Asbestos Testing in Adelaide
Clear scope and one fixed written price before work starts.
SafeWork SA licensed. We'll be in touch within 30 minutes.
The short answer
A NATA accredited lab test is the only way to confirm asbestos.
We take the sample safely, seal it and send it to the lab.
Lab testing is around $105 for one sample,
or around $76 a sample for 2 to 10 samples, inc GST.
Guide only, inc GST. Your firm price is set in writing once we have seen the job.
About asbestos testing in Adelaide
Testing answers one question: is there asbestos in this piece of material.
It is the right first step when you have one sheet,
one floor or one patch of ceiling you need to touch.
We wet the spot, take a small piece, seal it twice and patch the hole.
The result comes back in writing so you can plan the reno,
the sale or the removal.
Lab test, inspection and clearance compared
Lab test
- Question it answers
- Is this material asbestos?
- When
- Before you cut, drill or remove one thing
- Who does it
- We sample, a NATA accredited lab analyses
- What you get
- Lab result per sample
- Guide price, inc GST
- Around $105 for one sample, around $76 each for 2 to 10
Guide only, inc GST. Your firm price is set in writing once we have seen the job.
Inspection
- Question it answers
- Where is asbestos likely in this home, and what state is it in?
- When
- Before buying, renovating or planning work
- Who does it
- We walk the property and write the report
- What you get
- Written report with condition and priorities
- Guide price, inc GST
- Quoted on site
Clearance
- Question it answers
- Is the area fit to use again after removal?
- When
- After removal, before anyone reoccupies
- Who does it
- Someone independent of the removal crew
- What you get
- Clearance certificate
- Guide price, inc GST
- Quoted on site
Guide only, inc GST. Your firm price is set in writing once we have seen the job.
How we do testing work
- 1
Tell us what and where
A quick description is enough to plan the visit.
- 2
Safe sampling
The spot is wetted, a small piece taken and the hole sealed.
- 3
NATA accredited lab
The sample is analysed by a NATA accredited lab.
- 4
Plain result
You get the result in writing and we explain what it means for your plans.
The asbestos rules in South Australia
When your home was built
Built or renovated before the mid-1980s: asbestos products highly likely.
Mid-1980s to 1990: likely. After 1990: unlikely but not guaranteed.
Only a NATA accredited lab test confirms it.
The 10 m² line
A contractor without a licence can only remove 10 m² or less of bonded
asbestos per project, and cannot split a job to get under it.
Friable asbestos always needs a Class A removalist.
SA guidance says homeowners working on their own home do not legally need a
licence, but strongly recommends a licensed removalist.
Class A or Class B
Bonded asbestos is set firm in cement sheeting.
Friable asbestos crumbles by hand. Class A covers friable and bonded asbestos.
Class B covers bonded only.
Licensed work means more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos,
or any friable asbestos.
Air monitoring for Class B too
In South Australia an independent licensed asbestos assessor must do air
monitoring before and during licensed removal,
for Class A and Class B work alike. That is stricter than some other states.
What moves the price
Show the 4 price factors
- How many samples you need
- How many rooms or buildings
- Whether you need a full inspection report instead
- Roof or subfloor access
How it works, start to finish
One fixed quote, with independent air monitoring and clearance for licensed removal.
Quick chat. Tell us what you found and we tell you straight if it can wait.
Testing if needed. A small sealed sample goes to a NATA accredited lab for a clear answer.
Fixed quote. One written price for the work, the wrapping and the disposal.
Neighbours told. We let next door know what is happening, when, and for how long.
SafeWork SA notified. For licensed removal, SafeWork SA hears from us at least 5 days before work starts.
Independent air monitoring. An independent licensed assessor checks the air before and during licensed removal.
Removal. The area is sealed, sheets come out whole and damp, then double wrapped.
Independent clearance. Someone independent checks the area before anyone uses it again.
Waste to a licensed facility. Wrapped waste goes to a licensed facility and you keep the paperwork.
Testing: your questions
Can you tell from a photo?
No one can, honestly.
Asbestos cement and later fibre cement sheets can look the same.
A photo helps us plan, but only a lab test confirms it.
Can I take the sample myself?
We do not recommend it.
Breaking off a piece is exactly the kind of disturbance you are trying to
avoid. We wet, sample and seal the spot properly.
How many samples do I need?
One for each different material.
A ceiling, a wall and the lino under the kitchen floor are three samples,
priced at around $76 each.
Guide only, inc GST. Your firm price is set in writing once we have seen the job.
Is this lino or underlay asbestos?
It might be, and you cannot tell by looking.
Vinyl backing and underlay are on the SA list of common places for asbestos in
older homes. Leave it down, do not sand or scrape it, and get a sample tested.
A NATA accredited lab test is the only thing that confirms it.
How likely is asbestos in a home my age?
Homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s are highly likely to contain
asbestos products. Mid-1980s to 1990, likely.
After 1990, unlikely but not guaranteed.
Only a NATA accredited lab test confirms it.
I'm buying an older home. What does Form 1 tell me?
Less than many buyers expect.
The Form 1 vendor statement is not an asbestos survey.
The Form R3 buyer's information notice flags asbestos as a possible risk in
older homes. If the home was built or renovated before the mid-1980s,
asbestos products are highly likely,
so an inspection before you commit is a sensible step.
Request an asbestos quote
We will be in touch within 30 minutes. If it can wait, we will say so.
If it should not be touched, we will tell you what to do in the meantime.
Then we do the job ourselves, start to finish.
- No photo upload needed. Just describe it.
- Your details are used only to answer you.