What are Asbestos Register and Management Plans?
The purpose of Asbestos Register and Management Plans is to provide a visual (not intrusive) asbestos inspection and subsequent asbestos register and management plan in order to identify the assumed presence and location of asbestos or Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) within the common property of a strata building, and recommend the appropriate control measures.
What is Asbestos and Where can it be Found?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in the surface of the earth. It contains strong fibres that have excellent durability, fire resistance and insulating properties. Materials containing asbestos were very common in the Australian residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s before their production stopped due to their negative and lethal health implications. The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally since 31 December 2003.
There are 2 types of ACM existing in Australian residential building industry:
Friable ACM: They were primarily used in commercial and industrial settings for fire proofing, sound proofing and insulation. However, they can be found in some old domestic heaters, stoves, hot water systems and associated pipe lagging and in the backing of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings. These materials can be made of up to 100% asbestos. They are quite loose and can be turned to dust with very light pressure, such as crushing with your hand. They are the most dangerous type of ACM.
Non-friable ACM: They are mainly made up of a bonding compound (such as cement), with up to 15% asbestos. Bonded materials containing asbestos are solid, quite rigid and the asbestos fibres are tightly bound in the material. E.g. fibro sheeting, sealants, asbestos cement etc.
As a general rule, if your house was built:
Before the mid 1980s, it is highly likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.
Between the mid 1980s and 1990, it is likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.
After 1990, it is highly unlikely it would have materials containing asbestos. For more information you can refer to this website
What are the Possible Health Effects of Asbestos?
Asbestos can cause negative health effects if fibres are breathed into the lungs. Most fibres are removed from your lungs by your body’s natural defences (e.g. by being coughed up and then swallowed), however some fibres can remain in the lungs.
The possible health effects of asbestos are: asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases can sometimes take up to 50 years to develop. There may be some treatments for asbestos related diseases, but there are currently no known cures.
Why Choose Us?
If you concern about the possible ACM presents in your strata property, then you have come to the right place. We have an experienced team to carefully inspect, assess, and recommend the appropriate and feasible control measures for each ACM that we identify. Our ultimate goal is to help your strata property have a living place free of asbestos risk.
How do I Get a Quote?
Email us at admin@archi-qs.com.au with a copy of the strata plans and we will get back to you with our fee proposal. If you are a strata manager, we can email you through a Schedule of Fees for all our strata services.