Asbestos-containing corrugated roof sheeting was widely used and is commonly seen asbestos roofing in Australia. Asbestos roofing was used in residential, commercial and industrial premises in Australia. Asbestos materials were also identified in roof shingles. When asbestos sheeting in the roof is subjected to weathering from sun, rain, hail and storm it tends to wither apart, and the dust and debris are likely to settle within the ceiling cavity. The asbestos dust settled within the ceiling cavity can be a health hazard to residents of the property or personnel working in the ceiling space.

If the asbestos roof is removed, K2 Enviro Solutions recommends asbestos air monitoring (control) be undertaken to ensure that unprotected people around the work area including neighbours and future residents are not exposed to asbestos fibres.

Asbestos hidden in Laundry, Showers and Toilets:

Asbestos sheets were widely used in wet areas due to its water-resistant characteristics. Asbestos-containing sheets in wet areas are externally visible sometimes while it can be hidden behind such as ceramic tile in bathrooms or WCs. Asbestos hidden behind the walls can be identified using intrusive techniques in pre-demolition surveys.

Asbestos hidden in Ceiling:

Ceiling spaces in residential properties, especially in older homes need a comprehensive assessment for asbestos. There can be many sources of asbestos that have to be carefully assessed during an inspection. Asbestos materials were once used as ceiling insulation (often referred to as Mr. Fluffy) which can become airborne quickly and is respirable when exposed. Asbestos fibres from roof sheeting can settle on the insulation bats in ceiling space due to wind movement. Asbestos fragments can also be present inside the ceiling space due to weathering of the roof or during removal. If an old asbestos roof sheeting is removed, the insulation in the ceiling space must be removed and a good decontamination work of the ceiling space for asbestos dust is highly recommended.

Asbestos hidden in Electrical backing boards:

Asbestos-containing backing boards were used in electrical boxes to mount switchboards, circuit breakers, relays, meters and other electrical equipment. Commonly referred to as ‘Zelemite’ boards, these backing boards are usually black. The backing boards may have been drilled by electricians in the past to install the electrical components and the electrical box is likely to contain asbestos fines from the previous drilling activities. Asbestos-containing wall panels may be used inside the electrical box due to its fire insulation and water resistance characteristics. Old ceramic fuses have also been identified to contain asbestos materials as insulation.

Asbestos hidden in Kitchen:

Asbestos-containing materials can be identified in kitchen walls as splashback panels, under the sink (bituminous materials-sink sound dampener) and on the floor (vinyl floor tiles with glue and paperback).

Asbestos hidden in Other Areas:

Asbestos was used in several locations at homes some of which are listed below:
Asbestos-containing sheets may be used in downpipes, flue vents, old heating systems, external vent outlets, external joinery strips, external corrugated wall sheeting, under cement slabs, asbestos fencing.

We also specialize in the management of asbestos in soils. Contaminated land can not only pose a human health risk but also a greater risk to the environment. If not managed diligently, asbestos contamination in soils can lead to infringements and penalties.

For any asbestos-related enquiries please contact K2 Enviro Solutions on 1300 523 000.