Can Your Insulation Installer Recognize Asbestos?

We have had many reports that most home insulation installers are not properly trained to recognize asbestos, or other harmful materials that are often in ceiling spaces. As a result, they may be exposing themselves and the home occupiers to potentially deadly dust and fibres.

Loose asbestos fibres were pumped into the ceiling spaces of thousands of homes during the 60’s and 70’s. A couple of our members even worked for one of the companies that installed it and have a pretty good idea where it is still likely to be found. Other forms of asbestos containing ceiling insulation were also popular and any product installed before the 1980’s should be considered a risk.

This is the most dangerous form of asbestos and should not be disturbed under any circumstances, unless it is being removed by a suitably qualified asbestos removalist.

The fibres can clearly be seen in this close up.

We have done a little of our own research and are concerned that even some of the reputable companies are not providing enough information to their employees about how to identify asbestos and other harmful products.

Old synthetic mineral fibre (glasswool or rockwall) “batts” can also release dangerous fibres and should only be removed by trained personnel. We have been informed that some installers are being instructed to remove and dispose of any old insulation they encounter, while others are simply installing new insulation over the top of the old.

We suggest that the safest course of action is to assume that your installer is NOT adequately trained. Ask them not to enter your ceiling if they can see any old material or even excessive dust. Get a suitably qualified professional to take a sample and identify the material before you allow any work to occur in your ceiling, or the dust created may be deadly to you and the people who are doing the job.