About Asbestos Air Sampling
Essex Asbestos Testing Ltd are UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and can provide clients with reliable on-site air sampling, evaluations (fibre counting) and four-stage clearance testing. Accredited for sampling of air for fibre counting and Fibre Counting, All sampling and testing is carried out in accordance with our own in-house procedures, relevant CAR 2012 regulations and HSG 248 guidelines. These are specific codes of practice that must be followed in order to protect people from exposure to this harmful material. All air samples taken are evaluated within one of our mobile laboratories and certificates for the tests will be issued on-site.
Air sampling is an important factor when determining the risk of potential exposure to asbestos fibres. Essex Asbestos Testing Ltd is able to offer the following services:
This is performed to establish the current fibre concentration. It is normally carried out before any activity which may lead to elevated asbestos fibre contamination. This is a useful baseline to compare other leak or reassurance samples.
Leak testing is carried out when asbestos is being removed from within an enclosure. Along with a visual enclosure check, this will determine the effectiveness of the containment of asbestos fibres and the integrity of the enclosure; ensuring that asbestos fibres do not escape. Should fibre levels outside of the enclosure exceed 0.01 F/ML, work has to stop in order to find the source of the fibre release.
Reassurance testing may be required in certain circumstances. This would be carried out on projects such as enclosure/work area dismantling after a successful clearance air test. Reassurance tests can also be carried out when asbestos has been removed/repaired as non-licenced work. This helps to confirm that residual fibre concentrations are not elevated.
Near-source static sampling is undertaken to assess the release and spread of asbestos fibre concentrations. Examples include within enclosures, in close proximity to structures and near simulated disturbance activities in unoccupied areas, buildings or enclosures. Disturbances of asbestos found within soil may also require sampling.
Far source/perimeter monitoring is conducted around the perimeter of the site where there may be other workers, public access or residential and commercial buildings. This may be needed if you are having work on asbestos carried out (encapsulation or removal) and require an independent body to carry out air monitoring. All air samples taken are evaluated within one of our mobile laboratories.
Personal sampling is required to assess the exposure level of an individual when they carry out work with asbestos. It is likewise used to assess as to whether the correct RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) is being worn. It is could also be employed to check for compliance with control limits set in the current regulations CAR (the Control of Asbestos Regulations) 2012.
To talk to us about what this means for you, please call our expert team on 01375 643863.