How to tell if something is asbestos??

[Dr HaxZaw]

ok so im working on renovating an old granny flat to turn into a bach pad/ bedroom and im taking a dividing wall out. I'm not too sure how long its been there and im worried that it might be asbestos and as i had planned to use a skip bin to get rid of all the rubbish i need to know beforehand what it is. Does anyone have any advice?? I talked to a building inspector and he said something about wetting it and then scratching it as asbestos is harder than gyprock?? Im not sure so i figured someone on here might know.

Also the bin company said theyll take insulating material but not fibreglass so how would i find out if the insulation is fibreglass or not??

Thanks in advance for the help

[FstStig]

Fibreglass will itch the shit outta you after removing it

As for the Asbestos if it is hard and brittle then it will most likely be Asbestos.

[MasterOfReality]

To be sure you need a sample tested.

If its old fibro - it could have asbestos (white or blue) but thats no guarantee.

[JMP]

If your working on an old granny flat you can pretty much be sure there is asbestos there. It can be anywhere though from the obvious like wall sheeting to the not so obvious like insulating materials and floor coverings. Like mentioned the only way to be sure is to get a sample tested of whatever you are disturbing.

[ozz]

Does it smell like asbestos?

[ClairBear]

My understanding is you must have it tested by a licenced person. Why risk your health?

[AirStrike]

Does it smell like asbestos?

That is the single most stupid thing I have read all week!

[CSP]

Does it smell like asbestos?

Better still, does it taste like it?

[MasterOfReality]

Haha yeah I got a bit of a laugh out of the smell comment.

[cracker]

Does it smell like asbestos?

the only post his ever made since 2007, gold.

[Swordsy]

pre 1995, could have aspestos, pre 1985, almost definitly has aspestos. Get a bit tested (you should be able to find places that test it in the yellow pages)

If it is aspestos, then if you're removing a large qty of it, then you need it done by a licenced person.

Have a look here for a bit more info Fibro and Asbestos - A Renovator and Homeowner's Guide | NSW Government

[Dr HaxZaw]

ok so does anyone know where there is a place i can get it tested in sydney? preferably in the south?

[ozz]

I have posted a few times but i dont think the pub adds to your post count.
nd yeah it was a joke, the question just reminded me of a time at work, cutting through cement sheeting, someone asked if it was asbestos and without thinking "it doesnt smell like asbestos..."

[Darcon666]

Does it smell like asbestos?

First post on this forum and it's just the most dumbest thing anyone has ever said... I hope your next one is better.

Dr HaxZaw ... If you have any doubt get a pro to remove it.... not worth you life.

[ClairBear]

I have posted a few times but i dont think the pub adds to your post count.

Correct.

nd yeah it was a joke,

I giggled

[Dayvo]

That is the single most stupid thing I have read all week!

Yeah and its only Monday ha ha

[JMP]

Yeah and its only Monday ha ha

Gold!

This reminds me of a Chich and Chong scene. If anyone remembers when they were walking down the road and came across dog poo. "Looks like dog shit, smells like dog shit, tastes like dog shit. Good thing we no step in it"

[Kunu]

Hey m8,i did asbestos removal for a year and most of the sheeting you will come across will be bonded( non-friable) and can be taken off with a suit and a half faced mask..It has to be double bagged in poly bags which are printed with asbestos on them.
be aware of any friable asbestos in ceilings or wall cavaty's if its pre 85..get a sample of the wall sheets to make sure..if it is, plastic of any adjoining doorways/windows to stop any dust from entering rooms/outside area.the bonded sheets arent that harmfull in itself when u pull them off as the fibres are moulded in the actual sheeting..its only when u cut ur burn the sheeting that u release the fibres in the air..any other questions m8 inbox me ya number and ill give ya some tips..o and i do have my bonded/friable ticket : )

heres a link of a mob in sydney that do testing and stuff:
http://www.safeenvironments.com.au/asbestos-check/

[Rusty]

Unsure if this has been suggested but hold your lighter to a small piece. If it burns it most probably is not asbestos.

My understanding is that asbestos does not burn, thought that was the main point of it? Then again, could very well be wrong! Get it checked as suggested.

EDIT: On second thought, do not try that. It may release the fibers into the air......

[flyreels]

In the building industry pre 85 nearly every sheeting product contained asbestos my mate and I worked side by side in the stuff and he has at best 2 months to live and he is only 48, dont take a chance get it checked.
Cheers pete

[Dr HaxZaw]

thanks for that fella's... definitely getting it checked even though the parents dont wont me to

[lemusa]

If you working around it in the meantime wet it down, so its soggy. Will pretty eliminate it from floating in the air. Company I work for now used to be big on asbestos removal. Very delicate procedure. They will want to put a "tent" around the area before doing anything if it's inside. If it's in big board you can wet it and wearing a decent mask and throw away overalls (you don't want it in your clothes) and like someone else said double bag it in asbestos approved bags. Last time I checked dumping it isnt cheap either!