Why test?
SafeWork NSW says the only way to be certain something contains asbestos is to have a sample tested in a laboratory, and to treat suspect material as asbestos until results say otherwise. Dubbo and Wellington have many post-war fibro cottages, and fibro and asbestos-cement products were common on farms across the region until the late 1980s.
Who should take the sample
SafeWork NSW strongly recommends using a licensed professional to collect samples. Breaking off a piece yourself can release fibres. A licensed asbestos assessor or other competent person will wet the area, take a small sample, seal it and patch the spot.
NATA-accredited laboratories
SafeWork NSW says all asbestos testing should be done by a facility accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). NATA accreditation is formal recognition that a lab produces reliable results. Ask whoever takes your sample which lab they use and how long results take.
When an inspection makes sense
- Before you renovate: bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, eaves and wall linings in older homes.
- Before you buy: to understand what's in a house, shed or rental.
- Before demolition: asbestos has to be identified and removed first.
- Workplaces and rentals: asbestos registers and management plans.
- After storm, hail or fire damage: damaged bonded asbestos can become friable.
- Farm sheds and homesteads: before reroofing, demolishing or selling.
Clearance after removal
SafeWork NSW requires a clearance inspection after all licensed asbestos removal work, before the area is reoccupied. For friable asbestos removal, an independent licensed asbestos assessor must do air monitoring and issue the clearance certificate. For bonded (non-friable) removal, the clearance certificate can come from a competent person or an assessor.
Get a testing or inspection quote
Tell us what you've found, roughly how much, and whether it's damaged. We pass it to one licensed asbestos business that services Dubbo, and they contact you to quote. It's free and there's no obligation. Some businesses test only, others test and remove. Tell us which you need. Request a quote.
Where this information comes from
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.