Asbestos testing laboratory
In Airsafe’s state of the art laboratory, we analyse samples using:
- Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM)
- Dispersion Staining (DS) techniques
Our detailed testing process involves highly specialised equipment such as a Polarised Light Microscope. Here is a simplified summary of the process we use to test samples for asbestos:
- Sample treatment (if required) to release or isolate fibres
- Mounting of representative fibres on microscope slides
- Identification of different fibrous components using Polarised Light Microscopy
If no asbestos is identified during this process, we undertake additional searches for small asbestos fibres on random sub-samples of a few milligrams.
Airsafe’s procedure represents the most up-to-date, rigorous and reliable method of testing for asbestos. As a result, our asbestos testing laboratory is fully accredited by NATA, the National Association of Testing Authorities.
NATA Accreditation details
Airsafe is a NATA accredited public testing service (Accreditation No: 2959). Our accreditation covers the following:
- 7.82 Workplace environment and hazards
- .01 Asbestos fibre counting
- Estimation of airborne asbestos fibres by the membrane filter method described in the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Guidance Note (2005) and in-house method AS 101
- .31 Asbestos fibre identification
- Qualitative identification in bulk sampleslisted as determination(s) by technique(s) using method(s)Amosite; chrysotile; crocidolite; organic fibres; synthetic mineral fibres by polarised light microscopy (including dispersion staining) using AS 4964 and in-house AS 102
- .81 Volume measurement (air)
- For tests under 7.82.01
- .01 Asbestos fibre counting
- 7.84 Residues and contaminants in constituents of the environment
- .31 Asbestos
- Qualitative Identification of asbestos in soilslisted as determination(s) by technique(s) using method(s)Amosite; chrysotile; crocidolite; organic fibres; synthetic mineral fibres by polarised light microscopy (including dispersion staining) using AS 4964 and in-house AS 102
- .31 Asbestos
Asbestos identification requires laboratory analysis
Asbestos identification is a matter for professionals. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to identify asbestos with the naked eye, so we can’t tell you over the phone whether something is or isn’t asbestos.
Instead, a sample of the suspicious material needs to be examined in a NATA accredited laboratory like Airsafe’s. We use advanced asbestos identification techniques such as polarized light microscopy and dispersion staining to reach a definitive answer. If we do identify a sample as containing asbestos, we can also give you advice about what to do next.
