In New Zealand, managing asbestos safely and in compliance with the law is not just a best practice—it’s a legal obligation. Whether you’re a property owner, building manager, demolition contractor, or environmental consultant, reliable asbestos testing is essential to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.
That’s where asbestos laboratory services play a pivotal role. Provided by industry leaders like SQN Consulting through their IANZ-accredited AEC Labs, these services offer fast, accurate, and compliant analysis of materials suspected to contain asbestos.
This article explores the importance of asbestos testing, what AEC Labs offers, and why it has become a preferred choice for professionals throughout New Zealand.
Why Asbestos Testing Still Matters
Although asbestos use in construction has been banned in New Zealand since 2016, it remains present in thousands of buildings built before the 1990s. From roofing materials and vinyl tiles to insulation and wall linings, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were once common across residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
When these materials are disturbed—during renovation, demolition, or maintenance—they can release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres is linked to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Identifying asbestos before work begins is essential for safeguarding health and complying with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. The only way to accurately identify asbestos in a material is through professional laboratory analysis.
What Are Asbestos Laboratory Services?
Asbestos laboratory services involve testing bulk materials, air samples, soil, and dust for the presence of asbestos. These services are performed in accredited laboratories by trained specialists using standardized, approved methodologies.
At AEC Labs, the testing process typically includes:
With accurate results in hand, building owners and contractors can take the necessary steps to manage, remove, or encapsulate ACMs appropriately.
How AEC Labs Delivers Industry-Leading Testing
Operated by SQN Consulting, AEC Labs is an IANZ-accredited laboratory, which means it meets the highest standards for quality, accuracy, and reliability in testing.
Here’s why clients across New Zealand trust AEC Labs:
1. Speed and Efficiency
Turnaround time is critical in construction and demolition projects. AEC Labs typically delivers results within two business days after samples are received and payment is confirmed. For urgent projects, faster processing options are also available.
2. Mobile Laboratory Services
In addition to their fixed labs in Auckland and Whangārei, AEC Labs offers a mobile asbestos testing van. This service brings asbestos laboratory services directly to the site, providing rapid results and reducing project delays.
3. Expertise You Can Rely On
AEC Labs employs a highly trained team of analysts who undergo regular proficiency testing. Many are designated Key Technical Persons in their fields, ensuring results are not only accurate but also legally defensible in regulatory contexts.
4. Easy Sample Submission Process
Clients can collect a sample (safely and while wearing PPE), seal it in labeled plastic bags, complete a submission form, and send it to the lab. AEC Labs also offers an online portal for submitting and tracking samples.
5. Clear, Actionable Reporting
Every test result is accompanied by clear documentation, including the type and quantity of asbestos detected, the material it was found in, and guidance on recommended next steps.
Who Needs Asbestos Laboratory Services?
AEC Labs serves a wide range of clients, including:
Whether you’re renovating a home, clearing a commercial site, or conducting routine environmental checks, asbestos testing is often a legal and practical necessity.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is a hidden hazard that requires serious attention. Choosing the right laboratory service is not only essential for compliance but also for protecting the health of workers and the public.
AEC Labs offers comprehensive, accredited asbestos laboratory services backed by experience, technology, and expert analysis. With convenient submission options, quick turnaround times, and mobile testing capabilities, they make asbestos compliance more accessible than ever before.
