Environmental Testing Companies

By k2ben | August 16, 2018

Are all environmental testing companies created equally?

The changes in the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) has initiated the increased need for:
  • Air quality testing
  • Noise testing
  • Mould testing
  • Meth testing
  • Asbestos testing and surveying

Environmental Testing – Is cheapest best?

If you are looking for a company that can deliver environmental testing, there is no shortage of choice. Every main centre and many of the regions have a wide array of companies that want to sell you their services. Navigating the choices and finding the right one can be difficult. It is easy to default to the age-old, but seriously flawed, “this is the cheapest one, so this one will do” option.
This blog is to let you know that cost alone should never be the only thing that motivates your choice.  In fact, in many cases, spending a little more may possibly save you money in the long-term.

How to choose a reliable Environmental Testing Company

For anyone that isn’t in the business of environmental testing, they can often be navigating a service that, let’s be honest, can seem a little dry. So, what do you look for when you select a company to provide the environmental testing services you need?
  • IANZ ACCREDITATION – International Accreditation New Zealand is an autonomous crown entity. It recognises and accredits testing laboratories. Accreditation from IANZ means they (IANZ) have audited the company and confirmed
    • Competence and experience of staff
    • Integrity and traceability of equipment and materials
    • Technical validity of methods
    • Validity and suitability of results
    • Compliance with appropriate management systems standards and found to be competent to carry out its services in a professional, reliable and efficient manner
  • TRACK RECORD – Ask the company about similar work they have done? Who have their clients been?
    • A company with a strong track record of delivering value to its customers will be eager to supply you with examples of work they have done.
    • Contact a client (or three) so you can ask them (clients) directly.
    • If they won’t provide a client contact, it’s simple, don’t do business with them.
    • Whether you’re spending $500 or $5000, you need to be sure your money is being spent with a company that has credibility and a proven track record of great service.
    • Technical know-how: What is the level of expertise in the field of air testing you are interested in? Refer to the background of the people involved.
  • DON’T JUDGE BY WEBSITE ALONE – An unfortunate downside of the online world is that a website can often portray things that aren’t necessarily reality.
    • Don’t assume that because the website shows a large building, vehicles, and a well-dressed group of people that you are dealing with a large, well-established company.
    • The unfortunate reality may be that it is a sole operator working from their kitchen table.
    • Take the time to check out the address on Google Maps and look at the building.
    • If you’re able to, visit their offices.
    • Make sure they are what they say they are and you are not putting your faith in a business that is misrepresenting itself and could be gone tomorrow.
  • ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR PRICING STRUCTURE – There can be subtle differences in how services are priced, with analysis costs, labour and overheads driving what price you are given.
    • If you like a company that fits the bill in every facet except price, ask them why.
    • They may be able to meet your price or explain why their service is worth paying more for.
  • RESPECT AND TRUST  – Lastly, and of equal importance, do business with people that you trust and respect. If you are dealing with the right company, they will be offering you the very best solutions at the most cost-effective price they can.
Posted in Uncategorized