As National Asbestos Awareness Week kicks off in November, it’s a timely reminder that asbestos remains a very real issue in Australia. Recent reports show it’s still found in one in three homes built before 1990, and DIY renovations are putting women and children at particular risk. Awareness campaigns are vital, but awareness alone isn’t enough. Reliable, accurate testing, underpinned by accreditation, is what keeps people safe.
Working with NATA-accredited laboratories gives confidence that asbestos testing is not only accurate, but carried out to the highest standards of safety and reliability. In industries such as construction, mining, and environmental management, this assurance is critical. Accreditation doesn’t just tick a box, it sets a benchmark for protecting workers, communities and the environment.
A recent development shaping asbestos testing is AS 5370:2024 covering sampling and qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk materials (Standards Australia). This updated Standard replaces AS 4964-2004, modernising sampling and testing procedures and aligning them with global best practice.
What makes AS 5370:2024 significant?
- Advanced microscopy techniques: Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) remains the core method, with improved procedures for sample preparation and examination.
- Optional advanced methods: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) help confirm ambiguous results in complex or fine-grained samples.
- Broader scope: The Standard now covers asbestos in soils and naturally occurring asbestos, crucial for industries dealing with contaminated sites.
- Health and safety: Updated protocols for PPE, sample handling, and cross-contamination prevention safeguard lab staff.
AS 5370:2024 isn’t just a technical update, it represents a step forward in safe, reliable asbestos management. By providing clear guidelines, it helps laboratories, regulators, and industry partners make confident decisions while protecting people and communities.
National Asbestos Awareness Week also highlights the wider resources available to support safe practices. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) recently published a National Guide for Asbestos Surveys 2025, offering practical guidance for conducting surveys safely (ASEA). Asbestos Victoria also provides fact sheets and advice for both professionals and the community (Asbestos Victoria).
For organisations and professionals managing asbestos, it’s essential to stay up to date with both standards and accredited testing services. Regular training, following the latest guidelines, and using NATA-accredited laboratories for testing can significantly reduce the risk of exposure and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Simple steps, such as verifying laboratory accreditation, properly documenting sampling procedures, and understanding when to escalate to specialist testing, can make a real difference in keeping your family and community safe.
Asbestos is still a threat, but by combining awareness, robust standards like AS 5370:2024, and the assurance of accreditation, organisations can act with confidence. For NATA, accreditation isn’t just about compliance, it’s about leading the way in safe, reliable asbestos management.