Mairin OHS&E Consulting

15/10/2025

07/10/2025

29/09/2025

What ‘truths’ have you been taught about Asbestos?

Some samples were dropped into our lab recently. While I was chatting with the client, he made a passing comment:
“Those two probably are asbestos, but that one is woodgrain Hardiplank, so it won’t be.”
I had to explain that woodgrain Hardiplank definitely can contain asbestos — and sure enough, testing confirmed his sample did contain Chrysotile asbestos.

This incident reminded me just how common it is for people to have mistaken beliefs about which products do or don’t contain asbestos.

When I first entered the industry - more than 30 years ago now - I was told by a consultant that pink cement sheet didn’t contain asbestos. “They made it pink so you’d know it’s safe,” he said.
Fast-forward 20 years, and a different consultant told me the exact opposite. He was taught that “All pink cement sheet contains asbestos.”

As an analyst, I now know both of those statements were wrong.

Another common myth — “If the cement sheet pulls apart in distinct layers, it’s not asbestos.”

Well, I currently have a sample (used for training purposes) on my desk that pulled apart just like that. Nice distinct layers - and it contains Chrysotile asbestos.

The lesson is simple: Don’t rely on assumptions.

Not everything you’ve been told may be accurate. And even if someone makes a confident claim about a material, ask where the evidence is. What ‘gospel truths’ about asbestos have you been told that you later found were wrong?

When it comes to asbestos, the only safe route is to get it tested. Preconceived notions can lead to real exposures - and real harm.

Stay safe. Test first.

08/09/2025

Do you recognise what’s in the photo? I know it’s a couple of leaves, but do you know what is on them? It’s asbestos debris.

Yes, someone has done it again. Down on the Mornington Peninsula, someone decided to get their roof cleaned and hired a contractor to use a high-pressure water cleaner to blast off all the lichen, moss and dirt.

Most corrugated asbestos cement roofs are over 70 years old. The exposed surface is usually very soft and chalky. Taking a pressure washer to them will blast all that loose asbestos all over the place.
That is exactly what has happened in this case. Contamination has gone through an open window into the house. Asbestos debris was found all over the yard. It has also been spread to neighbouring properties, including cars parked next door.

Now the big cleanup has to commence. It will require an A-Class Licenced Asbestos Removalist and a lot of work to make the area safe again. Unfortunately, it will be a costly exercise.

When it comes to cleaning corrugated asbestos cement roofs – DON’T. Realistically, there is no effective way to clean them and restore their surface integrity. They have far exceeded their nominal 30-year life span and should be replaced.

If you’re not sure whether a material contains asbestos, get it tested first. Always seek professional advice before doing any work on older building materials. Keep yourself, and others, safe when working with asbestos.

22/08/2025

Hey everyone - we are still looking

Mairin OHS&E Consulting are looking for someone to join our team as a part time Payroll/Administration/Office All Rounder
Established in 2006, Mairin OHS&E Consulting is an occupational health, safety and environmental consultancy specialising in asbestos management. We currently operate the only NATA accredited Asbestos Laboratory in Gippsland.
We are currently looking for an experienced person to take control of our payroll related activities along with general office administration duties.
Your key duties will be related to Payroll and tax reporting, therefore you need to be experienced and proficient with:
• Single Touch Payroll
• Superannuation payments through the SBSCH system
• Monthly IAS and BAS preparation and lodgement
• Payroll tax reporting and payment
Your role will also be to provide valuable support to the consulting staff and to assist in all required office duties to help ensure that nothing is forgotten when it gets busy. You will be undertaking such duties as:
• General office duties and filing
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Organising training courses
• Assisting with Quality Assurance activities
The role is a permanent part time position with some flexibility required in setting your working hours. Must be available on Mondays or Tuesdays (or spread the hours over both days). To be suitable for this role you will need excellent communication and organisational skills and be willing to work hard. You must be proficient in Microsoft Office products and Reckon Accounts.
This is a great opportunity to join a friendly, professional team. We offer a professional working environment and culture. If you feel you are the right person for the job, then let us know. We would welcome the chance to review your application and talk to you.
Applications detailing your experience, qualifications and the names of referees should be submitted by 30 September 2025 to:
General Manager
Mairin OHS&E Consulting
18-20 Kirk Street
Moe, Vic. 3825
Or email to [email protected]

11/08/2025

Mairin OHS&E Consulting are looking for someone to join our team as a part time Payroll/Administration/Office All Rounder

Established in 2006, Mairin OHS&E Consulting is an occupational health, safety and environmental consultancy specialising in asbestos management. We currently operate the only NATA accredited Asbestos Laboratory in Gippsland.

We are currently looking for an experienced person to take control of our payroll related activities along with general office administration duties.

Your key duties will be related to Payroll and tax reporting, therefore you need to be experienced and proficient with:
• Single Touch Payroll
• Superannuation payments through the SBSCH system
• Monthly IAS and BAS preparation and lodgement
• Payroll tax reporting and payment

Your role will also be to provide valuable support to the consulting staff and to assist in all required office duties to help ensure that nothing is forgotten when it gets busy. You will be undertaking such duties as:
• General office duties and filing
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Organising training courses
• Assisting with Quality Assurance activities

The role is a permanent part time position with some flexibility required in setting your working hours. Must be available on Mondays or Tuesdays (or spread the hours over both days). To be suitable for this role you will need excellent communication and organisational skills and be willing to work hard. You must be proficient in Microsoft Office products and Reckon Accounts.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly, professional team. We offer a professional working environment and culture. If you feel you are the right person for the job, then let us know. We would welcome the chance to review your application and talk to you.

Applications detailing your experience, qualifications and the names of referees should be submitted by 30 September 2025 to:

General Manager
Mairin OHS&E Consulting
18-20 Kirk Street
Moe, Vic. 3825

Or email to [email protected]

16/02/2024

⚠️ Asbestos could be lurking in your home!⚠️😳
If you’re not sure about the materials on your property, ask the Asbestos Professionals at Mairin OHS&E Consulting! 🤝
It’s better safe than sorry!
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14/02/2024

Hello everyone! Our emails are back online and working well! Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!