Air Monitoring, Fibre Counting & Asbestos Analysis
Asbestos air monitoring and fibre counting to protect health, meet legal requirements, and support safe project delivery.
When Air Monitoring Is Required
You must conduct air monitoring if:
You are removing friable asbestos (Class A)
There is significant risk of fibre release during bonded (non-friable) removal
It is requested by a client, principal contractor, or WHS officer
Clearance is required after asbestos enclosure removal or remediation
You are managing complaints, workplace concerns, or EPA requests
All monitoring must be performed by an independent licensed asbestos assessor and comply with NOHSC:3003(2005) and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Our Services – Air Monitoring, Identification & Reporting You Can Trust
1. Asbestos Air Monitoring (Static & Personal)
We conduct all types of air monitoring using calibrated pumps, filters, and approved flow rates:
Control monitoring – during removal work to assess airborne fibre levels
Background monitoring – before works commence
Clearance monitoring – post-removal to confirm area is safe for reoccupation
Exposure (personal) monitoring – worker exposure assessment in line with WHS regulations
Real-time site attendance and same-day clearance certificates where required
We use NATA-accredited laboratories and prepare results in accordance with NOHSC:3003 and SafeWork NSW standards.
2. Fibre Counting – Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)
Fibre counting is used to quantify the concentration of respirable fibres (e.g. asbestos) in air samples:
Analysis by trained counters under NATA-accredited laboratory conditions
Results reported in fibres per millilitre (f/mL)
Suitable for WHS assessments, Class A removal works, and complaint investigation
Ideal for validating dust suppression or enclosure performance
3. Sample Identification – Asbestos & Mineral Fibre Analysis
Need to confirm if a material contains asbestos?
We offer bulk sample analysis with fast turnaround and clear documentation:
Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) with dispersion staining
Identification of chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, and other fibres
Ideal for ceiling tiles, insulation, pipe lagging, adhesives, fire doors, etc.
Fixed-price lab analysis + optional onsite sample collection
We also provide lead, silica, and dust identification testing on request.
What You Receive
Every job includes:
Pre-start briefing and compliance check (SWMS, flow rate logs)
Chain of custody and sampling field records
Laboratory reports from NATA-accredited facility
Asbestos Clearance Certificate, where applicable
Advice on re-entry, reoccupation, and further controls (if needed)
Who We Support
We regularly assist:
Builders and demolition crews
Property managers and facility owners
Schools, government, and health facilities
Councils and insurers managing contamination events
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
Licensed asbestos assessors and experienced consultants
Fast response and same-day air clearance certificates
NATA-accredited analysis and expert interpretation
Fixed-fee pricing, simple reports, and on-site flexibility
Trusted across NSW for quality, speed, and compliance
Where We Work
We provide air monitoring, fibre counting, and asbestos testing services across:
South Coast, Mid North Coast, and regional NSW
Need expert advice?
Call 0493 042 642 or drop us an enquiry below to speak with an asbestos assessor today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Air Monitoring, Fibre Counting & Asbestos Identification
Q: When is asbestos air monitoring required in NSW?
Air monitoring is legally required during:
Class A (friable) asbestos removal
Any asbestos work where there is a risk of airborne fibre release
Post-removal, to determine whether a site is safe for reoccupation
Situations involving asbestos complaints, dust concerns, or WHS directives
SafeWork NSW and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 require that air monitoring be conducted by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.
Q: What is fibre counting and why is it important?
Fibre counting is the process of measuring airborne fibres (usually asbestos) collected on filters during air monitoring. It is done using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) and reported in fibres per millilitre (f/mL).
Fibre counts help:
Confirm compliance with exposure standards
Validate enclosure integrity and dust controls
Support clearance decisions after asbestos removal
Only trained counters in NATA-accredited laboratories should conduct fibre counting.
Q: What is clearance air monitoring?
Clearance monitoring is conducted after asbestos removal, particularly friable asbestos, to:
Confirm that airborne fibre levels are below regulatory limits
Allow the area to be reoccupied or handed over safely
Provide a legally recognised Asbestos Clearance Certificate
This monitoring must be performed by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.
Q: How long does it take to get air monitoring results?
Most results are available within 24 hours, and same-day clearance certificates can be issued where needed. This may depend on:
Number of samples collected
Site location and access
Lab capacity and analysis type (e.g. PCM vs SEM)
We prioritise fast turnaround for projects with tight handover timelines.
Q: Can you identify asbestos from a sample of material or dust?
Yes. We offer asbestos identification testing for:
Bulk building materials (e.g. ceiling tiles, fibro sheeting, insulation)
Dust samples (e.g. vacuumed or wiped)
Soil fragments or suspected buried waste
Samples are analysed via Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM), with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) available where needed for complex matrices or low concentrations.
Q: Who can issue an asbestos clearance certificate in NSW?
Only a licensed asbestos assessor can issue an asbestos clearance certificate after friable removal works or in high-risk situations. The certificate confirms:
That the area has passed clearance air monitoring
That no visible asbestos-containing material remains
That the area is safe to reoccupy or hand over
Confluence Environmental provides same-day certification for compliant projects across NSW.