Asbestos Testing

WARNING: Asbestos is a hazardous material. Never sand, drill, saw, or break up suspect materials. If you are unsure or can't sample without creating dust, stop and contact us for professional help.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Sampling Kit and Area

Before you begin, make sure:

- No one else is in the room or immediate area

- Any fans or air conditioning are switched off

- You’re working on a calm day if outdoors (avoid wind)

You’ll need:

- P2 or N95 mask

- Nitrile or rubber gloves

- Pliers or strong tweezers

- Two resealable ziplock bags per sample

- Permanent marker

- Wet wipes or damp rags

- Disposable coveralls (recommended)

- Plastic drop sheet (optional)

- Duct tape or waterproof sealant

Step 2: Collect the Sample

1. Put on PPE – mask first, then gloves and coveralls.

2. Lightly dampen the material with a spray bottle or damp rag.

3. Choose a spot:

- At a damaged edge

- Along a crack or penetration

- Behind a tile (if accessible)

4. Use pliers to remove a thumbnail-sized piece (no larger than a 20–50 cent coin).

5. Place it in a ziplock bag. Seal it.

6. Place that bag into a second ziplock bag (double bag).

7. Write the sample number and location clearly on the outer bag: e.g. Sample 1 – Kitchen wall behind tiles

8. Wipe the surrounding area with a damp cloth or wet wipes.

9. Cover the sampled area with duct tape or sealant to prevent fibre release.

Step 3 – Clean Up and Package for Mailing

- Dispose of gloves, wipes, and drop sheet into a labelled asbestos waste bag if available, or seal in two plastic bags.

- Clean tools with a damp cloth.

- Remove mask last and wash your hands.

Asbestos Safety is important and we need to have regard for the people handling your samples. While handling packaged asbestos samples is safe, we must consider optics and best practice when sending samples or when delivering them to Reception staff.

Samples that are received loose in an envelope, addressed incorrectly, in transparent bags or with the word 'Asbestos' written on the outside may not be analysed.

1. All samples must be individually placed in a ziplock plastic bag (e.g. sandwich bag) and sealed

2. All bagged samples must be placed in another ziplock plastic bag and sealed

3. The double bagged samples must be placed in a plain, windowless envelope with our business name and address on the front (as above)

4. The word asbestos or asbestos sample should not appear on the outside packaging anywhere

5. If mailing samples you must use Express Post and ensure the samples are additionally no greater than 1kg. If sending samples of insulation through the post, please take the additional precaution of placing these samples in a small cardboard box for sending or wedge between cardboard layers with tape.

Should the above criteria not be met, Confluence Environmental will not analyse any samples forwarded for analysis

You are permitted to send small quantities of potentially asbestos containing material through the mail for testing purposes provided you take the precautions listed in Safe Shipment and Handling of Asbestos

Provided you can meet all the above, please send the package to:

Confluence Environmental Pty Ltd

PO Box 88

TOUKLEY NSW 2263

And ensure you have included the Chain of Custody or your contact details inside the envelope.