Asbestos remains a serious workplace hazard across Australia, particularly in buildings constructed or renovated before the late 1980s. While many people assume asbestos is easy to identify, the reality is very different. In most cases, asbestos is neither visible nor obvious, and it cannot be safely identified without professional testing. That’s why engaging a licensed expert to conduct an asbestos survey is essential for protecting workers, meeting legal obligations, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Why asbestos is harder to spot than you think
Most people associate asbestos with old fibro sheeting, insulation batts, or roof panels. While those materials are well known, asbestos was also widely used in many unexpected components, including:
- Electrical switchboards, backing boards, and cable insulation
- Plumbing pipes, gaskets, seals, and pipe lagging
- Mechanical plant components such as brakes, clutches, valves, and heat shields
- Floor tiles, adhesives, mastics, and vinyl backing
- Fire doors, fire dampers, and penetration seals
- Contaminated soil, landfill, and even parts of the natural environment
Because asbestos fibres are microscopic, materials can appear completely harmless while still posing a serious health risk if disturbed.
Why visual asbestos checks are not enough
A common and dangerous misconception is that asbestos can be identified through a quick visual inspection. In reality:
- Asbestos-containing materials often look identical to non-asbestos alternatives
- Paint, encapsulation, or age can hide warning signs
- Disturbing suspected materials without testing can release fibres into the air
This is why legislation prohibits unqualified personnel from confirming the presence of asbestos. Only a trained and licensed professional, such as our team at Global Asbestos Audits, can safely sample, test, and interpret results as part of a formal asbestos survey.
What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection conducted by a licensed asbestos inspector to identify Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) within a workplace. Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Identification and sampling of suspected materials
- Laboratory analysis to confirm asbestos presence
- Risk assessment based on condition and likelihood of disturbance
- Clear documentation to support compliance and decision-making
For higher-risk sites or complex commercial environments, a full asbestos audit may be required. This extends beyond identification to include management recommendations, compliance planning, and remediation pathways.
When is a professional asbestos survey required?
You should engage a licensed inspector to conduct an asbestos survey if:
- Your building was constructed or renovated before 1990
- You are planning demolition, refurbishment, or maintenance works
- You operate a commercial, industrial, educational, or government facility
- You suspect asbestos may be present, but are unsure where
- You need to meet workplace health and safety or regulatory obligations
Failing to identify asbestos before work commences can result in serious health risks, project delays, regulatory penalties, and costly clean-ups.
The importance of using a licensed asbestos inspector
Professional asbestos inspectors have the training, licensing, and experience to:
- Safely identify and sample suspect materials
- Understand how asbestos behaves in different environments
- Assess risk based on condition, location, and use
- Advise on next steps, including removal, remediation, or ongoing management
- Ensure documentation aligns with Australian standards and legislation
This expertise is critical, particularly when asbestos is found in less obvious areas such as electrical systems, mechanical plant, underground services, or contaminated land.
Trusted expertise from Global Asbestos Audits
Global Asbestos Audits is a trusted and fully licensed asbestos inspection company with extensive experience across commercial, industrial, and public-sector workplaces. The team conducts thorough asbestos surveys and audits, providing clear, practical guidance on next steps.
Importantly, Global Asbestos Audits doesn’t stop at identification. They guide clients through:
- Regulatory compliance and asbestos registers
- Risk management and asbestos management plans
- Remediation and safe removal pathways
- Ongoing monitoring and documentation
This end-to-end expertise provides workplace owners and managers with confidence that asbestos risks are being managed appropriately and responsibly.
Don’t rely on guesswork
Asbestos is often hidden, unexpected, and impossible to identify without professional expertise. Guesswork or assumptions can expose workers to serious health risks and place organisations in breach of their legal obligations. A professional asbestos survey conducted by a licensed inspector is the only reliable way to determine whether asbestos is present and how it should be managed. If asbestos is suspected in your workplace, engaging experienced professionals from Global Asbestos Audits is the safest and most responsible next step.