asbestos checks on vehicles

foibles

Member
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511
hi everyone - on face value - yes, this seems an absurd question, but I need to locate a specialist who is able to perform vehicle assessments to determine the presence / absence of asbestos (brakes, heat shield, clutch) for vehicles that are of an 80's vintage.

If anyone has any leads - would be greatly appreciated.

Rationale - I want to import a mid-80's car from UK to Aus. My government has imposed incredibly stringent regulations re asbestos in vehicles. only rigorous testing by an accredited specialist will suffice...
 

Phil H

Member
Messages
4,107
I think that's a big ask; leaving aside the work involved in removing such components for inspection, how would the assessor determine and certify the actual content of them? You would probably end up with a report that's so full of caveats that it would be worthless.

Assuming that it's financially viable to do so, would it be acceptable to your authorities if key items (clutch plate/brake materials/heat shields) were replaced with modern asbestos-free items prior to shipment, ensuring that the changes are fully documented and you have receipts from the vendor to prove?

PH
 

Scaf

Member
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6,512
I would start with a company that does buildings and go from there.
and or fit new brakes and clutch fitted that can be certified as asbestos free and certified as being fitted.
Heat shields are normally metal aren’t they ?

Good luck
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
As Scaf says, there are plenty of very good value companies out there who will be able to advise. There methodology will be that any materials they suspect to contain asbestos will need to be sampled and tested in a lab.

When they look for asbestos in buildings and relevant materials they will either suggest where there is a risk or take samples. Where the asbestos is not friable they would normally just suggest encapsulation and labelling, for cars they will most likely just suggest that they are changed for items free of the stuff. The clutch is the big problem because it will require the removal of the friction plate at which point you are better off just getting it re-lined with asbestos free.
 

Phil H

Member
Messages
4,107
Having just looked at the Australian requirements for asbestos-free imports, and having read a few Oz forum threads, I think you would need to consider only a very special and valuable vehicle to make it worth the hassle.

If you're determined though, you might be able to get advice from professional vehicle shippers who will no doubt understand the problems you face.

PH