An asbestos test needs a sample and a lab
Two steps to prove or rule out asbestos
An asbestos test always needs two proper steps: material samples and a laboratory analysis. Specialists take the samples first, then the laboratory analyses the samples. Only then do you prove asbestos or safely rule it out.
You cannot see whether a building product contains asbestos with the naked eye. Asbestos materials often sit hidden and irregularly inside the building. The installation points are therefore not always easy to find.
Specialists take samples, the laboratory analyses them
Experienced specialists, hazardous-substance experts or laboratories carry out sampling and analysis. Improper sampling or analysis leads to statements that are not reliable. Only careful sampling with the correct analysis method gives reliable statements.
The taken samples are packed dust-tight and labelled as asbestos-containing. The material samples are therefore examined in qualified, for example accredited, laboratories.
VDI guideline 6202 Part 3 describes the sampling plan for survey and analysis. A standard method for the analysis is VDI guideline 3866 Part 5.
A clear result needs enough material samples at typically suspicious spots. Repair filler was often applied irregularly and therefore needs many samples. Tile adhesive and plasters usually need fewer individual samples.
If you skip the test, TRGS 519 applies
If you skip further investigation, TRGS 519 applies and the waste is treated as asbestos-containing. Before asbestos work, the employer determines whether asbestos materials or dust are present. Sampling can be limited to the areas of planned work.
What you clarify first
The duty to investigate before renovation is in the tip on recognising asbestos. Costs and funding for removal are in a separate tip. You find the overview on the asbestos removal topic page.
Official sources
The BAuA pages on sampling, planning and TRGS 519 are in the following links. The tips on the investigation duty and on funding are here as well.
Open the BAuA FAQ on proving asbestos →
Open BAuA planning and preparation →
Open how to recognise asbestos →
Open asbestos removal costs and funding →
Open the asbestos removal topic →