Asbestos Testing · Hobart

Asbestos Testing and Sampling in Hobart

Not sure if it's asbestos? Treat it as if it is until it's tested.

You can't tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Many older building products look identical whether they contain asbestos or not. The only way to know for sure is to have a sample tested by a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), and samples should be collected by a competent person. We can connect you with a licensed local removalist for professional sampling, testing and advice before a renovation, demolition, repair, purchase or sale.

Request advice online Call 0480 850 303

Local context

Could Your Hobart Property Contain Asbestos?

WorkSafe Tasmania advises that if a house, garage, shed or commercial building was built or renovated before the 1990s, it probably contains some form of asbestos. Asbestos was banned nationally from 31 December 2003. Common places include fibro wall and ceiling sheets, eaves, roofing, fencing, wet-area linings behind tiles, vinyl floor coverings and their backing, textured ceilings, pipe lagging, old heaters, flues and hot water units, electrical meter boards, and garage and shed linings.

Timing

When Should You Get Asbestos Testing?

Testing is a smart first step before you replace old cladding, remove eaves, repair a roof, install solar, demolish a shed, pull up old flooring, cut or drill wall sheeting, or disturb insulation or pipe lagging. It's also worth considering before buying, selling or leasing an older property, after storm damage, and before inviting other tradespeople to work in an area where you suspect asbestos.

What to expect

What to Expect From the Testing Process

A safe, professional testing process should never leave you guessing.

Who will take the sample
How the area will be protected while it's collected
Which NATA-accredited laboratory it's going to
How long results usually take, and what format they'll come in
What happens next if asbestos is found

If it's positive

What If Your Asbestos Test Is Positive?

A positive result doesn't automatically mean the asbestos must come out straight away. Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed generally poses a low risk. The right next step depends on the material's condition, where it is, and what work you're planning.

If removal is needed, Tasmania law sets clear rules. In Tasmania, a Class A asbestos removal licence is required to remove any amount of friable asbestos. A Class A or Class B licence is required to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos.

In Tasmania, less than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos can be removed without a licence, but the work must follow the How to Safely Remove Asbestos code of practice. Anything larger, and any friable asbestos, must be removed by a licensed removalist. Even for small jobs, WorkSafe Tasmania recommends getting professional advice first.

Please Don't Take Samples Yourself — breaking off a piece of suspected asbestos can release fibres and create the very risk you're trying to avoid. Unless you've had professional advice and are permitted to do so, leave sampling to a competent professional. The goal of testing is to reduce disturbance, not add to it.

Businesses & landlords

Information for Businesses and Landlords

If you manage a workplace built before 31 December 2003, Tasmania work health and safety laws require asbestos to be identified and recorded in an asbestos register. Landlords and property managers also benefit from knowing where asbestos is, so tenants are protected and tradespeople can be briefed before maintenance work.

Modern commercial office building exterior

Resources

Trusted Tasmania Asbestos Resources

For independent information, visit WorkSafe Tasmania (worksafe.tas.gov.au), EPA Tasmania for waste rules, and your local council for disposal information. You can find a NATA-accredited laboratory through the NATA website.