Same day ‘on the spot’ asbestos testing available for most materials
Asbestos in Homes
Asbestos fibres were widely used in building materials before the mid 1980s.
Some houses built in the 1990s and early 2000s may have been constructed with asbestos materials until the total ban on any activity involving asbestos products became effective from December 2003.
Some modern imported building materials have also been found to contain asbestos.
As a general rule, if your house was built:
- before the mid-1980s – it is highly likely that it has asbestos containing products
- between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s – it is possible that it has asbestos containing products
- after mid-1990s – it is unlikely that it has asbestos containing products
Same day ‘on the spot’ asbestos testing available for most materials
Asbestos Testing
If you suspect or are concerned a material may contain asbestos, don’t take the risk! Stop work and get the material tested for the presence of asbestos.
Confirmation of asbestos can only be made with scientific testing. Identifibre is a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited asbestos testing laboratory with an experienced team of analysts who endeavour to provide fast results based on budget and time restraints.
Identifibre makes this process easy:
Bring It
Bring the sample/s, separately double bagged & labelled in sealed zip lock bags, into our office during business hours.
Street Address:
Identifibre Pty Ltd
67 Atherton Road,
Oakleigh VIC 3166
Post It
Complete the testing form & post the sample/s, separately double bagged & labelled in sealed zip lock bags.
Postal Address:
Identifibre Pty Ltd
67 Atherton Road,
Oakleigh VIC 3166
Collect It
Contact our office to arrange for a consultant to collect the sample/s from your work site or house (sample collection fee applies).
Phone Number:
(03) 9563 2957
A small sample is all that is required for analysis of most materials, approximately the size of a 20c piece, however asbestos isn’t evenly distributed in vinyl tiles so to get an accurate result a larger sample of approximately 10x10cm or the size of a business card is required.
For analysis of a soil or mulch sample, it is required that the sample does not exceed 150g in weight.
Asbestos Testing Form
Home Renovations & DIY
Approximately one third of all homes built in Australia contain asbestos products.
Asbestos containing materials that are in good condition are unlikely to release asbestos fibres if left undisturbed, in these circumstances you can paint seal and leave them untouched.
However, if you are thinking about renovating, an awareness of asbestos in your home is a must. It is important for home owners and renovators to understand the potential health risks of asbestos and the safety precautions required before renovating a house that may contain asbestos.
Never use high pressure or power tools on asbestos materials as they will make asbestos fibres airborne.
The Occupational Health & Safety Regulations only apply to workplaces. Where asbestos removal is being done by a person in their own home, the Regulations do not apply because it is not a workplace. However, removing asbestos safely can be a complicated process. All asbestos material must be disposed at a landfill or waste disposal site approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not all landfill sites accept asbestos. To minimise any risks associated with asbestos, it is best carried out by licensed professionals who have completed relevant training.
Did you know…?
Testing and removal of asbestos from your investment property or your home, if it is also a place of business, could be tax deductible.
Common Asbestos Containing Materials in Houses

Asbestos cement sheeting
Asbestos cement sheeting
Asbestos cement sheeting
Asbestos cement sheeting
Asbestos cement sheeting
Asbestos cement sheeting
Corrugated asbestos cement sheeting
Corrugated asbestos cement sheeting
Corrugated asbestos cement sheeting
Fibrous cement pipe
Fibrous cement pipe
Laminated cement sheet
Laminated cement sheet
Vinyl coverings
Vinyl coverings
Vinyl coverings
Vinyl coverings
Zelemite electrical board/millboard
Zelemite electrical board/millboard
Mastic sealant
Mastic sealant
Mastic sealant
Mastic sealant

More Information
The Australian Government Department of Health through the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee have developed a brochure with detailed information for householders and the general public. The brochure is comprehensive and easy to read.