Asbestos in your home
Did you know asbestos may be in your home? New Zealanders are commonly known for their ‘do-it-yourself’ approach to life. When it comes to home renovations, many people are knocking down ceilings and walls and removing floor tiles and old pipes. In their efforts to improve their homes, they may unknowingly contaminate the environment they live in with asbestos.
Signs your home may have asbestos
Asbestos was used in developing New Zealand homes between 1930 and 1950. If your home was built during this period, it is highly likely it contains asbestos somewhere. The process of identifying asbestos is not simple, however, The Ministry of Health provides a residential risk assessment which is based on the age of your home. This table can help you identify whether you should contact us to have an asbestos test or survey completed.
We have listed the common places you might asbestos in your home below.
Where is asbestos found in homes?
Asbestos ceiling
What does an asbestos ceiling look like?
Below is a sample of images that illustrate what asbestos ceilings may look like, however, it is important to note that it can also be hidden behind something completely different, which is why testing or surveying is crucial in identifying asbestos.
Asbestos roof
What does an asbestos roof look like?
Here are some sample images that illustrate what asbestos roofs may look like.
Asbestos paint
What does asbestos paint look like?
Did you know some paint contains asbestos? Below are some images illustrating what that may look like.
Asbestos insulation
What does asbestos wall insulation look like?
We have collected sample images that illustrate what asbestos insulation may look like.
Asbestos tiles
What do asbestos tiles look like?
Asbestos tiles may look like the example images below.
Asbestos cladding
What does asbestos cladding look like?
Below is a sample of images that illustrate what asbestos cladding may look like.
How to get asbestos tested
We recommend that you have one of our qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors visit your property if you require an asbestos test. Our Betta Asbestos Consultancy surveyors can either survey the property for asbestos or simply test one material for asbestos. When we survey a property for asbestos, we also like to include a management plan. This will not only identify where the asbestos is but also advise you on how to manage it if it is present.
When is asbestos testing required?
While asbestos testing and asbestos surveying are two different things, it is important to note that there are a variety of situations where you may need one or the other. First, we need to assess, whether you are a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). A PCBU may be an individual person or an organisation. Below is a list of who may be a PCBU:
- Builders
- Body corporates
- Residential and commercial property managers
- Commercial property owners
- Residential property owners
- Landlords and owner occupiers
- Property developers
- Tradesmen
- An incorporated society, including volunteer associations
- Building demolition and removal specialists
The New Zealand asbestos regulations state that ‘the PCBU who intends to carry out the demolition or refurbishment must not carry out the demolition or refurbishment until the structure or plant has been inspected to determine whether asbestos or ACM is filed to or installed in the structure or plant.’ Therefore, if you plan on conducting any demolition or refurbishment to a residential or commercial property that was built prior to the year 2000, you must have an asbestos inspection.
In March 2014, Blakely Construction Limited was prosecuted for breaching the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. If you fail to inspect the property for asbestos before the work has started, you are in breach of the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 and may be fined $5k – $3m. For a breakdown of offences and penalties click here.
What are the different types of asbestos?
There are six different types of asbestos that we are aware of, but not all of them are the same.
Chrysotile asbestos
Chrysotile asbestos is also known as white asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos is unique. The fibres of this asbestos are curled not straight. Curled fibres are called serpentine fibre formation. Chrysotile asbestos is less likely to be inhaled than other types.
Crocidolite asbestos
Crocidolite asbestos is also known as blue asbestos. This particular asbestos is known to be the most dangerous type of asbestos. Crocidolite is responsible for more illnesses and deaths than other types of asbestos. It was also found to be far less heat resistant.
Tremolite asbestos
Tremolite asbestos was not often used industrially or commercially, however, it could be found in products such as certain talcum powders. This was only in limited amounts.
Actinolite asbestos
Actinolite asbestos was not often used industrially or commercially. The reason for this is that airborne actinolite fibres are easily inhaled and can be severely damaging to the lungs.
Anthophyllite asbestos
Anthophyllite asbestos was not often used industrially or commercially, however, it was occasionally found in certain vermiculites.
Amosite asbestos
Amosite asbestos is also known as grunerite or brown asbestos. Amosite asbestos was used for a variety of purposes industrially, such as cement sheet and pipe insulation.
Asbestos is a dangerous product if not dealt with correctly, which is why the penalties for not doing so are so high. If you are planning on renovating or demolishing a property give us a call and we can help with your testing and surveying needs. Our local call centre can be contacted on 0800 422 387 or info@bettagroup.co.nz.