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  3. Safety alert - use of near infrared handheld analysers for the identification of asbestos-containing materials
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Safety alert - use of near infrared handheld analysers for the identification of asbestos-containing materials

Purpose

This alert provides information about the use of near infrared (NIR) handheld analysers for the identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). See photos 1,2 and 3.

Product description

NIR is a spectroscopic method that uses the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (from about 350 nm to 2500 nm). Molecules within materials absorb specific wavelengths of NIR light energy and vibrate. The frequency of the vibration is compared to references of the vibration frequency for known materials, allowing identification of the unknown material.

Background

Section 423 of the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 states for analysis of sample:

  1. A person with management or control of a workplace may identify asbestos or ACM by arranging for a sample of material at the workplace to be analysed for the presence of asbestos or ACM.
  2. If a person with management or control of a workplace arranges for an analysis, the person must ensure that the sample is analysed only by a:
    • NATA-accredited laboratory accredited for the relevant test method, or 
    • laboratory approved by the regulator in accordance with guidelines published by Safe Work Australia, or
    • laboratory operated by the regulator.
Image
Disconnector Trap
Image
Super Six Roof sheeting
Image
Domestic sheet vinyl flooring covering
Photo 1 - Disconnector Trap (DT surround) Photo 2 - Super Six Roof sheeting Photo 3 - Domestic sheet vinyl flooring covering

 

Risk

NIR handheld analysers do not meet the requirements of work health and safety legislation in respect to identifying ACM. The handheld NIR is not an appropriate test method.

There is limited peer-reviewed scientific literature, from manufacturers of NIR handheld analysers or others, to validate claims that the NIR handheld analysers are unequivocal in identifying asbestos in a wide range of materials.

Risk control

The appropriate test method is by polarised light microscopy, including dispersion staining techniques in accordance with AS4964 (2004).

For more information

  • Testing requirements in Australia
  • Managing the risk of asbestos in imported products
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Queensland Government

  • Home
  • General information
    • What is asbestos?
    • How was asbestos used?
    • Are there health effects?
    • The risks of exposure
    • Health monitoring
    • Legislation and codes of practice
    • Low density asbestos fibre board
      • Low density board photo gallery
    • Asbestos contaminated dust or debris
    • Fires
    • Cleaning up after floods and storms
    • Importation prohibited
    • Government and agency roles
    • Asbestos in government assets
  • Know where asbestos is
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    • Asbestos products gallery
    • Vehicles and plant
    • Electrical switchboards and meters
    • Marblesheen pool coatings containing asbestos
    • Testing for asbestos
    • Asbestos registers for workplaces
    • Asbestos management plans
  • Removing or disturbing asbestos
    • Prohibited activities
    • Wearing protective equipment
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    • Asbestos removal work
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