Asbestos Sampling

Asbestos Services

Asbestos Sampling

If you are worried about possible asbestos materials at your site, we can help. Our qualified technicians can visit your site to safely sample the material. Samples are then analysed in our Christchurch lab.

Asbestos Sampling

Whether you think you might be working near asbestos or you want to manage it in your home, testing is recommended. Asbestos is a known hazard that can lead to serious health effects if inhaled. Being informed about where asbestos is at your home and workplace is the best defense against possible exposure.

Our technicians can come to your site and safely take a sample. We have technicians around the country who carry the BOHS IP402 asbestos surveying and sampling qualification. Samples are then analysed in our IANZ-accredited lab.

Where can asbestos be found?

Cement sheet cladding, gables and soffits
Textured ceilings
Vinyl flooring
Fuse boards
Hot water cylinders and fireplace insulation
Corrugated cement roofing or fencing

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Is it safe to sample the material myself?

Usually we would recommend that we sample the material. This is because some materials exhibit variation in asbestos content that may lead to false negatives if ineffectively sampled. Our technicians are experienced in asbestos sampling and carry the BOHS IP402 asbestos surveying qualification.

If you are confident in sampling the asbestos yourself, and have appropriate PPE and RPE, you can courier the sample to us or drop it off at our Christchurch office. The sample must be double-bagged. Please see our page on sampling instructions for more information.

How dangerous is asbestos?

While the properties of asbestos have led to widespread industrial use of it, these same properties have made it particularly resistant to the body's defenses. When disturbed, asbestos splits into increasingly fine fibres which can become airborne and inhaled deep into the lungs.

The three more serious, and better known diseases associated with asbestos exposure are:

Asbestosis
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma (cancer of the external lining of the lung)

Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer typically do not appear until 20-30 years after exposure, but the survival rates after diagnosis are low. There is no known "safe dosage" of asbestos. The risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer is vastly higher for smokers.

Asbestosis is an irreversible lung scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue which can cause laboured breathing and a persistant cough. Unlike lung cancer and mesothelioma, it is only associated with high levels of exposure over many years.

What is the BOHS IP402 qualification?

The British Occupational Hygiene Society provides internationally-recognised standards in occupational hygiene qualifications. The IP402 qualification is Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings. This covers general asbestos knowledge, asbestos surveying, safe sampling techniques, risk assessments and personal protection. K2 Environmental employs a dozen IP402-qualified technicians around the country.

Cement sheet cladding, gables and soffits
Textured ceilings
Vinyl flooring
Fuse boards
Hot water cylinders and fireplace insulation
Corrugated cement roofing or fencing

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