If you suspect that your property might have materials that contain asbestos, you will need to arrange to have samples of the material taken and tested.
Your property is not safe to occupy until the test results give you the all clear.
If you would like to get a quote for asbestos testing, enter your details into this contact form.
If you think you have asbestos materials in your home or place of work, you will be right to be cautious. It is crucial not to disturb the material in any way just in case it does contain asbestos. If you are not aware of the hazards of disturbing asbestos, please read about the health hazards of asbestos inhalation.
You would be surprised where you might find asbestos in your home or place of work. Asbestos has been found in Artex, floor tiles, and fibre cement and plaster, to name a few.
Once a sample of the material has been taken, it will be sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory, and the results usually come back within 24 hours.
The results of the test will be clearly explained to you. If the results come back positive, you will be advised on what you need to do next. If the asbestos testing was carried out at a non-residential property, then you will have to implement an asbestos management plan.
If you would like to make sure that your working environment is safe, you can arrange to have air monitoring or air testing carried out.
Common Types of Asbestos
Asbestos tests often find one of the six different types of asbestos in a variety of materials.
The six types of asbestos are as follows:
- Tremolite
- Chrysotile (white asbestos)
- Actinolite
- Amosite (brown asbestos– sometimes referred to as Grunerite)
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
- Anthophylite
If the results of the asbestos test comes back positive and the type of asbestos has been analysed and confirmed, you will be given specialist advice on what you need to do next.
Need Asbestos Advice?
If you need asbestos advice, please read the questions and answers below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about asbestos testing services, you might find the answer to your question at the bottom of this page. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions I get asked with the answers provided underneath.
How Long Does Asbestos Testing Take?
Testing for asbestos materials in your home or commercial building can be as quick as 24 hours. Obtaining the results of an asbestos test will depend on which laboratory the samples were sent to and how long they take to respond.
Is Asbestos Testing Required by Law?
The control of asbestos regulations requires all non-domestic properties to have an asbestos assessment carried out. It is the responsibility of the owner of the building or the duty holder to make sure employees, contractors, and the public are not at risk of asbestos exposure. An asbestos survey is your first step to keeping compliant with the law, usually followed by sample testing.
Does Artex Have Asbestos in it?
There is a possibility that if you have Artex in your home or business that it may contain asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry before it was banned in 2000. Artex and other textured coatings that could contain asbestos are still found on ceilings and walls in residential properties to this day.
Do You do Asbestos Testing for Humans?
No. If you think you might have been exposed to asbestos, you will need to consult your doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to carry out tests and diagnose you with any diseases that are caused by asbestos exposure.
Read my FREE guide to get an idea of how much asbestos testing costs.