Asbestos testing is one of those things you often need done in a hurry. Finding a deposit of a potentially asbestos-containing material on-site can be very stressful, especially if you’re in the run-up to a renovation or demolition. The problem is, sending in a DIY sample can take a while to turn around in certain circumstances. If you’re part of a construction team, that’s certainly not ideal.
This is where on-site asbestos testing NZ-wide comes in. As one of New Zealand’s top asbestos analysis laboratories, we’re proud to offer this service as a faster, safer way to get large construction projects moving. It was invented to offer a convenient asbestos testing solution, yes, but also to shorten the sample handling cycle and minimise safety risks.
So, if you’re considering this for your next project, read on for our breakdown on how onsite asbestos testing in NZ works and how to make the most of it.
Traditional Remote vs. Onsite Asbestos Testing in NZ
Time is the most expensive commodity there is right now, especially if you’re working on a large-scale construction site. Traditional testing takes anywhere between 24 hours to a week to turn around, depending on the urgency of the need and how many other samples are in line to be tested at one of our asbestos analysis libraries.
This means a few things need to happen on-site in the interim:
- Stop work and make sure the immediate area is cordoned off to prevent any further contamination.
- Sample the material and courier it off to one of our asbestos testing laboratories.
- Wait, generally between 24 and 48 hours, for the results to be processed.
If you’re on a time crunch or operating with a large team, that kind of delay is just downright untenable. Too much standing time, too many dollars lost.
On-site asbestos testing in NZ essentially eliminates that delay by bringing the laboratory to you.
How does mobile asbestos testing work?
Our mobile asbestos analysis laboratories are essentially miniature versions of our larger labs, on wheels. They’re ideal for storing samples, yes, but they are also IANZ-accredited environments where qualified lab technicians can perform asbestos analysis right on-site.
These labs on wheels enable our technicians to bring a variety of important techniques with them, including:
- Microscopy. Specifically, we use Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and stereo microscopes within the vehicle to identify asbestos fibres in bulk materials (think cement, insulation, and textured ceilings).
- Air monitoring and fibre counting, which is vital for projects already in the asbestos removal phase. These help you to secure Clearance Certificates quickly, confirming the air is safe for other trades to re-enter the area.
- Soil testing for mid-demolition or already-demolished sites, which is especially important if the property you’re working around was built on top of a pre-existing property.
Your mobile asbestos testing lab arrives on-site at the agreed-upon time and stays for the duration agreed-upon. In some cases, this means having the site on hand for an entire removal or demolition cycle; in others, it’s only to tackle bulk sampling and analysis of some materials in the property you’re working on.
How can you make the most out of a mobile asbestos lab?
To maximise the value of onsite asbestos testing in NZ, we often recommend finding a way to integrate the service into your project’s Critical Path during three key moments:
The refurbishment survey.
Survey reports with full management recommendations take time to come back, but having an on-site lab lets you perform bulk sampling much faster. This tightens the timeline on official recommendations, allowing you to get instant answers and adjust your demolition or removal plan in real time.
Any stop-work response.
If your crew hits something unexpected that screams ‘asbestos is here’, calling for a mobile lab immediately can be a real lifesaver. Literally. A quick call allows an analyst to arrive within hours to clear any material with a present/absent result. This can save you days of unnecessary site closure.
Rapid clearance for high-traffic sites.
Once the asbestos removal team has finished their work, our mobile lab can perform the final air clearance test on-site with the fastest possible turnaround. As soon as the filters are counted and the air is deemed safe, your team can get back to work.
In short, mobile asbestos analysis laboratories are a fantastic way to add convenience to your on-site life, but safety is the primary draw. The quicker the turnaround on a present/absent result, and the closer your asbestos experts are, the better you can keep your crew safe.
Work with Consultex Labs to keep your site moving safely.
We are Consultex Labs, the number one provider of on-site asbestos testing in NZ. We help you remove the obstacles and dead time associated with asbestos testing while maintaining rigorous compliance with WorkSafe guidelines on asbestos safety.
Keep your workers protected and your deadline on track with one of our mobile labs today. Get in touch to book yours today.