Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be transformed into a fluffy consistency. The soft, flexible fibres are heat, electricity, and chemical corrosion-resistant. These properties make asbestos an effective insulator, enhancing the strength of materials like cloth, paper, cement, and plastic. At AAA Asbestos Ltd, we provide asbestos inspections to determine if ACMs are present.
To summarise, asbestos refers to six unique minerals, categorised into serpentine and amphibole families. The main types encountered in building work are Chrysotile (white asbestos), valued for its flexibility and heat resistance in products like cement and brake pads; Amosite (brown asbestos), known for strength and heat resistance in cement sheets and insulation; and Crocidolite (blue asbestos), highly harmful due to its thin, easily inhalable fibres. Additional asbestos types include Tremolite, Actinolite, and Anthophyllite, often contaminants in commercially sold asbestos products manufactured before the mid-1980s.
In the past, asbestos was valued for its unique characteristics and had a wide range of applications, including asbestos-cement cladding, roofing, and drainage pipes, as well as backing for floor tiles and vinyl sheets. It provided thermal protection around fireplaces, textured ceilings, and lagging for pipes, heaters, and water cylinders. Additionally, asbestos was commonly used in vehicle brakes, clutches, spouting, and guttering.
Beyond construction, asbestos found its way into everyday household items, such as oven gloves, ironing board pads, simmer mats for stoves, and fire blankets. Most asbestos use occurred before the 1980s. Once the health hazards associated with asbestos became apparent, its use gradually waned, with alternative materials taking its place. Nevertheless, asbestos-containing products and appliances may remain present, particularly in homes constructed before 1984. An on-site inspection and asbestos testing will confirm the presence of asbestos.
Asbestos is a confirmed human carcinogen, with all types of asbestos increasing cancer risk in a dose-dependent manner. Greater and prolonged exposure leads to a higher risk of asbestos-related diseases. Inhaling significant amounts of airborne asbestos can result in asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural plaques, and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary. Symptoms include breathing difficulties and lung scarring detectable by x-ray. It's important to note that smoking further elevates the risk of lung cancer when exposed to asbestos.
Raw asbestos was initially imported into New Zealand in the late 1930s and was incorporated into asbestos-cement products. These materials were manufactured until the mid-1980s. While New Zealand's initial Asbestos Regulations were enacted in 1978, it became illegal to import raw blue and brown asbestos into the country in 1984.
Asbestos-containing products (ACMs) in New Zealand continued to be used until their supplies were depleted. On October 1, 2016, importing asbestos-containing products into New Zealand was banned. Buildings constructed, renovated, or altered between 1940 and the mid-1980s will likely contain ACMs; however, we can take samples for testing to confirm this. If your property is a rental, you are legally obligated to keep your tenants safe, so contact us directly to tailor the best solution with minimal disruption.
If we confirm asbestos is present, we create a plan for removal and a written quotation. Upon acceptance, we submit a WorkSafe Notification five days before the removal start date, as legislation requires. The removal process begins with marking and securing the removal area, following all relevant legislation and AAA Asbestos Ltd strict health and safety protocols.
Once the removal is complete and the work area is asbestos-free, our team, equipment, and tools undergo decontamination. Asbestos waste is properly wrapped and placed in a lined tipper truck or a skip bin for transport. A Clearance Inspector conducts an inspection when the site is ready, and upon receiving the Clearance Report, you can once again access your site.
Your quotation will include labour, removal equipment, administration, transportation, consumables, and waste disposal. Additionally, there's the option for you to cover the cost of the Clearance Report directly or through us. Furthermore, there may be extra expenses, such as scaffold use, edge protection, height equipment, and heavy machinery rental. This would be determined as part of our initial site assessment and outlined in your quote.
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