Asbestos air monitoring explained

Asbestos air monitoring is the testing of air samples to find out whether asbestos fibres are present while work is happening, or after it is finished. It is one of the checks used to decide whether an area is safe to use again.

If you are having asbestos removed in Toowoomba, you may be told that air monitoring is "required", "optional" or "recommended". The answer depends on the kind of asbestos involved. This guide explains the difference.

What air monitoring measures

Air monitoring measures the number of asbestos fibres in the air, expressed as fibres per millilitre (fibres/ml). Samples are collected and then analysed. Queensland guidance says the analysis should be done by a NATA-accredited laboratory.

Two numbers matter most:

• 0.01 fibres/ml. An area is considered cleared when the result is below this level.
• 0.02 fibres/ml. During friable asbestos removal, a result above this triggers immediate notification to WorkSafe Queensland.

When it is mandatory

Air monitoring is mandatory for all friable asbestos removal, which is Class A work. It must be done by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.

Friable asbestos can be crumbled to powder by hand when dry. Examples include sprayed insulation, pipe lagging and the backing of some old sheet vinyl. Low density fibre board such as Asbestolux is also treated as friable. These materials release fibres much more easily than cement sheeting, which is why the monitoring is compulsory.

When it is optional

Air monitoring is not always necessary for non-friable (bonded) asbestos removal. The Queensland Government still regards it as good practice. That covers most common jobs in older Toowoomba homes, such as fibro wall sheeting, eaves and corrugated roofing.

Whether to include it is a judgement call. Reasons to consider it include a larger job, an occupied home nearby, or a site where a lot of dust was generated. Ask your removalist and the independent assessor what they recommend and why.

Who does the monitoring

We want to be direct about this. Air monitoring is not done by the removalist. It is done by an independent assessor or competent person. Our contractors hold a Class B licence, so we handle the removal and site clean. The monitoring and the sign-off are carried out by someone with no stake in the removal.

That independence is deliberate. It means the person checking the air is not the person who created the dust.

How it fits with clearance

Air monitoring is one input to a clearance inspection. The inspection always includes a visual check, and may include monitoring. If air samples were taken and the fibre level is below 0.01 fibres/ml, and nothing visible is left, the area can be cleared. You can read what happens next in our guide to asbestos clearance certificates in Queensland.

For the clean-up itself, see our page on asbestos decontamination in Toowoomba.

What air monitoring cannot do

It is a snapshot. A result under the limit tells you about the air at the time and place sampled. It does not replace careful work. Good practice on site still matters, including wetting material, controlling the area and wrapping waste.

Monitoring also does not make a risky job safe for a homeowner to attempt. Friable material must not be removed by homeowners. If you suspect it, stop and call a licensed Class A removalist. If you are not sure, ring us on (07) 3185 2323 and we will help you work out the next step.

If you disturbed asbestos by accident

Air monitoring is not something you arrange after a small mishap, such as drilling a hole in a sheet. Follow the basic steps in our guide on what to do if you disturbed asbestos. If you are worried about your health, see your GP.

Check the current rules

We work across Toowoomba and the suburbs. These limits and requirements can change. Check the latest at asbestos.qld.gov.au before you plan your job.