Safety First: Understanding the Asbestos Rapid Test
Asbestos: Relevance and Challenges
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral material that was widely used in many industries, especially in construction, due to its mechanical and fire-resistant properties. However, exposure to asbestos has been proven to have serious health consequences, including causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases that reduce life expectancy. To avoid any risk, it is advised to prevent repeated exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos cannot be detected with the naked eye. That’s why the asbestos rapid test, also known as asbestos diagnosis, is essential to identify the presence of asbestos in the built environment.
For the disposal of construction materials, it is also important to know whether these wastes contain asbestos or not. Depending on this, specific disposal channels must be chosen. Asbestos should not end up in new construction material applications through the recycling of construction materials.
Prevention: The Experience of the Asbestos Test
1. Identification
The first decisive step in an asbestos test is to identify materials or areas that might contain asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry in Switzerland before being regulated and eventually banned in many countries. Asbestos is frequently found in common construction materials such as fiber cement, plastic coatings, fireproof materials, pipe insulation, tile adhesive, and plaster.
Asbestos experts and diagnosticians use their expertise to identify suspicious situations. This may include visual inspections, historical surveys of materials used, and sampling for further analysis. SOS Amiante offers you the possibility to send a simple photo via its mobile app and get an assessment of the situation by an expert. Our service analyzes the photo to give you our opinion on the presence of asbestos within 24 hours.
2. Sampling
Once suspect materials have been identified, samples are carefully collected. This step is crucial to confirm the presence of asbestos and to determine the specific type of asbestos in the material. Samples are usually obtained by detaching, breaking, or cutting a small piece of the material. Handling of samples must be appropriate to avoid any potentially dangerous release of asbestos fibers. With the SOS Amiante service, you can either receive a sample collection kit at home, perform the sampling according to our instructions and send us the sample by mail, or hire engage an expert to diagnose the situation on site.
3. Laboratory Analysis
The collected samples are sent to a laboratory specializing in asbestos analysis. Laboratories use advanced techniques such as polarized light microscopy or electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersive microscopy spectroscopy to analyze the samples. These methods allow for the detection and identification of types of asbestos present, such as chrysotile asbestos, amosite asbestos, or crocidolite asbestos or tremolite/actinolite asbestos, as well as determining their concentration. SOS Amiante has a network of accredited laboratories that analyze the samples to provide you with a quick and reliable report.
4. Results Report
After the completion of the laboratory analysis, a comprehensive report is compiled. This report indicates whether asbestos was found, what type of asbestos is present, and at what concentration. Additionally, information on the handling of asbestos-containing material is provided as far as possible. The report is sent within 3 days of receiving the sample at the laboratory, and a 24-hour express processing option is available if necessary.
5. Decision Making
Finally, the results of the asbestos test influence decisions regarding the continuation of the construction project. In some cases, a specialized and certified company may be necessary for asbestos removal. In such cases, asbestos removal offers must be obtained. When working with asbestos-containing materials, measures must be taken to prevent the release of asbestos, even if an actual asbestos removal is not necessary. Relevant brochures provide information on this (suva.ch).
SOS Amiante offers all these solutions in one application!
SOS Amiante offers all these solutions for a simple, quick, and safe asbestos diagnosis. Our mobile app allows users to choose between three options: get a first expert opinion on the presence of asbestos by taking a photo of the concerned area, collect a sample of the suspect material, such as tile adhesive, and send it to our network of specialized laboratories, or quickly get connected with asbestos diagnostic experts.
Conclusion
Asbestos tests are a crucial step in ensuring safety in environments where asbestos is suspected in Switzerland. The presence of asbestos in buildings can pose a serious health risk, but early investigation can help minimize these risks. Asbestos tests require specialized knowledge and specific equipment to ensure the safety of people and the environment. Thanks to the SOS Amiante app, you always have the necessary knowledge and equipment at hand.