Asbestos testing and inspections

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Asbestos cement sheeting looks much like modern fibre cement. The only way to know is to have a sample analysed by a laboratory. Queensland's guide for home renovators points owners to laboratories through the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) (Asbestos: a guide for minor renovation (opens in a new tab)).

When testing makes sense

• before renovating, drilling, cutting or demolishing anything in a pre-1990 home (QBCC (opens in a new tab))
• before buying an older property you plan to renovate
• when sheeting, eaves or a fence is cracked or damaged
• when you've found floor coverings with a backing layer. The state guide warns that some older vinyl sheet flooring had a friable asbestos backing, which only a Class A licensed removalist may remove (guide (opens in a new tab))

What a good inspection includes

• a walk-through of likely locations: eaves, wall and ceiling sheeting, wet-area backing boards, roofs, fences, sheds and floor coverings
• samples taken safely, with the area wetted and sealed afterwards
• analysis by a NATA-accredited laboratory
• a written report saying what was found, whether it's bonded or friable, its condition, and a recommendation (leave it and manage it, seal it, or remove it)

The state guide also suggests considering leaving asbestos in good condition undisturbed, or painting or sealing it, rather than removing it (guide (opens in a new tab)).

What it might cost

hipages' cost guide says laboratories charge about $25 – $200 per sample, depending on turnaround, and that an inspection report covering several samples could cost around $950 (hipages (opens in a new tab)). These are national figures. Get a local quote.

Questions to ask

1. Will samples go to a NATA-accredited laboratory?
2. How many samples will you take, and how fast are results?
3. Will the report say bonded or friable, and give a recommendation?
4. If removal is needed, what licence class do you hold?