You wouldn’t know you’ve inhaled asbestos until you start feeling symptoms like shortness of breath and nonstop coughing, among others. That’s because asbestos fibres can only be seen through a high-powered microscope. Worse, you can’t tell by looking at a ceiling or wall if it’s an asbestos-containing material (ACM). Most ACMs have asbestos blended into the material, and the only way to check for asbestos is through meticulous testing.
As long-time experts in asbestos inspection and removal, Sydney Asbestos understands the pressing need to know whether or not your property has asbestos. We can help draw samples from parts of your house and work with a NATA accredited lab to analyse them using state-of-the-art equipment. Nothing says peace of mind like accurate results and, more importantly, informed decisions.
Contact us for a free comprehensive quote.
Wollongong Asbestos Testing Process
Our professional asbestos testing process begins with an on-site inspection. The inspection team includes an assessor who can determine asbestos-containing materials without sampling, which happens a lot often.
Samples are only required if the property underwent renovations between 1980 and 2000. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and using the correct sampling tool, we can derive samples as large as a 20-cent coin and put them in airtight bags. We take extra care not to overdo it, as it risks releasing too much friable asbestos fibres inside the property.
Once the samples are secure, we send them to a facility accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for laboratory analysis. One widely used method is polarised light microscopy, in which the sample’s crystal lattice structure is exposed to light rays to see how it reacts.
The results are usually released in 48 hours, but we can inform the lab if you want the results on the same day for extra cost. The cost of asbestos testing services depends on several factors, namely the size of the property and the testing method used.
Sydney Asbestos strives to offer quality for value, whether it’s inspection, testing, or asbestos abatement. We believe that you can’t put a price on safety when it comes to asbestos. It’s better to spend on asbestos testing services today to be sure than spend more later and be sorry.
On-Site Inspection
We send out an inspection team to look for asbestos in every nook and cranny of your property.
Taking Samples
The team then takes a few samples, no larger than 20-cent coins, and seals them in airtight bags.
Off to the Lab
The samples are then sent to a NATA-accredited lab for testing. Results will take about 48 hours.
Signs Your Property Needs Asbestos Testing
While it’s almost impossible to see if a part of your property has asbestos just by eyeballing it, some visible signs can suggest asbestos. When you see these signs, consider getting an asbestos test Wollongong property owners rely on.
Your best bet is if the property was constructed or underwent renovations before 1987, the year asbestos began being phased out in residential and commercial construction. Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it’s considered a health hazard, causing serious problems when its fibres are inhaled or ingested. If your property was built between 1990 and 2003, it won’t hurt to have us conduct an inspection to see if it contains traces of friable or non-friable asbestos.
Another visible sign is the popcorn ceiling, which used asbestos-laced cement back then. This design was a cost-effective way of sprucing up a room and hiding imperfections in the ceiling. Modern preferences favour smoother wall and ceiling faces, so the popcorn ceiling can indicate asbestos.
A rare sight can be manufacturer stamps indicating the product was made of asbestos. That said, hazardous building materials are rather difficult to see, let alone identify.
There are plenty of other signs, but no one can really be sure unless it undergoes professional asbestos testing and safe removal. Don’t leave this task to the naked eye or chance; benefit from our asbestos testing services to keep your loved ones and colleagues safe from asbestos exposure.
Why Choose Sydney Asbestos?
Realise that it’s asbestos not through symptoms but science. Choose Sydney Asbestos for your asbestos testing needs or other services.
Locally Owned and Operated
Our service area includes all of Sydney and some nearby places such as Wollongong.
Commercial and Residential Asbestos Removal
We’ve removed asbestos from homes, warehouses, and other commercial and residential properties.
Fully Trained Professionals
We’ve done removals for over a decade using the best practices prescribed by SafeWork NSW.
Class B Bonded Asbestos Removal licence
Our team members carry Class B bonded asbestos removal tickets, which require extensive training.
Public Liability Insurance $10M
We’re fully covered in case something goes wrong during asbestos removal that leads to harm or property damage.
Asbestos Testing, Removal, Waste Disposal, and Inspections
Asbestos management is a system – and we’re proud to do more than eliminate asbestos waste.
Give Sydney Asbestos a call at 1300 04 3366 to test your home or building for asbestos right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was asbestos widely used in residential buildings across Wollongong?
Asbestos was widely used across Australia until the 1980s because of its low cost and durability. Huge cities like Sydney and Wollongong saw rapid residential development over the decades due in no small part to access to asbestos.
What types of buildings in Wollongong may contain asbestos?
Any house or building built before the 1990s likely contains asbestos-containing materials. If you reside in one, it’s a good idea to request asbestos testing to avoid potential health risks.
Can I collect samples on my own?
We strongly advise against this, especially if you lack experience or the right tools to detect asbestos containing material. It doesn’t take much asbestos to wreak havoc on the human body once it’s inside. Contact our asbestos testing service instead to ensure your and your loved ones’ safety.
