Asbestos Testing and Inspection in Melbourne
Testing is the reliable way to find out whether a material contains asbestos. We arrange sampling, laboratory analysis and written reports for Melbourne homes and businesses.
WorkSafe Victoria-approved removalists · Free on-site quotes · Clearance certificates arranged
When testing makes sense
Homes built or renovated before 1990 may contain asbestos in the roofing, fencing, wall linings, eaves or floor coverings. If you only need an answer on one material, our asbestos check is the quickest route. For a survey of the whole property, see our asbestos assessment page.
You cannot confirm asbestos by looking at it, and a wrong guess in either direction is costly. A lab result removes the doubt.
Before renovating
Cutting, drilling or sanding an older wall, ceiling, floor or eave can release fibres. Test first and plan around the result.
Before buying or selling
A result tells buyers what is there and in what condition, and gives sellers a clear answer to the question.
Damaged or suspect material
If something is cracked, crumbling or storm damaged, leave it alone and have it tested before anyone works nearby.
After removal
A clearance inspection confirms the area is safe to reoccupy. It is carried out independently of the removalist.
How sampling works
A competent person attends in suitable protective equipment, dampens the spot to keep dust down and takes a small piece of the material with as little disturbance as possible.
The sample is sealed and labelled, the area is wiped clean and the sample goes to a NATA-accredited laboratory. Laboratories report whether asbestos is present and which type.
Turnaround depends on the laboratory. For example, Identifibre lists standard, next day and same day options, and Greenlight Services in Moorabbin offers testing as well. See our asbestos testing cost guide for those fees.
You receive a written report showing where each sample came from, its condition and the result. Keep it with your property records, because tradespeople and future buyers will ask for it.
Who does what
Bonded material is commonly sampled by a competent person using safe handling methods. Where material may be friable, such as sprayed coatings or pipe lagging, bring in specialists from the start.
In Victoria, a clearance certificate is issued by an independent competent person, for example an occupational hygienist. On domestic jobs the licence holder arranges it for you.
Our Victorian regulations guide covers the rules in plain English.
Testing or clearance?
Asbestos testing
Done before removal or during a purchase. Suspect materials are sampled and a lab report confirms what they are, which then shapes the scope of removal.
Clearance inspection
Done after removal by an independent competent person. They inspect the work area and confirm it is safe to reoccupy before anyone goes back in.
Price guide
Costs cover the visit, the laboratory and the written report. Guide prices include GST, and we confirm the scope and total before you commit.
| Service | Price guide (inc GST) |
|---|---|
| Laboratory analysis | From $77 per sample Prices are a guide only and depend on size, access and condition. Your free on-site quote gives you a fixed price before any work starts. |
| Sample collection visit | From $150 Prices are a guide only and depend on size, access and condition. Your free on-site quote gives you a fixed price before any work starts. |
| Inspection and written report | From $300 Prices are a guide only and depend on size, access and condition. Your free on-site quote gives you a fixed price before any work starts. |
| Independent clearance | Quoted on site, included in every removal quote Prices are a guide only and depend on size, access and condition. Your free on-site quote gives you a fixed price before any work starts. |
For laboratory fees by turnaround, see our testing cost guide, or browse the full cost guide.
Free on-site quote
Tell us about the job and we'll be in touch within 30 mins.
How it works, step by step
Send us your details.
Share as much or as little as you like. Photos of the material help us quote faster.
We'll be in touch within 30 mins.
A quick call or text to say hello and confirm a few details.
We book a site visit.
A licensed removalist looks at the material and measures up, so your quote reflects the real job.
You receive a written quote.
One fixed price that includes removal, disposal and independent clearance. No surprise extras.
Say yes when you're ready.
There is no pressure. Take the time you need to compare and ask questions.
Removal day.
Your removalist notifies WorkSafe Victoria before work starts, then removes the material with wet methods and leaves the area clean.
Quick. Simple. Done.
The waste is wrapped, transported and taken to an EPA Victoria-authorised facility, and your clearance certificate is arranged where required.
Common questions
Ready to arrange a free on-site quote?
Tell us what you need checked or removed. We'll be in touch within 30 mins.