Asbestos Samples and Testing

Asbestos sampling and asbestos testing according to the current legislation is not mandatory, how without testing any suspect asbestos materials must be assumed to contain asbestos and treated accordingly.   

Sampling and analysis of suspect asbestos material is the only way to verify the presence of asbestos.  It is important to sample all suspect material and have it analysed.

Samples should be taken of all suspect asbestos material, especially any friable materials.  Whatever method is used, it is important that a representative sample be taken.  Any change in the appearance, texture or colour of the material will necessitate additional samples being taken.  For multi-storey buildings, at least one sample should be taken per floor.  Samples taken should be adequately labeled for follow-up action.  For example, the name and location of the sampled material, date of sampling and a batch identification number should be recorded.

Analysis

Once obtained, the asbestos samples need to be analysed.  Three methods for identifying asbestos currently exist: Polarised light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Electron Microscopy (EM).  The PLM method is preferred.

It is important that the asbestos analysis be performed by a NATA accredited laboratory to ensure accurate results.  False results could lead to expensive abatement actions or allow an existing risk to remain.

• Sampling and analysis of the suspect asbestos material is the only acceptable method of identifying the presence or absence of asbestos, i.e. air monitoring to determine the presence of asbestos is not acceptable by itself.  Suspect material should be treated as if it contains asbestos, until the results of the analysis are available and prove otherwise.

DIY Asbestos Sampling

If you are about to embark on any type of restoration or just feel uneasy about a certain material and you want to be 100% positive that the material you are working with is Asbestos free, QBM offers you a solution. While all workplaces must have an Asbestos Audit, residential properties do not. STOP - before you start drilling that hole in the baby’s room, check to make sure the wall you are drilling into is Asbestos Free.    

All we require is a piece no smaller than the size of a 10 cent coin and we will ensure that your sample is tested to the Australia Standards.  So you can rest assured that whatever item you provide for sampling has been properly identified of any Asbestos content.

What you need to do:

1. Scrape a small sample of no more than the size of a 10 cent coin.
2. Seal the surface of where you have taken a sample. (pva or glue or paint )
3. Place the sample in a plastic snap lock bag then seal the bag closed, then place the bag into another snap lock bag, as all suspect material should be double bagged.
4. Mail it to QBM, PO Box 1474 Capalaba DC 4157
5. Ensure to enclose your name and contact details
6. Once we have received the sample, we will be in contact with you.
7. Once samples have been paid for, they will be analysed and you will be notified by email or phone and the sample analysis will be sent to you.