You can’t tell by looking
The only way to be certain that something contains asbestos is to have a sample tested in a laboratory. SafeWork NSW says all asbestos testing should be done by a facility accredited by NATA, the National Association of Testing Authorities (SafeWork NSW). Until the result comes back, treat the material as asbestos.
Who takes the sample
SafeWork NSW strongly recommends that a licensed professional collects samples of suspected asbestos (SafeWork NSW). Central Coast Council’s policy warns that it can be unsafe for an unqualified person to take a sample (Central Coast Council).
Two groups of people can test samples: occupational hygienists and licensed asbestos assessors. The result should be on a certificate of analysis endorsed by NATA (asbestos.nsw.gov.au).
Inspections before you renovate or buy
A licensed asbestos assessor can inspect a property and give you a report, get samples tested, monitor the air for asbestos fibres, and do clearance inspections and certificates after removal (asbestos.nsw.gov.au). Make sure an inspection includes the underfloor and roof spaces, and that the report shows where any asbestos is and what condition it’s in (asbestos.nsw.gov.au).
Central Coast Council’s policy calls an inspection highly advisable before major renovations to buildings with materials from before 2004. As a general rule, it says a house built before the mid-1980s is highly likely to contain asbestos products, and one built between the mid-1980s and 1990 is likely to (Central Coast Council).
Clearance certificates and air monitoring
A clearance inspection is required when any licensed asbestos removal finishes, before the area is used again. The person who does it must be independent of the removal work, so the business that removed the asbestos can’t clear its own job (SafeWork NSW).
- Friable asbestos: air monitoring and the clearance certificate need a licensed asbestos assessor, independent of the removal.
- Bonded (non-friable) asbestos: the clearance certificate can come from a competent person or an asbestos assessor.
Who we connect you with
With your permission, we pass your enquiry to one local business that does asbestos inspections and testing. That may be an asbestos removalist that also tests. If you’d rather have an independent asbestos assessor, with no part in any removal, tell us and we’ll look for one.
Ask the business that calls you which licence it holds, if any. SafeWork NSW publishes a list of licensed asbestos assessors (asbestos.nsw.gov.au).
Loose-fill insulation
If you think there’s loose-fill asbestos in the ceiling, don’t go into the ceiling space. Contact a licensed asbestos assessor (NSW EPA). Homes confirmed to have it are on the NSW Government’s register, which you can search by address. The register page notes that a home that isn’t listed isn’t necessarily free of it.
