Asbestos Testing Laboratory
Asbestos Testing, Bulk & Fibre Counting Analysis
Fibresafe NZ Ltd is committed to the quality, accuracy, safety and timeliness of our expert analytical and consultancy services. It is our primary aim to satisfy the technical expectations and requirements of our customers and to deliver our asbestos testing services in a timely and effective manner.
Our experts can test and analyse asbestos bulk materials and air monitoring samples to determine asbestos content at our onsite laboratory. Sampling for asbestos can pose a risk. Some tips and general information is provided below, however please contact us if you would like additional information or guidance. An analysis request form can also be downloaded here.
How to Submit Samples
- Complete a Chain of Custody form. You can download one here.
- Ensure all samples are double bagged and clearly labelled.
- Post your samples to us at Level 1, 69 Cuba Street, Petone, Lower Hutt 5012
- Come and see us during normal business hours Monday to Friday (our lab is open until 6pm)
- Use the after hours dropbox at any other time
Pricing
$72.00 per bulk asbestos sample
$138.00 per urgent bulk asbestos sample
$165.00 for a qualified asbestos surveyor to take an asbestos sample for you. Additional samples cost $72.00 each.
Pricing includes GST
Commercial clients are invited to contact us for further information about rates. Additional rates apply for urgent samples.
Chain of Custody
When submitting samples for asbestos testing, please download and complete our Chain of Custody form.
- Make sure all samples are double bagged using ziplock bags or similar
- Ensure all individual samples are clearly labelled and correspond to the information in the Chain of Custody form.
- Read the Terms & Conditions before submitting samples.
Turnaround Times
Typical turn around time for asbestos testing is 1-2 working days dependent on laboratory workload. Samples submitted with urgent priority (surcharges applicable) are prioritised and analysed as soon as possible, however no guaranteed timeframe is able to be provided.
Terms & Conditions
Please see our terms and conditions for lab analysis. You can download these below.
Taking Asbestos Samples
Not all potential asbestos-containing materials need to be taken by a specialist asbestos surveyor. If you feel comfortable taking the sample yourself just make sure you stay safe while doing so. Fibresafe NZ also conduct sampling and surveying as a service, click here for more information.
- Wear a face mask (P2 or P3 filter)
- Double bag all samples
- Wipe down all tools before sampling, and also wipe down tools and surfaces with wet wipes after sampling
- Dispose of wipes as asbestos waste
- Do not vacuum or sweep (use wipes instead)
Textured Ceilings & Walls
Because of the way that textured or decorative ceilings were originally applied, some areas may contain asbestos while others don’t. To ensure a clear result 3 to 5 different areas of a room should be scraped into to single sample bag.
- Put down a drop sheet to collect any dropped bits
- Wet each sample point with a misting spray before sampling
- Gently scrape about three thumbnails of material into a sample bag
- Encapsulate or seal sample points with paint or sealant
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl Flooring is often made with layers and can contain asbestos in three different product matrixes. Asbestos can be present in the top side of the vinyl that we walk on, it can also be present as backing paper underneath, or even the glue. So it’s important to get right down to the ground beneath. While the top layer is usually a low risk material, the paper backing beneath is high risk if asbestos is present, so ensure you wear a respirator.
- Wet the sample point with a misting spray before taking the sample
- Use a sharp knife or chisel to cut a thumbnail sized sample
- Get right down all the way to the floor and include the glue if you can.
- If there is paper backing or glue present, get that in the sample bag.
- Sample different looking vinyl flooring separately
- Encapsulate or seal the sample point with paint or sealant
Cement Products
Cement products on houses built before 2000 can contain asbestos. Often these materials can be found used for house soffits, claddings, window panels, gable ends, roofing sheets and internal wall linings.
- Wet the sample point with a misting spray before taking the sample
- Use a chisel or flathead pliers (like glass pliers), or use a wet wipe with serrated pliers, to put a piece at least the size of a thumbnail into a sample bag
- Encapsulate or seal the sample point with paint or a sealant
Air Sampling & Fibre Counting
Air sampling requires specialist equipment and specific requirements must be met in order for fibre counting to be conducted. The laboratory undertakes air sampling and analysis in accordance with the Australian National Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s ‘Guidance note on the membrane filter method for estimating airborne asbestos fibres’ (NOHSC 3003:2005). The membrane filter method is the most widely used technique in assessing airborne respirable fibre in New Zealand. The testing involves sampling a known volume of air using as calibrated pump, with any airborne fibre collected captured by a membrane filter. The filter is then examined in the laboratory using a microscope, and the number of fibres present on the filter counted (hence the term ‘fibre-counting’). This allows us to estimate the concentration of fibres present in the air during the sampling period.
Contact us for further information if you require air testing or for further guidance.
Click here for more information about interpreting your asbestos results.
Disposing of Asbestos Waste
Remember that all asbestos containing materials must be disposed of as asbestos waste in New Zealand. This includes any wipes, coveralls, disposable masks and disposable coveralls. If you have wet wipes you’d like to be disposed of, bring them in along with your samples in a separate ziplock bag and we will dispose of them for you.
