Capabilities > Asbestos
Asbestos Identification & Testing
NATA accredited asbestos identification across bulk materials, soil, and air — for environmental consultants, construction professionals, and residential customers. Results within 2 business days; same-day turnaround available.
2 day
Standard turnaround
Same day
Available (surcharge applies)
NATA
Accredited — Sydney, Perth, Melbourne
Overview
Asbestos Identification Testing
Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction from the 1940s through to the 1980s, progressively phased out before a total ban on manufacture, import, and use took effect on 31 December 2003. Any building or structure built or refurbished before that date may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Because asbestos cannot be reliably identified by sight alone, laboratory analysis is the only definitive method of confirming its presence and identifying the fibre type. This matters both for regulatory compliance and for determining the appropriate removal and disposal pathway.
Important: Disturbing material suspected of containing asbestos without testing is a serious health and legal risk. If material looks friable, sprayed, or like loose insulation — do not sample it yourself. Contact a licensed asbestos assessor.
- Bulk material identification — fibre cement, vinyl tiles, insulation, pipe lagging, textured coatings
- Asbestos in soil — site assessment and contaminated land investigations
- Air monitoring — clearance testing post-removal, occupational exposure assessment
- Qualitative identification of all major fibre types by PLM and SEM
Fibre Types
The Three Main Asbestos Fibre Types
All three fibre types are classified as carcinogens. Laboratory identification tells you which type is present, which determines the removal classification and regulatory requirements.
White Asbestos
Chrysotile
The most commonly used asbestos fibre type, accounting for the majority of all asbestos used in Australia. Curly, flexible fibres. Found in cement sheeting, roofing, vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, gaskets, and friction materials.
Also found in: brake linings, clutch pads, sealants, Hardiflex, fibro
Brown Asbestos
Amosite
Straight, brittle fibres with very high heat resistance. Used extensively in thermal and acoustic insulation, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, and fireproofing materials. More hazardous than chrysotile when fibres are released.
Also found in: cement sheets, partition boards, asbestos insulating board (AIB)
Blue Asbestos
Crocidolite
Considered the most hazardous fibre type due to the needle-like shape and small diameter of its fibres, which penetrate deep into lung tissue. Used in spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, steam engine insulation, and cement products.
Historical use in Wittenoom, WA — the largest crocidolite mining operation in Australia
Bulk Material Identification
Bulk Material Asbestos Identification
Bulk material testing is the most common asbestos testing request — confirming whether a sample of building material contains asbestos before renovation, demolition, or disposal work commences. Results are required by licensed removalists and regulators, and are used to determine whether Class A or Class B removal procedures apply.
Analysis method: Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) is used as standard for bulk material identification. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is available where PLM is inconclusive or trace-level fibres require characterisation.
- Fibre cement sheeting (fibro, Hardiflex, Super Six)
- Corrugated roof and wall sheeting
- Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles and adhesive backing
- Pipe lagging and thermal insulation
- Ceiling tiles, soffit boards, eave lining
- Textured decorative coatings (Artex, Vermiculite)
- Mastic sealants, gaskets, rope seals
- Electrical switchboard backing (Zelemite)
Asbestos in Soil
Asbestos Identification in Soil & Fill
Asbestos-containing materials can be present in soil as demolition debris, illegal dumping, or historical use of fibrous materials as fill. The 2024 Sydney mulch contamination incident — which triggered the largest criminal investigation in NSW EPA history — highlighted just how widespread asbestos in fill and recycled material can be.
For site assessment, construction, and excavation projects, testing soil for asbestos is now standard practice under state-based contaminated land guidelines.
- Visual identification and qualitative analysis of ACM fragments in soil
- Chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite identification
- Suitable for site assessments, pre-construction investigations and regulatory submissions
- Tested in conjunction with full soil contamination assessment where required
Air Monitoring
Asbestos Air Monitoring
Air monitoring for asbestos fibres is required during and after removal works to confirm that airborne fibre concentrations are below regulatory clearance levels before an area is re-occupied. It is also used for ongoing occupational exposure assessment in environments where ACMs are present but undisturbed.
Note: Air monitoring for asbestos clearance must be conducted by a competent person per Safe Work Australia guidance. Contact us to discuss your monitoring program requirements.
- Clearance air monitoring post Class A and Class B removal
- Occupational exposure monitoring in buildings with known ACMs
- Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) for fibre counting
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for definitive fibre identification where required
- Results against workplace exposure standard (WES) — 0.1 fibres/mL (8-hour TWA)
Sampling Guide
How to Collect & Submit a Sample
For non-friable (bonded) bulk materials only — if the material looks loose, sprayed, or fibrous, do not sample it yourself. Engage a licensed asbestos assessor.
Not sure? If the material looks friable, sprayed-on, or like loose/fluffy insulation — do not sample it. These materials release fibres very easily and must be assessed by a licensed professional.
Protect yourself
Wear disposable gloves and a P2 respirator. Dampen the material with water to suppress any dust.
Take a small sample
Break off a thumbnail-sized piece using pliers (pad inside edges with a baby wipe). Don't create dust.
Seal the sample
Place in a sealable plastic bag, then a second bag. Seal the exposed edge of the sample with duct tape.
Label clearly
Label the bag with sample type (e.g. fibre cement) and location (e.g. garage wall). Match to your COC form.
Clean up
Wipe all tools with a wet paper towel or baby wipe. Place used wipes in a separate bag.
Send your sample
Send by courier or drop off to Sydney, Perth (MPL), or Melbourne labs with your completed COC form.
Results & Turnaround
Turnaround Times & Receiving Results
Results are delivered by email as a PDF report, detailing whether asbestos was detected, the fibre type identified, and the material description. For positive results, the report will specify the fibre type — Chrysotile, Amosite, or Crocidolite — which determines the applicable removal classification.
Payment: Visa and MasterCard accepted over the phone, or direct deposit. Results released on receipt of payment for non-account customers. Contact the Sydney lab on 02 9910 6200 or Perth (MPL) on 08 9317 2505.
2 days
Standard
Results within 2 business days of sample receipt.
No surcharge
Next day
Priority
Results by 6pm when sample received by 4pm the day prior.
50% surcharge
Same day
Urgent
Results in 4–5 hours. Sample must be received by 11am.
100% surcharge
Ready to submit a sample?
Contact our team to discuss your requirements, confirm the right sampling approach, and arrange COC documentation.