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:

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:

Need expert advice?

Need air monitoring for asbestos removal, a clearance certificate, or a fibre count? We deliver rapid, compliant results — with practical advice you can trust.

Call 0493 042 642 or drop us an enquiry below to speak with an asbestos assessor today.

Three Confluence Environmental employees discuss plans to undertake an asbestos register of a commercial building in NSW

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.