Indoor Air Quality Testing Sydney & Australia

What do you measure in an office?

In an office, Airsafe measures carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, temperature, humidity, VOCs, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. We use instruments we own, including an Aeroqual monitor with interchangeable sensor heads, and meters for temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Is indoor air quality testing NATA accredited?

Direct-reading indoor air quality measurements are not part of Airsafe’s NATA accreditation. Where Airsafe samples with calibrated pumps, such as dust, diesel particulate and similar, sampling flow rates and air volumes are measured under Airsafe’s NATA accreditation (No. 2959). The filters are analysed by an external NATA-accredited laboratory.

When should an office be tested?

If your people are reporting symptoms like headaches, irritation or unusual rates of illness, or if your building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning hasn’t been well maintained, air quality testing is worth considering. Airsafe can help with indoor air quality testing in Sydney or anywhere in Australia.

What is an airborne contaminant?

An airborne contaminant is a contaminant in the form of a fume, mist, gas, vapour or dust, and includes microorganisms. An airborne contaminant of this nature is a potentially harmful substance that is either not naturally in the air, or one that is present in an unnaturally high concentration, and to which workers may be exposed in their working environment.

Airborne contaminants may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• carbon monoxide
• inhalable dust
• respirable dust
• silica
• man-made vitreous fibres
• asbestos

Airsafe can monitor personal exposure to chemicals and dusts and compare the results to the published Australian workplace exposure standards (becoming workplace exposure limits from 1 December 2026). Whatever the relevant exposure standards, our air monitoring reports will give you a definitive answer about whether they’re being exceeded.

Who does an office indoor air quality assessment in Sydney?

Airsafe Laboratories does office indoor air quality assessments in Sydney. Airsafe’s occupational hygienists do the assessment, and Philip Turner, Airsafe’s Certified Occupational Hygienist, signs off where COH sign-off is needed. We’re based in Sydney and work Australia-wide, with travel built into every interstate quote.

Today, many workers spend long periods of time indoors, in air-conditioned buildings. Studies have shown that increased sick leave and lower productivity can be related to poor heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

The main cause of low air quality in office buildings is poorly maintained HVAC systems. When people work for an extended period in a building with poor air quality, they may expose themselves to a range of health risks, including:

• viral illness
• respiratory problems
• bacterial infections such as Legionnaires’ disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought particular attention to the issue of indoor air quality, with poorly ventilated buildings increasing the likelihood of airborne virus transmission.

Airsafe are occupational hygiene consultants with many years’ experience in indoor air quality testing, throughout Sydney and Australia. If you suspect your workplace has an air quality issue, don’t hesitate: get in touch with Airsafe.

Air quality testing in high-risk workplaces

Some workplaces, like building sites, factories and mines, have particular air quality risks that need to be managed in specialised ways, often including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by workers.

In some cases, businesses must demonstrate that the level of a particular chemical or particle in the air doesn’t exceed the allowable workplace exposure standards (workplace exposure limits from 1 December 2026) stipulated by Safe Work Australia. This requires sophisticated air quality testing by an experienced team like Airsafe’s.

Airsafe offers specialised indoor air quality testing and consultation around all substances of concern, including:

• inhalable and respirable dust
• diesel particulate
• hexavalent chromium
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Get a Fast Quote | Call 1300 888 338

When time matters, experience counts.

Since 1988, Airsafe has provided fast, expert support for identifying hazardous materials, investigating contaminated sites, and testing indoor air quality. We deliver clear results and practical advice so you can act with confidence.

Your health and safety are always our highest priority.

4.9 stars from over 650 Google reviews, from builders, contractors, facility managers and industry across Australia.

“Air Safe has promptly assisted in inspecting and testing materials that are found to be a cause for concern either by our client or our internal team. It has always been a pleasure to work with Air Safe, whether that be with their administrative staff or their on field professionals. Services have always been fast, reliable and professional.”

Projects Division, March 2024, 5 stars

“We recently appointed Airsafe to undertake air monitoring and reporting at a brownfield development site during the demolition stage. Their proactive, professional and cost and time-efficient approach and implementation were excellent.”

Carl O. Peterson, December 2021, 5 stars

“AIRSAFE (Sydney) has been a reliable service provider for our asbestos business for many years now, providing professional laboratory testing and hygienist clearances to support our Asbestos operations. The staff are reliably friendly and super-efficient. We highly recommend their services based on our experience.”

Anita French, June 2024, 5 stars

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Frequently asked questions

What does indoor air quality testing involve?

It depends on the workplace and the hazard. In an office building, it usually means assessing ventilation and testing for the contaminants associated with poorly maintained HVAC systems. In a high-risk workplace like a construction site, factory or mine, it means monitoring personal exposure to specific chemicals and dusts, such as silica, welding fume or diesel particulate, and comparing the results to the published exposure standards. Our reports tell you clearly whether the standards are being exceeded and what to do about it.

Does Airsafe make its own instruments?

No. Airsafe owns Aeroqual instruments and meters made by others; we do not make them. Owning the equipment means we can test when you need it, rather than when a hire booking comes free.

Do I need air quality testing in my office?

If your people are reporting symptoms like headaches, irritation or unusual rates of illness, or if your building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning hasn’t been well maintained, air quality testing is worth considering. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to increased sick leave and lower productivity, as well as health risks like respiratory problems and Legionnaires’ disease. Call us on 1300 888 338 to talk it through.

Could the problem be mould?

It can be. We assess workplace mould as a separate service; see our mould in the workplace page.

Who writes the report?

Airsafe’s occupational hygienists write the report. Philip Turner, Airsafe’s Certified Occupational Hygienist, signs off where COH sign-off is needed.

Does Airsafe work outside Sydney?

Yes. We’re based in Sydney and work Australia-wide, with travel built into every interstate quote.