Asbestos Cement Products (Pipes, Flues, and Roofs)

Exhibiting traits of electrical non-conductivity, waterproofing, and fire resistance, asbestos cement has historically graced industrial and domestic roofing and walls. Furthermore, it can be found as panels encircling flue pipes in boiler systems, air conditioning units, and ventilation systems.

Asbestos Fibre Cement Material (Resembling Plasterboard)

Recognized as Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) or by its trade name, "Asbestolux," this material bears a familiar resemblance to typical plasterboard. Its porous nature and relative softness pose a challenge in to differentiate from non-asbestos products. Prudence is paramount during renovations or construction endeavours involving AIB, as these undertakings can potentially release asbestos fibres into the environment.

Lagging on Heating Systems (Pipes, Ovens, and Boilers)

Asbestos, revered for its heat insulating and fire-resistant attributes, was embraced in heating systems, encompassing boilers, fireplaces, ovens, and related apparatus. The insulation and lagging employed in these heating mechanisms may contain asbestos.

Water Tanks and Toilet Cisterns

Time-weathered constructions may house asbestos within toilet seats, cisterns (tanks), and bath panels, owing to its adeptness in water storage.

Asbestos Electrical Insulation Boards

In the domain of electrical insulation, asbestos's fireproof and non-conductive traits rendered it a favoured choice. Zelemite backing in electrical switchboards, emblematic of its heat and fire resistance, bears testament to its utility.

Loose Asbestos in Ceiling and Wall Cavities

Loose insulation resembling cotton candy conceals the latent menace of asbestos. The act of disturbing such materials can unleash a torrent of airborne fibres, requiring vigilance in its handling.

Sprayed Coatings on Ceilings, Walls, Beams, and Columns

Asbestos-infused spray coatings, celebrated for their fire-retardant qualities, found haven in roof underlays, floor and ceiling voids, and structures like columns and beams.

Textured Decorative Coatings (Vermiculite and Artex)

Ships and structures alike embraced asbestos-laden plaster, hailing its fireproof and heat-resistant properties. The creative sphere witnessed its deployment in 'spray-on' Vermiculite and Artex, lending decorative allure to walls and ceilings.

Floor Tiles

Asbestos interwove itself into various flooring materials, including vinyl (PVC) or thermoplastic tiles. The adhesive and backing of vinyl flooring can harbor asbestos, necessitating caution during renovations or modifications.

Paper Products, Cloth, and Bituminous Products

Asbestos's fire-resistant nature rendered it indispensable in fire blankets, bituminous products, and cloth. Table pads, gloves, heat and electrical insulation, and underlying materials encapsulate its multifaceted utility.

Mastics, Sealants, Rope Seals, Gaskets, and Millboard

Asbestos-fused mastic sealants served as adept gap-fillers and waterproofing agents. While generally low risk in good condition, disturbing aged or deteriorated sealants carries the potential for asbestos fibre release.

Water Tanks

Asbestos's innate waterproofing qualities led to its incorporation in water storage tanks. Additionally, rainwater products, including roofs and downpipes, can inadvertently introduce asbestos fibres into rainwater tanks when disturbed.

Windows and Doors

Window putty and infill panels above doors and windows are potential reservoirs of asbestos-containing materials.

Rainwater Products

External features like guttering and downpipes might incorporate asbestos cement.

Roofing

'Super Six,' flat, and patterned corrugated asbestos cement roof sheeting were fixtures in homes, garages, and sheds. Asbestos insulating board (AIB), fibro, and hardiflex were commonly used for ceiling tiles, eaves, soffit boards, and verandah ceilings.

Insulation

Although infrequent, roof cavity insulation or roof felt might contain asbestos. Panelling for vertical and horizontal beams could also be fashioned from asbestos-containing materials.

Decorative Features

Textured decorative coatings, such as "Artex," may conceal asbestos. Additionally, asbestos might be present in older paints to enhance fire resistance.

Heating

Asbestos resides within wood heaters, concealed beneath the sheeting, insulation, and seals (rope) within the heater's doors. Fireplaces might also feature asbestos-containing cement panels.

Backyard Structures

Garden sheds, greenhouses, garages, carports, outside toilets, pools, ponds, dog kennels, and letterboxes could harbor asbestos-containing materials, such as wall sheeting or cover strips.

Electrical Switchboards

Asbestos, particularly "Zelemite," was employed as backing within electrical switchboards due to its remarkable heat and fire resistance. Wiring insulation or internal lining might also feature asbestos textiles.

Bathroom and Laundry

"Versilux" sheeting, a commonly used material, may encompass bathroom, toilet, and laundry walls and ceilings. Asbestos might also reside in bath or shower recesses, toilet cisterns, floor tiles, and even older ironing board covers.

Living Areas

Asbestos may manifest in lamp sockets, "Versilux" wall and ceiling sheeting, textured ceilings, wall paint, vinyl flooring, and underlays within living spaces.

Kitchen and Dining Areas

Asbestos-containing materials could be integrated into cement walls, "Versilux" walls, splashbacks, ceiling sheeting, and door seals of vintage ovens. Additionally, vinyl floor tiles, backing, and insulation surrounding hot water pipes may contain asbestos.

Flooring

Both vinyl sheeting and its adhesive, integral to flooring, could comprise asbestos materials.

1. Personal Protection

Prioritize safety by wearing disposable gloves and a P2 respirator. These protective measures create a barrier against potential asbestos exposure.

2. Material Moistening

Sprinkle or dampen the material you suspect contains asbestos. This minimizes the risk of airborne asbestos fibres during sample collection.

3. Tool Precautions

When employing tools like pliers, a prudent approach involves placing a baby wipe inside to shield textured or ribbed areas. This precaution prevents sample remnants from lodging within these recesses.

4. Sample Size

Extract a small thumbnail-sized sample from the material in question. This modest size provides adequate material for analysis while minimizing potential hazards.

5. Sealing in Layers

Carefully position the extracted sample within a resealable polythene bag, such as a sandwich bag. Then, place this bag into a second sealable bag for added security.

6. Accurate Labelling

Attach a clearly labelled tag to the bag, specifying the sample type (e.g., fibre cement) and its location (e.g., ceiling tiles or fireboards). Consistency between this label and the Chain of Custody (COC) is crucial for precise identification.

7. Chain of Custody (COC)

Align sample labelling with the COC. A completed COC must accompany your samples to our laboratory, facilitating prompt commencement of testing with accurate test requirements, identifications, and pertinent details.

8. Edge Sealing

Seal the exposed edge of the sample designated for asbestos testing using duct tape or paint. This safeguards against inadvertent fibre release during transportation and handling.

9. Tool Cleansing

Thoroughly cleanse any tools utilized using damp paper towels or baby wipes. These tools should be placed within a separate bag, separate from the sampled material.

10. Dispatching Samples

Employ a courier service for mailing your double-bagged samples. Alternatively, you can personally deliver the samples to our MPL Laboratories office locations or laboratories. This ensures the samples reach us intact and ready for meticulous analysis.

Please contact our team for further information and to discuss our sample testing services.

1 Sample

• Standard (2 Working Days): $146.30
• Urgent (1 Working Day): $180.95
• Same Day (4-5 hours): $215.60

2 Samples

• Standard (2 Working Days): $215.60
• Urgent (1 Working Day): $284.90
• Same Day (4-5 hours): $354.20

3 Samples

• Standard (2 Working Days): $284.90
• Urgent (1 Working Day): $388.85
• Same Day (4-5 hours): $492.80

4 Samples

• Standard (2 Working Days): $354.20
• Urgent (1 Working Day): $492.80
• Same Day (4-5 hours): $631.40

(All prices listed are GST Inclusive)

Payment Options

Over the Phone:
Payment can be made using Visa or MasterCard. Alternatively, you can direct deposit from your cheque or savings account.
For those directing samples to our Perth Laboratory, dial +61 8 9317 2505.
Meanwhile, samples destined for our Sydney Laboratory can call +61 2 9910 6200 for phone payments.

Cheque by Mail:
Send your double-bagged sample alongside a cheque payment of $146.30, inclusive of GST.

Discounts

We offer discounted rates when bundling multiple samples within a test job or individual brief. A detailed breakdown of these benefits is available in the table above.

Ensuring Secure Transactions

As a testament to our commitment to integrity and transparency, make all cheques payable to:
MPL Laboratories

For samples bound for the Perth Laboratory, send your cheque and sample to:
16-18 Hayden Court, Myaree Perth WA 6154.

Meanwhile, samples going to the Sydney Laboratory should be accompanied by your cheque and dispatched to:
12 Ashley Street, Chatswood, Sydney NSW 2067.

Please contact us at any time if you have any questions about sampling techniques, delivery methods or payments.

Sending Samples

After selecting your payment option, send your double-bagged sample(s) by courier or alternatively bring it to us at one of our NATA approved asbestos testing laboratories listed below:

Perth Laboratory
16-18 Hayden Court, Myaree, Perth WA 6154

Sydney Laboratory
12 Ashley Street, Chatswood, Sydney NSW 2067

Receiving Results

Your results will be reported and provided to you within 2 business days!

Urgent Circumstances

If your job is urgent or required for emergency service purposes, please contact us if you wish to have the results earlier than the standard 2 business day terms.

Accelerated Turnaround: Conditions Apply

Same-day result reporting is available subject to a 100% surcharge. To enable this option, ensure your sample reaches us by 11 am. Same day result delivery is still typically 4-5 hours.

Next-day results are available at a 50% surcharge, providing results by 6pm provided the samples were provided by 4pm the day before.

Results

Following the testing process you will receive your results in a PDF document via email, noting whether or not asbestos is present in the sample.

Final Payments

If there is any outstanding balance owing you will be provided with an invoice.

Positive Results

In cases where asbestos is identified in your sample, details concerning the specific type of asbestos detected during testing will be provided. We will also provide you with additional information on what your asbestos samples may mean.

For further information please contact our team at any time.

What Exactly is Asbestos?

Asbestos, a versatile material, was once widely used in the construction industry, especially in commercial and residential buildings pre-1985. Its popularity lay in durability, heat resistance, insulation, and affordability. However, asbestos is now classed as a carcinogenic substance, potentially causing health issues if inhaled in substantial quantities.

What Are the Health Ramifications?

Asbestos exposure could lead to asbestosis (permanent lung scarring), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer affecting lung and abdomen linings). Health effects might incubate over years, with treatment options varying and some ailments lacking cures.

What's the Cost of Testing?

Asbestos analysis starts at $146.30 (GST incl.) for a single sample. You'll enjoy a discount for additional samples submitted with your initial or standalone sample. For more pricing details, please refer to our pricing table.

What Will My Results Tell Me?

Your sample report will provide the test date, material dimensions or weight, and a description. The key point to be highlighted is whether asbestos is present or not. If it is, the report will specify the type of asbestos.

'No Asbestos Detected': What Does this result mean?

A report detailing ‘No Asbestos Detected’ means that no asbestos was found during the analysis of the sample.

'Amosite Asbestos Detected': What does this result mean?

Amosite asbestos (brown asbestos) was uncovered in your sample. This type found its way into various constructions, from fireproofing materials to insulation products.

Amosite has been used in cement sheets, pipe insulation and fire resistance in thermal insulation products, such as ceiling tiles.

'Chrysotile Asbestos Detected': What does this result mean?

Chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) was found during the analysis. It was once used in friction materials like brake pads and insulation but is no longer employed in contemporary products.

'Crocidolite Asbestos Detected': What does this result mean?

Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is present in your sample. Known for exceptional heat resistance, it was utilized in steam engine insulation and coatings, along with pipe insulation.

Positive Detection: What's Next?

In the event of a positive result (asbestos detected), turn to your state's regulatory bodies for advice on your subsequent steps. Feel free to reach out to us with queries—we're here to assist!