When you’re looking at a property in Melbourne, one thing you might not think about is asbestos. It’s often hiding in plain sight, particularly in homes built before the 1980s.
Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials for its fire resistance and durability, but its risks have become more well-known over time.
If asbestos is found during a property inspection, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone involved. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps you need to take, and I’ll share a bit of my own experience in dealing with these situations.
What Steps to Take If Asbestos Is Detected During an Inspection
Don’t Disturb the Material
The first and most important step is to avoid disturbing any asbestos-containing material (ACM). If the asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, it poses minimal risk.
For example, asbestos cement used in roof sheeting or siding won’t release harmful fibres unless it’s damaged or worked on. Simply touching or drilling into these materials can cause fibres to become airborne.
Alert the Relevant Parties
If asbestos is suspected during a pre-purchase or building inspection, immediately inform the client and any other relevant parties. In many cases, the seller should also be informed if the inspection has uncovered asbestos.
If you’re the buyer, this discovery could impact your decision to proceed with the purchase, especially if significant amounts of ACM are found in critical areas.
Get a Professional Asbestos Assessment
While you may have found potential asbestos materials, only a licensed professional can definitively confirm its presence and condition. If you’re in Melbourne, there are accredited asbestos assessors who can take samples and conduct laboratory tests.
In some cases, you might need a more comprehensive asbestos survey, which could involve a demolition or refurbishment survey.
Review the Asbestos Management Plan
If the property is not being demolished, you’ll need to set up an asbestos management plan. This plan includes identifying all the ACMs, determining their condition, and deciding on appropriate actions to control exposure.
For instance, you might opt to leave undisturbed asbestos materials in place if they’re safe, or you might choose to encapsulate or remove them. As the property owner, you’re legally responsible for ensuring the safety of anyone who enters the building.
Encapsulation or Removal?
Once the asbestos has been identified and tested, you’ll need to consider whether encapsulation or removal is the best option. Encapsulation involves sealing off the ACM to prevent it from releasing fibres.
It’s less disruptive and often cheaper, but it’s not suitable for all situations. If the asbestos is in poor condition or likely to be disturbed, removal might be the only safe option. Remember, any work involving asbestos removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist.
Notify the Authorities
In some cases, the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) may need to be notified if asbestos removal is taking place. Asbestos removal projects that involve significant amounts of material may require specific licences and must comply with safety regulations.
A licensed professional will handle this for you, but it’s important to be aware of the legal requirements surrounding asbestos removal in Melbourne.
Get Air Monitoring and Clearance
After removal, the area must be thoroughly cleaned, and air testing should be conducted to ensure no harmful fibres remain in the atmosphere.
It’s always a good idea to hire an independent asbestos assessor to carry out this air monitoring and issue a clearance certificate, which confirms that the area is safe for reoccupation.
Dealing with asbestos during a property inspection can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be managed safely and effectively.
The key is to avoid disturbing the material, seek professional advice, and take the appropriate steps to either manage or remove the asbestos.
By acting quickly and responsibly, you can protect the health of everyone involved and ensure that your property remains safe for future use.
