ASBESTOS FIBRE AIR MONITORING
Asbestos air monitoring tests are undertaken for the purpose of estimating respirable asbestos fibres in the air and is generally conducted during the removal of asbestos containing materials. Air monitoring for asbestos fibres must be undertaken in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC:3003 (2005)] and analysis of the filter samples should be conducted by a National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) Accredited Laboratory. L & D Consulting operate a NATA Accredited Laboratory for asbestos fibre counting.
L&D offer four (4) different types of asbestos air monitoring services:
Asbestos control monitoring
Asbestos clearance monitoring
Background air monitoring
Asbestos exposure monitoring
Asbestos control monitoring involves sampling the air during asbestos removal works to measure respirable airborne asbestos fibres. The purpose of control monitoring is to act as a measure of the effectiveness of control measures utilised during asbestos removal work. Asbestos control monitoring is a legislative requirement during friable asbestos removal works and is good occupational hygiene practice during the removal of non-friable asbestos.
Asbestos clearance monitoring is required as part of the clearance process for friable asbestos removal works. An air monitor is placed within the asbestos removal enclosure following satisfactory completion of a visual clearance inspection by a licensed asbestos assessor. Air clearance is given if the air fibre concentration within the enclosure is measured as being below 0.01 fibres/ml.
Background air monitoring can be undertaken prior to the commencements of an asbestos removal project and includes the testing of the air for respirable fibres prior to work. This testing may be conducted to determine if other fibres such as organics or synthetic mineral fibres (SMF) are present which adversely affect results of asbestos control monitoring.
Asbestos exposure monitoring is initiated to assess the air in a person's breathing zone. This monitoring determines a person's likely exposure to respirable asbestos fibres which can then be compared to exposure standards.
ASBESTOS CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES
WHS regulations state that a clearance inspection is required following all licensed non-friable and friable asbestos removal works.
Clearance certificates must be issued by a licensed Asbestos Assessor who is independent of the removalist. A visual assessment is undertaken by the assessor following both non-friable and friable asbestos removal. Clearance air monitoring is also required following friable asbestos removal.