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Laboratory testing for soil and air samples is a critical step in confirming the presence of asbestos containing materials on site. But results can be difficult to interpret without a clear understanding of Western Australian regulations and the science involved.
At West Soil & Water, our consultants use their expertise to conduct investigations, interpret laboratory testing and explain your options in clear terms. From there, we develop robust asbestos remediation plans and engage commercial removal specialists.
This article outlines what laboratory reports reveal and how WSW can help you interpret them. For more information or to arrange an investigation, get in touch.
If you are investigating possible asbestos containing materials on your site, laboratory analysis will provide objective evidence of their presence in soil, dust and air. Results from these assessments reveal:
The presence or absence of asbestos
Whether it is friable or non-friable
Potential exposure risks
Suitable avenues for regulatory reporting and remediation planning
NOTE: Laboratory results should not be interpreted in isolation. They should be understood alongside site history, investigation findings and intended uses for the land.
At WSW, our consultants test asbestos samples in NATA accredited laboratories, providing thorough reports that detail:
Our reports will state clearly whether asbestos fibres were detected in the sample. However, an inspection confirming asbestos does not necessarily mean remediation or removal are required – it simply indicates that further assessment is needed to understand the nature of the risk.
Secondly, your report will identify the type of asbestos. While all types are hazardous, different varieties release into the environment and different rates and require different management actions. WA sites are most commonly exposed to chrysotile (white) and amphibole asbestos.
Reports will provide guidance as to whether asbestos, particularly in soils, is friable (easily crumbled) or non-friable (bound within a solid matrix). Friable fragments generally present a higher risk of airborne fibre release and will require immediate remediation.
When interpreting tests of soil samples, our consultants consider:
The distribution of asbestos across sampling locations
Whether contamination is isolated or widespread
The likelihood of disturbance during construction or earthworks
If asbestos fragments or fibres are indeed present with soils, lab results must be factored into any development or soil disturbance planning.
Air monitoring identifies airborne fibre concentrations. This testing is critical, as airborne fibres are directly linked to human health risk. Our team use air sample results to:
Establish background fibre levels
Monitor works involving asbestos disturbance
Confirm clearance following remediation
Should results exceed legal thresholds, immediate control measures, work stoppages and additional remediation may be required to prevent exposure.
To be effective, asbestos investigations must take a holistic view of the project. Laboratory results alone do not confirm the safety and compliance of a site and interpreting them must account for:
How asbestos is distributed across the site
Whether fibres are likely to become airborne
Current and future land use
Regulatory expectations under WA legislation
Additionally, interpretation must consider the limitations of testing itself:
The LOR is the lowest concentration of asbestos that laboratory methods can reliably measure. A result below LOR does not always mean that asbestos is absent, only that its concentration is below that threshold.
This is an important distinction for sites with sensitive land uses. If you are developing a residential or public open space, a concentration below the LOR could still pose exposure risks.
Some reports refer to trace asbestos: fibres observed at concentrations only marginally higher than the LOR. While these may not trigger immediate management, they warrant further investigation and must be considered in sensitive projects.
At West Soil and Water, laboratory reports and reviewed and scrutinised by experienced environmental consultants well-versed in WA’s environmental and regulatory landscapes. We will provide a more digestible report that translates technical findings into clear advice:
What the results mean in practical terms
Whether further investigation is required
If remediation or management controls are necessary
How results affect compliance and development timelines
Our team will ensure you can make evidence based decisions aligned with project goals.
Should you need, we also partner with commercial asbestos removal specialists to address contamination in roofing, ceilings and other structures.
Laboratory results are a vital part of assessing asbestos contamination, but it is critical that you properly understand their complex data. West Soil & Water is proud to have assisted sites across Western Australia in interpreting their results and taking appropriate, effective action.
For more information, contact our team.