Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It includes fibre types such as chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos), commonly used in construction materials for roofing, floor tiles, and insulation due to its fire-resistant and soundproofing abilities. Its versatility made it a staple in the building industry until the late 20th century.

However, the discovery of health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including serious lung conditions and cancers like mesothelioma, led to a re-evaluation of its safety. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause long-term health issues, making asbestos particularly dangerous in environments where fibres can become airborne.

In response to these health concerns, countries around the world, including Australia, initiated bans on the use, import, and manufacturing of asbestos from the early 1980s. In Australia specifically, a ban on the import and use of amphibole asbestos was introduce in 1985, with the total ban of all asbestos fibres being introduced in 2003. Despite these bans, the presence of asbestos remains in many older properties built before the 1990s, posing ongoing risks during renovations or demolitions.

This context underscores the critical need for asbestos testing, a service provided by Identifibre. Asbestos testing helps to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings, guiding homeowners and professionals in taking necessary precautions or removal actions. Identifibre’s asbestos testing and risk assessment services ensure that any management or remediation work is conducted safely, minimising health risks for occupants and workers and adhering to regulatory standards.

Sample Collection: Identifibre have experienced asbestos hygiene consultants who will carefully collect samples from materials suspected of containing asbestos. This step is expertly managed to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the environment.

Packaging and Transportation: The collected samples are then securely packaged to avoid any contamination, labelled appropriately and are transported directly to the Identifibre NATA accredited laboratory for testing.

Laboratory Analysis: The Identifibre asbestos testing laboratory meets the high standards of the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and ensures that there are no third party laboratories required. Fast and accurate sample analysis is performed using polarised light microscopy (PLM) supplemented with dispersion staining (DS) techniques, in accordance with AS4964-2004.

Interpreting Results: The outcome of the analysis is a report detailing the findings of the samples collected. The report will clearly outline the fibre types should they be present within the sample.

Should the asbestos testing determine there to be asbestos present in the sample, Identifibre can assist further with an asbestos survey and risk assessment, which provides an extensive report commenting on the condition of the material and recommendations for removal, remediation or management.

Additionally, Identifibre can conduct air monitoring during asbestos removal and a provide subsequent clearance certificate.

For most materials we offer three turnaround times to suit all budget and time restraints:

• Same day turnaround – $132.00
• Next day turnaround – $99.00
• Standard turnaround (up to 5 working days) – $77.00

Sample analysis for dust and soil is only available as a standard turnaround:

• Dust standard turnaround – $99.00
• Soil and mulch standard turnaround – $143.00

*Prices are per sample, include GST and all reporting.

A small sample is all that is required for analysis of most materials, approximately the size of a 20c piece.  However, asbestos is not 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.