Asbestos findings in home inspections

One quarter of all safety hazards identified by Jim’s Building Inspectors, during their pre-purchase building inspections, are related to Asbestos. 

Whilst these survey findings support recent media coverage of Asbestos concerns among home owners and renovators, Jim’s Building Inspections supports the position of the Australian Asbestos Network that its presence alone does not mean residents will get an Asbestos related disease.

“The most important thing is that home owners, property managers and tenants are aware that Asbestos Containing Materials are present so they can be vigilant about its management, especially when considering maintenance requirements and renovations,” said Suzanne Commerford, Director of Jim’s Building Inspections.

“It is when the Asbestos Containing Material is found in a damaged or degraded condition or it’s in a high risk environment, such as frequently trafficked areas and exposed to the elements, which is of greatest concern.”

The prevalence of the Jim’s Building Inspections asbestos findings correlate to the age profile of the houses inspected. 

“Many of the houses we inspect do fall into that age range of 1945 – 1980.  This is the construction period considered by the Australian Government to be highly likely that Asbestos Containing Materials are present.”

The Australian Government reports that it is likely buildings built between the mid-1980s and up to 1990 contain Asbestos and the risk drops significantly for any buildings constructed after 1990, they are considered unlikely to contain Asbestos.

“Earlier this year we responded to the rising level of home owner concern by introducing Asbestos inspection and condition auditing services.”

Jim’s Building Inspections attends buildings, either as a standalone inspection service or as part of a pre-purchase inspection, identify building elements that are at risk of containing Asbestos, with permission, safely take samples and arrange analysis to confirm the findings and also provide a report with information about the condition of the Asbestos and recommendation’s for action.

“In many circumstances, leaving Asbestos alone is the best course of action and importantly we are not aligned with any Asbestos removal companies who may have a vested interest in overstating the situation.”

Jim’s Building inspections recommends that an Asbestos Inspection and Report be undertaken:

·         1) As part of your pre-purchase building inspections

·        2)  By rental property owners and property managers before tenanting properties

·         3) By managers of workplaces needing registers and management plans for compliance

      For more information see the Australian Asbestos Network website or contact your  state authority.      

      For details of the Jim’s Building Inspection survey findings and other Asbestos related services, call 131 546.  

19^th September 2013                                                                                                         

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