Asbestos in Materials, Soil, Dust & Air

Finding it. Measuring it. Documenting it correctly.

Before asbestos can be managed, it must first be found – and found correctly.

The consequences of missing ACMs during a building survey, underestimating the extent of asbestos contamination in soil, or failing to monitor air quality during removal activities can be severe: regulatory penalties for the duty holder, health impacts for workers and building occupants, project delays and costly remediation of preventable fibre releases. OHMS Hazmat applies rigorous, standards-aligned survey and monitoring methodologies to give clients an accurate picture of asbestos presence and condition across their assets.

All asbestos identification surveys conducted by OHMS Hazmat are carried out in accordance with the relevant WHS legislation, the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces and the BOHS proficiency module IP402 framework for surveying and sampling strategies. Our consultants hold, or are working toward, the BOHS IP402 qualification. All bulk material samples are analysed by a NATA-accredited laboratory and our clients receive results through both a formal written report and – where applicable – RED OHMS Group’s online data portal, which provides real-time access to survey data and photographic records.

For fibre air monitoring, OHMS Hazmat follows the membrane filter method described in the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres (NOHSC:3003) and the relevant Australian standards. Our hygienists are experienced in conducting background air monitoring prior to removal works, clearance air monitoring following completion and ongoing monitoring during disturbance activities – providing the data required to demonstrate regulatory compliance and protect worker and community health.

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Capabilities

Comprehensive inspection of buildings and structures for the presence of ACMs, including visual identification, sampling of suspected materials and delivery of a formal asbestos survey report and register. Management surveys assess the condition of in-situ ACMs and their risk of disturbance; refurbishment/demolition surveys are more invasive to identify all ACMs likely to be disturbed by planned works.

Pre-works asbestos inspections required under Australian Standard AS2601 (Demolition of Structures) and WHS Regulations before any refurbishment or demolition activity that may disturb ACMs. Includes destructive investigation where required to access concealed materials. Essential for council development applications and principal contractor obligations.

Periodic reinspection of previously surveyed and registered ACMs to reassess their condition, update risk ratings and ensure that the asbestos register and management plan remain current and accurate. Typically required every three to five years, or following any disturbance, damage, or change in use of the affected area.

Personal and static air monitoring for airborne asbestos fibres using the membrane filter method with phase contrast microscopy (PCM) analysis and, where required for specific fibre types, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Conducted before, during and after removal activities; during ongoing maintenance or disturbance work; and as part of clearance assessments.

Understanding the Survey Types

Not all asbestos surveys are the same – and selecting the wrong survey type for your circumstances is a costly mistake.

A management survey is appropriate for buildings and structures in normal use, where the goal is to identify and assess the condition of ACMs likely to be disturbed during routine maintenance and to manage them safely in place. A refurbishment or demolition survey is required whenever structural or major maintenance work is planned – it is more intrusive, often involving removal of tiles, ceiling panels and other finishes to expose concealed materials that would not be accessible during a standard management survey.

For asbestos in soil, dust and debris – including asbestos-contaminated soil (ACS) and asbestos-containing dust or debris (ACD) – the survey methodology differs again. OHMS Hazmat follows the WA Department of Health Guidelines for the Assessment, Remediation and Management of Asbestos-Contaminated Sites, which provide a risk-based framework for characterising soil contamination and determining appropriate management or remediation responses. Our environmental scientists work alongside our hazmat specialists to provide an integrated service for sites where both asbestos contamination and other environmental liabilities are present.

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FAQs

A management survey is designed for buildings in normal use and identifies ACMs accessible under normal operating conditions that could be disturbed by routine maintenance, installed systems work, or minor refurbishment. A refurbishment or demolition survey is required before any significant refurbishment or demolition work and involves a more intrusive inspection – including access to concealed voids, above ceilings and beneath flooring – to identify all ACMs that could be disturbed by the planned works. Buildings constructed before 1 January 2004 must have a refurbishment/demolition survey completed before any work is carried out that could disturb the fabric of the building.

Standard phase contrast microscopy (PCM) fibre counts by a NATA-accredited laboratory typically provide results within one to three business days. For clearance decisions where time is critical, same-day or next-morning turnaround is available from some accredited laboratories. OHMS Hazmat coordinates laboratory submissions to align with your project schedule and can advise on turnaround options when booking monitoring services.

ACD refers to dust or debris that has settled within a workplace or residential property and has been identified as, or assumed to contain, asbestos fibres. It typically results from the deterioration or disturbance of ACMs within the building – from friable ceiling insulation, deteriorated pipe lagging, or damaged textured coatings. ACD poses an inhalation risk to occupants and requires assessment, containment and decontamination by competent persons. OHMS Hazmat conducts ACD assessments, prepares decontamination plans and coordinates licensed removal and clearance of affected areas.