If you suspect a material contains asbestos, minimise disturbance as much as possible. Cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release dangerous fibres into the air.
Professional assessment
It is safest to engage a qualified professional to inspect and sample suspect materials. Only a NATA-accredited laboratory can confirm whether a material contains asbestos.
Some laboratories accept samples collected by the property owner. If you choose this option, carefully follow the lab’s safety instructions.
Professionals who can conduct asbestos assessments include:
- asbestos surveyors
- hazardous materials consultants
- occupational hygienists
- some building surveyors (with specific asbestos identification training).
What to expect
Talk with a professional to work out what you need. You may only need a sample or two collected and analysed.
If you’re planning renovation or demolition work, you’ll likely need a full asbestos survey of the affected areas, not just a single sample. This ensures nothing is missed before work begins. This survey report should cover:
- the identified ACMs
- their location, friability and condition
- what might disturb them
- recommendations for managing or removing them.
You can find out more about the survey process in the National Guide for Asbestos Surveys (PDF), developed by the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.
If asbestos is confirmed
If ACMs are likely to be disturbed by planned works, engage a licensed asbestos removalist. Friable ACMs require a Class A licensed removalist. Non-friable ACMs can be removed by a Class A or Class B licensed removalist.
If you’re unsure of your next steps, speak with an asbestos surveyor.
Find a surveyor
NATA-accredited surveyors and laboratories (Victoria)
The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists website also lists individual occupational hygienists who specialise in asbestos and fibres sampling in Victoria.
When you contact a professional, have this ready:
- The type of building (e.g. residential, commercial)
- Your location
- What the suspect material is (description – photos, if possible)
- Whether you’re planning any works, and the timeline