Smoke and soot can reach well beyond the area that burned. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists sample for soot, ash, PAH and other combustion residues, scoped to your question. Every report is signed, with results reported against named criteria.
After a fire, the visible damage tells only part of the story. Fine soot and combustion residues can travel through a building on air currents and through ducted air-conditioning, and settle on surfaces that look untouched.
The report names the criterion each result is compared against and why.
The report states the results against the named criterion and the verification sampling that would be needed after decontamination. Decisions about cleaning, replacement and cost are for the remediator, insurer and owner. If the property is the subject of an insurance claim, any party to the claim can commission the assessment, and the report is the same whoever commissions it.
Sampling in rooms that look undamaged as well as those that burned
Method, chain of custody, uncertainty and limitations documented
Each result compared against a stated criterion, with reasons
Sampling after cleaning, reported against the same criteria
The analytes are chosen for what burned and the question being asked.
Fine carbon particles from incomplete combustion that settle on surfaces and work into porous materials.
A group of compounds formed when organic materials burn incompletely. They can persist on surfaces after a fire.
Compounds found in some older electrical equipment and building materials, which can be released when they burn.
Lead, cadmium, zinc, and other metals released when painted surfaces, batteries, electronics, and metal components are exposed to fire.
Residues from burning PVC plastics, cable insulation and other chlorine-containing materials.
Off-gassing from heat-damaged materials and combustion residues. Can persist for extended periods after fire.
From enquiry to signed report.
Visual assessment of the fire damage and selection of sampling locations in affected and less-affected areas.
Surface wipes, bulk material samples, and air samples collected using proper chain of custody protocols.
Samples are analysed by an independent laboratory. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test.
Signed report with sampling locations, results against named criteria, and the verification sampling needed after decontamination.
Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. Each city page covers local rules and how we work there.
Soot, char, PAH, metals such as lead, PCBs and other combustion residues can be tested, depending on what burned and the question asked. PAH means polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Samples are analysed by an independent laboratory. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test. Test Australia itself is not NATA-accredited.
Because smoke and soot travel beyond the area that burned and settle on surfaces that look undamaged. Sampling records what is present and where, before and after cleaning. The report names the criterion each result is compared against and why.
Residue can remain after visible clean-up, so testing by a qualified scientist is needed to confirm the home is fit to live in. Soot, smoke residue and combustion by-products are not always visible. IICRC S700 is the fire and smoke damage restoration standard that remediation work is done to, and Test Australia independently checks the outcome.
Testing often helps a claim by recording what the fire left and where. Any party to the claim can commission the assessment, and the report is the same whoever commissions it. It is written so any party can check its method, results and limitations. Whether a tribunal, court or insurer relies on it is a decision for them.
Test as soon as the property can be entered and access is allowed. Testing before cleaning records the original condition, and verification sampling after cleaning reports whether results are below the criteria named in the report. Reports are available within 5 business days of the laboratory results being received.
The report sets out the method, the results, the criterion each result is compared with, and the limitations. It also states the verification sampling that would be needed after decontamination. Decisions about cleaning, replacement and cost are for the remediator, insurer and owner.
No, Test Australia tests and reports only. It does not clean, remediate or take referral income, so there is no conflict of interest. The evidence is the same whoever engages us. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed.
Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement. Test Australia's suitably qualified occupational hygienists collect the samples. Every report is signed. Call 1300 445 558 or email info@testaustralia.com.au. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Adelaide time.
Ready to get started, or want to understand what's involved? Contact us to request a fee proposal or arrange an assessment. We do not provide free telephone consultations — all advice is based on site assessment and laboratory data.
Reviewed for Test Australia by Dan Neil, Principal Occupational Hygienist and Chartered Chemist (MRACI CChem). Dan has 25 years in industrial chemistry and forensic science experience and has been a member of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists for more than 13 years. Last reviewed .
Request a fee proposal and we will reply with the scope, fee and available dates. Urgent attendance by arrangement.
