Asbestos
Asbestos analysis of building materials, air filters and soil.
Terra Scientific offer asbestos testing services, including identification, fibre counting, and soil testing to ensure your compliance with regulations. Our expert team prioritises accuracy, efficiency, and timely results to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
Asbestos Identification
Products that require testing for asbestos are commonly referred to as “Bulk Samples” or “ACMs” (Asbestos Containing Materials). Bulk samples refer to “manufactured or processed products, including solid and dust matrices, or naturally occurring materials such as ores and soils” (AS4964-2004).
Asbestos bulk material testing is an essential step in identifying the presence of asbestos in buildings and structures. The process involves collecting samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos and analysing them in an accredited laboratory.
Terra Scientific are IANZ accredited for the analysis of bulk materials in accordance with the AS4964- 2004 Method for the qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk samples.
Asbestos Fibre Counting
“Airborne asbestos fibres are generated by the mechanical disintegration of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and subsequent dispersion of fibres into the air from activities such as mining, use, removal and disposal of asbestos fibres and ACM. Airborne dust has the potential to contain respirable asbestos fibres.” Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres 2nd Edition, 2005
Asbestos fibre counting is an essential process used to determine the levels of asbestos fibres present in the air. It involves collecting air samples using an air monitoring pump and filter cassette, which captures airborne asbestos fibres. The samples are then analysed by a certified asbestos laboratory to determine the concentration of asbestos fibres present in the air.
Terra Scientific are IANZ accredited for the analysis of asbestos filters in accordance with Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
Asbestos in Soil
The presence of asbestos in soil can pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to test for asbestos in soil before any construction or excavation activities are undertaken. Terra Scientific offer both semi-quantification and presence/absence analysis for asbestos in soil matrices.
Semi Quantification
In conjunction with the AS4964-2004, the New Zealand Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Asbestos in Soil (2017) is also adhered to when undertaking asbestos soil analysis. Semi-quantification calculations are outside Terra Scientific’s scope of IANZ accreditation.
Analysis in accordance with the Western Australian Guidelines can be undertaken at the client’s request.
Presence/ Absence (P/A)
Presence/ absence analysis of soils are IANZ accredited in accordance with AS4964- 2004 Method for the qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk samples.