ASBESTOS SERVICES

Onsite Asbestos Air Monitoring Services

Asbestos is most dangerous when inhaled – make sure the air in your home, office or work-site is safe to breathe with Asbestos Air Monitoring.

Asbestos air monitoring involves conducting tests to assess respirable fibres and the effectiveness of asbestos removal control measures. SERS offers asbestos air monitoring services conducted by suitably qualified, experienced, licensed Asbestos Assessors.

A SERS assessor will visit the site for asbestos air monitoring tests and ensure the sampling is conducted with all mitigating factors and health considerations taken into account to ensure sampling accuracy.

Further asbestos analysis is then performed at our own laboratory facilities which are NATA accredited for respirable fibre monitoring and asbestos identification. These tests must be undertaken in accordance with regulations set out by Safe Work Australia and the relevant state legislative body.

What Are the Monitoring Requirements?

Asbestos air monitoring is mandatory for friable asbestos removals. The testing must be conducted in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres established by Safe Work Australia.

Asbestos air monitoring must also be:

Conducted immediately before removal work is carried out;
Undertaken during asbestos removals to assess safety;
Carried out after the removal has been completed.
Asbestos air monitoring is not required for non-friable asbestos but is strongly advised and considered a good occupational hygiene practice. The purpose of the tests is to provide a quantitative analysis of risks involved and to assess whether an area is safe to occupy following a removal.

Who Conducts the Asbestos Air Monitoring?

An independent licensed asbestos assessor must perform all asbestos air monitoring. The individual must hold the necessary qualifications and be able to implement a suitable sampling strategy for the testing.

For commercial premises, the individual commissioning the removal process must arrange for an assessor to determine the asbestos air monitoring. For domestic premises, the individual performing the removal work is responsible for nominating a specialist to conduct the air monitoring.

The SERS team of personnel is quality assured through an internal quality control program and participation in the National Asbestos Program (NAP) provided by Proficiency Testing Australia. All services are conducted according to current regulations in place for asbestos monitoring. Our professionals are:

Experienced with asbestos removals and asbestos air monitoring;
Competent with handling monitoring equipment;
Able to create appropriate sampling strategies;
Capable of conducting detailed assessments of the premises.

Monitoring Methods

Exposure Monitoring
This process involves taking regular samples of the breathing zone to assess the risk of exposure to respirable asbestos fibres. The data gathered from this type of monitoring is then compared with the national exposure standard.

Control Monitoring
This method is used to assess the effectiveness of control measures while removals are underway. Positional air monitors are placed at a fixed location to test the air for respirable airborne asbestos fibres.

Background Monitoring
This process involves conducting tests for respirable fibres in the air prior to the commencement of any work which may disturb materials containing asbestos.

Clearance Monitoring
These tests are carried out after the completion of asbestos removals. An area is only deemed safe if the level of airborne fibres present are measured below 0.01 fibres/mL. Areas will need to be restricted if they fail to meet these standards.

Compliance

Samples obtained through air monitoring should be analysed by NATA laboratories.

Our in-house laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2005 compliant and NATA accredited to conduct such tests which include asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement. Our team includes several Class A Asbestos Assessors as defined by federal Codes of Practice (Safe Work Australia).

Our range of equipment which includes hundreds of mobile pumps gives us the capability to analyse 12,000 fibre samples a year. All samples go through an extensive testing process with results then reported back to clients across metropolitan and remote regions.

All asbestos work completed complies with the relevant codes of practice including:

• How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice (Safe Work Australia July 2020)
• How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace Code of Practice (Safe Work Australia July 2020)

SERS offers complete air monitoring services for asbestos. Contact us today on 1300 542 315 to speak to one of our specialists for more details.

Asbestos Contamination and Site Remediation

For over a decade, SERS have specialized in providing top-tier asbestos project management in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Australia. Our team of licensed asbestos project managers offer professional expertise to manage every aspect of Asbestos contamination projects. Our team’s focus of safety and compliance ensures your site is remediated with your organisation’s individual needs in mind.
Our team offer the highest level of safety and compliance whilst covering a wide range of asbestos based risks. If you own or manage a property, particularly those constructed before the 1990s, there is a significant risk that your property may be contaminated with asbestos-containing materials.

Is Asbestos Dangerous or Illegal?

These materials can pose significant health risks when they deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, which, when inhaled can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos risk management involves the identification, assessment and mitigation of potential asbestos hazards in your property.
Whilst it isn’t inherently illegal, its usage and handling are highly regulated due to its well-documented health risks. In many countries, including Australia, the use of asbestos isn’t illegal, but has been heavily restricted or banned in certain applications. However, existing buildings and structures containing asbestos materials are still prevalent, and there are strict regulations governing its management and removal. At SERS, we ensure the highest level of compliance to safely handle risk of asbestos exposure, protect public health and ensure the safe handling and disposal of asbestos containing materials.
Failing to comply with Australia’s strict regulations can lead to legal consequences, emphasizing the importance of proper asbestos management and adherence to regulations intended to safeguard public health and the environment.

What should I do if I find asbestos?

If you discover or suspect your house or site is contaminated with asbestos, its crucial to take immediate and careful action to ensure the safety of yourself and others:
First and foremost: Do not disturb the material. Asbestos is most dangerous when its fibers are airborne, which can happen if the material is broken, drilled or otherwise disturbed.
Avoid Contact: Avoid any contact or attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, contact a licensed asbestos removal company. These experts will test the material to confirm the presence of asbestos whilst also working closely with you to offer guidance and comprehensive plans to remediate your site.
Know the risks: During the removal process, it may be advisable to temporarily vacate your home to minimize the risk of exposure.
Remember, dealing with asbestos requires specialised knowledge and equipment, it is NOT a DIY task. By engaging with qualified professionals, you can ensure that the asbestos is safely managed, protecting your health and that of your family or workplace.

How we can help:

At SERS, we understand that Asbestos contamination can affect individuals and businesses at any scale. That’s why we take pride in working closely alongside our clients to provide bespoke solutions with the shared goal of complete site remediation. Whether you are a homeowner, property developer, small business owner or part of a larger corporation, our expert team will tailor a solution to fit your needs. We are dedicated to ensuring your property is asbestos free, offering introspective lab reports using industry leading equipment to guarantee accurate results whilst offering complete and hassle-free disposal solutions.

An asbestos survey involves the identification and assessment of asbestos within a structure. A qualified assessor can conduct an Asbestos Survey to determine:

• How much asbestos is present
• What type of asbestos materials
• Where the asbestos is located and is it accessible
• Can the asbestos be removed safely
• If it can’t be removed, how to suppress or quarantine the asbestos
• Ongoing recommendations to control or minimise risk

Asbestos are naturally occurring minerals with physical characteristics that made them ideal as a building material – which means asbestos can be found just about anywhere. From under your carpets, inside the walls, hidden in the ceiling, even in your car!

Removing asbestos is always the preferred approach, however as the fibres are incredibly dangerous and large asbestos installations are prone to breaking, it is often more cost-effective to suppress or quarantine the asbestos.

SERS offers complete asbestos surveying as a core part of our asbestos management services. Our experienced asbestos consultants have successfully completed asbestos surveys for a number of facilities from residential properties to large scale industrial premises.

SERS Asbestos Testing Services Australia

Asbestos testing is incredibly important in identifying the type of asbestos present in any sample, and in developing an appropriate asbestos management plan.

During an asbestos survey, qualified asbestos assessors will collect samples from around your building and site. These samples are then sent to a NATA accredited laboratory for further analysis and testing.

SERS specialists conduct all asbestos testing in accordance with strict quality controls. Every detail of the test is carefully recorded and monitored to ensure we meet the necessary regulations and do not contaminate the sample.

The results of an asbestos test are critical to assessing potential health risks for occupants in your building. The data from the test is used to form a comprehensive asbestos management plan which provides guidance on appropriate methods for the safe handling and removing of the asbestos.

Contact SERS today to arrange asbestos testing for your property.

Fast and Affordable Asbestos Analysis

When you need affordable asbestos analysis, you need SERS premier asbestos consultants. Offering asbestos analysis, SERS maintain a commitment to high-quality customer service. All Asbestos bulk samples are to be $25.00 per sample plus GST.

Residential inspections are now $495.00 plus GST.

Get in touch with SERS today to arrange your test, or find out more about our fast and affordable asbestos testing services.

NATA Accredited Asbestos Testing

SERS highly qualified asbestos assessors and inspectors test your property for asbestos through a variety of different ways, including Fibre Identification and Air Monitoring. Potential asbestos samples are collected from the site during our inspections and are then transported to our NATA accredited lab for testing.

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation means that our asbestos testing is a highly reliable and consistent method of sampling asbestos and discovering the fibre composition of materials, and identifying potentially hazardous materials within the sample.

To support our asbestos testing, SERS lab reports can provide further certainty to the presence of asbestos within building materials on your property.

Testing is conducted in our laboratory from Monday to Friday. We offer an expedited option whereby you can have the results back to you within two hours of handing them in. Other than that, our normal turnaround time is twenty-four hours.

Asbestos Sampling

Taking asbestos samples from potentially hazardous materials requires trained technicians and must be performed in a controlled manner. SERS conduct asbestos sampling with a high degree of regard for the safety, taking into account the condition, location and nature of any material collected.

Our analysis techniques do not require large samples of asbestos to be collected, and as such our qualified technicians make sure to collect the smallest possible sample for testing.

During the asbestos sampling process, SERS technicians take care to minimise the potential for airborne asbestos-containing dust to be generated, as this dust may contain asbestos or other hazardous material. We use the latest technology to ensure a thorough clean up of any sample sites.

Asbestos Analysis

SERS expert environmental consultants now offer 24-hour turn around on all asbestos sample analysis across our NATA accredited laboratory in Brisbane.

Having asbestos in your home or office is something that can be very damaging to your health and to that of your employees. Unfortunately, the only way to tell for sure whether or not there is asbestos present is to get a sample tested by a professional lab.

At SERS, we can perform professional asbestos analysis and asbestos testing to get you the results that you need to make your final decision as fast as possible. We are NATA accredited in both testing and analysis.

We have a dedicated asbestos analysis laboratory, and a workshop to ensure that our monitoring equipment is securely housed and expertly maintained. We have perfected the art of asbestos analysis, and that is one of the reasons that we can give our clients the best possible prices.

Did you know there is more than 1 type of Asbestos? In fact there are 6! And each one requires a different approach to safely remove, suppress, quarantine and manage the asbestos. SERS expert asbestos analysis allows us to differentiate between these different types of asbestos and offer a management plan tailored specifically to your needs.

All forms of asbestos are considered to be hazardous to human health. Asbestos fibres are too small to be seen by the human eye – smaller than a strand of human hair and can get caught within the lungs if inhaled.

Once trapped in the lungs, deadly asbestos-related diseases can develop, affecting a person’s respiratory system and eventually leading to death.

Types of Asbestos

The 6 types of asbestos are:

1. Chrysotile
2. Amosite
3. Crocidolite
4. Tremolite
5. Actinolite
6. Anthophyllite

These 6 types of asbestos can be grouped into two main categories – serpentine asbestos or amphibole asbestos.

Serpentine Asbestos
More commonly known as white asbestos, Serpentine Asbestos is the most common form in the world – including Australia – and can be found in the roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses.

This type of asbestos is characterised by its layered structure and curly fibres, and because of its unique properties, it can also be found in brake pads in automobiles, pipe insulation, gaskets and boiler seals.

Amphibole Asbestos
The other five types of asbestos are categorised as Amphibole Asbestos. Though less common than white asbestos, these types of asbestos are far more dangerous to humans.

At their molecular level, amphibole asbestos is made of elongated, chain-like structures that make them extremely sharp and easy to inhale.

In Australia, crocidolite – sometimes known as blue asbestos – and amosite, known widely as brown asbestos, are the most common forms of amphibole asbestos.

Test Results and Next Steps

We’ll test the sample for asbestos and other potential hazardous materials and report our findings to you. Should the results come out positive for asbestos, we’ll speak to you about what your options are going forward. Once asbestos has been identified, it must be removed, and a properly accredited company must do this.

We’ll arrange with you for our expert asbestos consultants to come and inspect your property and conduct a full asbestos survey at the site. We’ll then give you a basic quote for the safe removal of the asbestos. We’ll explain exactly what needs to happen, how much it will cost, and how long it is going to take to get the space clear and safe again.

Finding that asbestos has been used can be a nasty shock for the owner of a home or building. You’re at high risk of developing a respiratory ailment, and also have a high risk of developing cancer if you’re continually breathing in the fibres.

With proper removal of the asbestos, you get to know that the air that you are breathing is safe again. Don’t worry about disposing of the materials – we’ll do all of that for you.

When it comes to mould testing, SERS have been the industry leaders in both service excellence and reliability. With over a decade of experience, We understand the critical importance of identifying and mitigating mould related issues promptly. Our expert team are the choice of industry leaders for prompt and professional mould testing and remediation.

What is Mould and why should I test it?

Mould, or mold is a common type of fungus that can thrive in indoor and outdoor environments throughout Australia and the World. It often manifests as discolored patches or growth on surfaces like walls, ceilings and organic materials. While mould is a natural part of the environment, specific mould types can pose significant and sometimes lethal health risks, Especially indoors.
The produced allergens, irritants and mycotoxins contain harmful and immune system compromising bacteria that left untreated can cause long term and potentially lethal health effects.

What should I do if my home or business has mould?

If you suspect your home, business or property is contaminated with mould, it is crucial to take prompt and proactive steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of occupants:

• Start by isolating the area to prevent further spread of the mould spores.
• Close doors and seal off the affected area.
• Contact a certified mould specialist to assess the issue.

Our technicians are trained to provide personalized remediation plans for mould issues of any scale. The team at SERS can assess the issue, identify the type of mould and create a customized remediation plan.

Next Steps:

SERS can provide a comprehensive mould inspection on your property to quickly and accurately identify the presence, extent and type of mould growth. Conducted by our certified specialists, our inspections involve a thorough visual assessment, as well as robust testing using industry leading techniques and technologies. Our teams meticulous evaluation serves as the basis for a customized mould remediation plan unique to your distinct requirements to ultimately ensure a safe and habitable environment for you or your residents.

At SERS, we go beyond simple mould removal; We offer comprehensive and ongoing mould remediation services that tackle the root causes of mould growth and contamination. Whether you are dealing with mould issues in Perth, Sydney or Brisbane; SERS are dedicated to eliminating mould and ensuring a safe and healthy living environment.

Occupational Noise Testing by SERS

Across Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Australia, Occupational Noise is deemed a potential workplace hazard and demands strict regulation compliance. SERS have over a decade as industry leaders in providing comprehensive testing, evaluation and remediation of potentially hazardous occupational noise and vibrations.

Why test for noise?

Did you know that excessive noise can negatively affect your daily activities, such as performance at work or your ability to concentrate and even your sleeping habits?
Occupational noise testing is a vital component of workplace safety and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. By conducting a occupational noise testing, employers can determine if their employees are at risk of hazardous noise levels that could lead to inability to focus, to more extreme symptoms of hearing loss or other serious health issues.
This testing not only helps identify areas that require noise control measures, but also ensures that your organization are meeting their legal obligations to protect employee health and safety.

How we can help?

SERS have been the trusted partners in Occupational noise testing for industry leaders for over a decade. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and compliant workplace whilst prioritizing employee wellbeing. Our expert team provides a comprehensive noise assessments that not only provides industry accredited insights and reports, but a personalized solution that identifies potential hazards and recommends practical steps for your organization to maintain compliance and ensure a safe and happy environment.
Our ongoing support means your organization can focus on what’s important, without having to compromise safety or risk hearing loss. Our comprehensive remediation plans provide expert opinions on next steps, as well as ongoing recommendations.

What level of noise is acceptable for my workplace?

In Australia, Determining acceptable noise levels in the workplace is guided by specific regulations to ensure employee safety and well-being. The National Standard for Occupational Noise, overseen by Safe Work Australia, stipulates that the exposure limit for a workplace should not exceed an LAeq, 8h of 85dB(A) and a peak noise level of 140dB(C). These standards are designed to protect worker from potential hearing damage, which commonly occurs from prolonged exposure to noise over these levels.
It is important to note that these are only general guidelines as many industries have their own additional regulations or exceptions to rules. For businesses seeking to better understand and comply with these regulations, engaging with a noise testing expert is crucial to safeguard your business and employees health and safety.

Do I have a dust hazard?

Determining whether you have a dust hazard in your workplace is a critical aspect of ensuring employee safety and regulatory compliance. Signs of a dust hazard may include visible dust accumulation on surfaces, as well as airborne particles, respiratory issues among employees or the presence of specific dust-producing activities.

What risks does dust pose?

Occupational dust poses significant health risks to employees across a variety of industries, ensuring thorough testing and control measures is crucial for workplace safety and regulatory compliance. SERS are committed to providing specialized and comprehensive occupational dust sample testing to identify, assess and mitigate potential hazards associated with dust exposure.
Occupational dust testing, conducted by industry experts like SERS, can help evaluate and remediate the effects that hazardous dust exposure can produce. By addressing dust hazards proactively, you can create a safer work environment, protect employee health and safety whilst also adhering to occupational health and safety regulations effectively.

Different Hazardous Dust Types:

Different environments and activities produce a variety of hazardous dusts, each of these require strict and specific prevention methods. Our team quickly and accurately identifies these hazards whilst providing recommendations for dust control and mitigation.
Silica Dust: Common in construction and mining, Silica dust exposure can lead to serious heal conditions.
Wood and Organic Dust: Particularly common is woodworking and agriculture, organic dust can be a serious concern. Not only are these materials often extremely flammable, but their varying size can lead to inhalation, causing severe respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, nasal and sinus cancers as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies wood and dust particulates as a class 1 human carcinogen.
Metal Dust: Often encountered in manufacturing and engineering, dusts produced by metal can be a health and fire risk. Short term exposure to these particles can cause Pneumoconiosis (Known as welders’ lung), sever skin and eye irritation, toxicity and heavy metal poisoning as well as affecting renal and neurological systems.

How we can help?

For comprehensive hazardous dust testing in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Australia, SERS are the partner of choice for thousands of organizations looking to ensure industry regulatory compliance, as well as ensuring the safest work environment possible.
We specialize in a range of solutions tailored to your needs, including occupational dust testing, site and workplace dust analysis as well as ongoing dust exposure assessment. Our robust testing process ensures that any hazards are quickly identified, once identified; our team provides bespoke and personalized remediation plans to suite jobs of any scale.
Our laboratory uses state of the art and industry leading equipment to ensure every test is accurate whilst identifying respirable dust particles, potential air pollutants and potential issues in environmental dust monitoring.
For unparallel industrial and residential level dust hazard identification, trust SERS to safeguard your site and ensure regulatory compliance.

For over a decade, SERS has specialised in comprehensive water sampling services and water quality testing. Trusted by industry leaders in the commercial and residential sectors, our expert team will provide you with top-tier environmental water testing for a variety of needs.

Why do I need to test water?

Water Sampling and Testing is an essential process for ensuring the safety and quality of water adheres to the strict Australian rules and regulations. Water sampling and testing is crucial for several reasons, primarily it helps identify contaminants and pollutants that could be harmful to health, such as lead, bacteria or industrial chemicals. These compliances ensure that your drinking water meets health standards. Additionally, the industries and businesses, regular water testing is fundamental for complying with environmental regulations whilst avoiding potential legal and health issues.

Specialized Services to suit your needs:

Groundwater Sampling and analysis: We provide thorough groundwater testing, crucial for environmental assessments and land development projects.
Water Purity Testing Services: Our team ensure the safety and purity of your water supply, whether it’s for residential or commercial use.
Construction Site Water Testing: Recognizing the unique needs of construction sites, we offer specialized water testing aimed at government compliance, Including sediment and runoff analysis.
Lead Testing in Water and More: With growing global concern of water contamination, our state of the art laboratory tests over 50 analytes of potentially contaminating nature to ensure a thorough assessment of any potential contaminants.

Water Quality Testing near me:

SERS offer reliable and accurate water testing services across Australia. From Sydney to Perth and everywhere in between,ourr team are committed to ensuring our clients safety through rigorous and comprehensive water testing. We focus on detecting a wide range of contaminants, from common pollutants to specific hazardous substances, to guarantee that the quality of water meets Australian guidelines.
Our team provides bespoke reports to better help you and your team understand the results to enable you to make precise and informed decisions. Our reporting and consultation ensure our clients are fully aware of their water quality and can take any required remedial actions.
At SERS, our dedication extends beyond water testing, we are committed to being proactive partners in water and environmental safety, contributing to healthier communities and a sustainable future.