Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, was widely used in various industries due to its heat resistance, tensile strength, and insulating properties.

However, it’s also linked to serious health issues like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you are concerned about asbestos in your home or workplace, scheduling an asbestos consultation is important.

What is an Asbestos Consultation?

An asbestos consultations goal is to assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in a building.

That includes testing for asbestos, evaluating the potential risk, and recommending appropriate remediation measures, if needed.

What Qualifications Should an Asbestos Consultant Have?

An asbestos consultant should have a relevant certification from an authorized training institution. They should also have an in-depth comprehension of asbestos regulations and guidelines in their jurisdiction.

Experience in the field is key as it equips them with practical asbestos identification, management, and removal skills.

How Can I Verify If an Asbestos Consultant is Reliable? 

You can verify the reliability of an asbestos consultant by checking their certification, reading online reviews, asking for references, and having a detailed discussion about their approach to asbestos management.

A reliable consultant will be transparent about their methods and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Why is an Asbestos Consultation Important?

An asbestos consultation is the first step in identifying if your property has asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assessing the associated risks.

The goal is to provide the information you need to make informed decisions regarding asbestos management or removal. An asbestos consultation is essential for several reasons:

• Identifying asbestos: Many people are unaware that asbestos may lurk in their homes or workplaces. An asbestos consultation will provide a definitive answer to whether ACMs are present.
• Health and safety: As mentioned earlier, asbestos is a hazardous material that poses severe health risks. Identifying its presence and taking steps to reduce exposure can help protect the health and safety of occupants.
• Legal compliance: For commercial properties, an asbestos consultation can help property owners meet regulatory requirements and avoid potential fines or legal actions.

What’s the Difference Between an Asbestos Survey and an Asbestos Consultation?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection that identifies and records the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials in a building.

An asbestos consultation, on the other hand, involves not only a survey but also professional advice on managing or removing the asbestos safely.

When Should Asbestos Surveys Be Done?

Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying and managing asbestos in a building. According to various sources, the timing of these surveys can depend on several factors:

• Before Renovation or Demolition: Asbestos surveys must be completed before any renovation or demolition activities. This is because these activities may disturb asbestos-containing materials, releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
• Regular Re-inspections: Once an initial asbestos survey has been carried out, re-inspection surveys should be conducted at least every 6 to 12 months if asbestos is present. This helps monitor the asbestos’s condition and ensure it remains safely managed.
• Upon Changes to the Building: If you’ve made significant changes to your property (such as refurbishments or alterations), another asbestos survey may be required. These changes could potentially disturb previously undisturbed asbestos.
• If Asbestos-containing Materials Become Damaged: If you notice that materials containing asbestos have become damaged – for example, they are fraying or crumbling – it’s important to conduct a survey to assess the risk and decide on the appropriate response.
• During Property Purchase: If you’re considering buying a property built before 2000, it’s recommended to have an asbestos survey done. That will help you understand potential asbestos-related risks associated with the property.

How Long Does an Asbestos Consultation Usually Take?

The duration of an asbestos consultation can vary depending on the property’s size and the situation’s complexity.

It could take a few hours for a small residential property to several days for a large commercial building. After the onsite inspection, additional time is needed for laboratory testing and report preparation.

Can I Remove Asbestos Myself Instead of Hiring a Consultant?

While it’s possible to remove asbestos yourself, it’s strongly discouraged due to the risks involved.

Asbestos professionals have the necessary training, equipment, and knowledge to handle asbestos properly and minimize the risk of exposure.

What Happens if I Ignore the Presence of Asbestos in My Building?

Ignoring asbestos in your building can put people at risk of exposure, leading to serious health conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Additionally, you may violate local laws and regulations, resulting in hefty fines or legal action.

What to Expect During the Asbestos Consultation

During your asbestos consultation, a team of experienced professionals will guide you. Here’s what you can expect:

Inspection and Assessment

The first step in an asbestos consultation is a thorough visual inspection of the property. That includes examining building materials to identify any areas that may contain asbestos.

In addition to the visual inspection, the consultant may take samples of materials suspected of asbestos. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for testing to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers.

Risk Evaluation

Once asbestos has been confirmed, the consultant will evaluate the potential risks associated with the asbestos-containing materials. This evaluation determines whether the asbestos poses an immediate danger and whether it should be removed or managed.

Recommendations and Remedial Action Plan

Based on the risk evaluation, the consultant will provide clear recommendations for remedial actions. That may include:

• Asbestos abatement or removal
• Encapsulation or sealing of ACMs
• Management in place through an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)

The consultant will work with you to create a detailed remedial action plan outlining the necessary steps and costs for addressing the asbestos problem.

Preparing for Your Asbestos Consultation

To ensure a smooth asbestos consultation process, preparing beforehand is crucial. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

• Gather property information: Assemble details about your property, including its age, construction materials, and any previous asbestos-related work, if known.
• Clear the inspection area: Allow the consultant unrestricted access to the areas of concern by removing any obstruction, such as furniture, appliances, or stored items.
• Notify occupants: Inform all property occupants about the asbestos consultation to minimize disruption during the inspection process.
• Be prepared with questions: Have a list of questions ready for the consultant, such as how long the survey will take, what types of sampling methods will be used, and what courses of action are available.

By following these steps, you can help your asbestos consultation goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

With the help of a qualified consultant, you’ll be able to identify any asbestos-containing materials and develop an appropriate plan for removing them safely.