ENV Surveys Ltd is accredited by UKAS to carry out all types of Air Monitoring and Fibre Counting in accordance with the HSE document ‘Asbestos: The analysts’ guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures.’ (HSG248) and in-house documented procedures. (UKAS Testing Laboratory No. 2794)
ENV has fully equipped mobile laboratories where analytical work can be carried out on site providing immediate results for our clients. All air test certificates are electronically produced, emailed directly to the client and, also printed on site enabling a review of the certificate before the analyst leaves site.
Do you need Asbestos Air Testing?
Asbestos air monitoring or air testing is needed for a number of reasons;
- Certifying the area is free from airborne asbestos fibre after asbestos has been removed
- Ensuring that leaks do not occur during asbestos removal to confirm the integrity of the enclosure
- Providing reassurance that nobody has been placed at risk
Air Monitoring provided by ENV Surveys Ltd:
- Background Sampling– prior to asbestos removal work taking place
- Leak Testing– outside the enclosure during asbestos removal
- Reassurance Sampling– to ensure the air is free from asbestos fibres
- Sampling for Site Reoccupation (4-Stage Clearance) – Sampling for Certificate of Reoccupation
- Personal Sampling– to determine the exposure levels of the operatives undertaking work on asbestos
BACKGROUND SAMPLING
To establish ambient fibre levels prior to any activity which may lead to airborne asbestos fibres. Sample points should cover likely sources of asbestos fibre, and likely areas of frequent human occupation.
LEAK TESTING
To monitor fibre levels adjacent enclosures to ensure that the control measures in place are effectively preventing the release of airborne asbestos fibres, and that the integrity of the enclosure is being maintained.
REASSURANCE SAMPLING
To confirm that residual asbestos fibre concentrations are <0.010 f/ml. Generally used after the removal of an enclosure. This type of sampling can also be used to assess fibre concentrations inside enclosures before entry for a visual inspection, following removal of non-licenced materials, or following the discovery of damaged asbestos.
SITE CERTIFICATION FOR REOCCUPATION (4 STAGE CLEARANCE)
Clearance Monitoring must be conducted by a UKAS accredited analytical company following licensable removal work. The Clearance Monitoring involves four distinct stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary check of site condition and job completeness;
- Stage 2: A thorough visual inspection inside the enclosure / work area;
- Stage 3: Air Monitoring;
- Stage 4: Final assessment post-enclosure / work area dismantling
When carrying out air monitoring as part of a 4-stage clearance, ENV analysts work to the same high standards; inspecting and signing off each stage of the project. Our analysts pay particular attention to detail in carrying out the visual inspection which determines an area is clean and free from dust prior to carrying out air sampling. Only once all four stages have been passed by the analyst, a Certificate of re-occupation can be issued.
PERSONAL SAMPLING
Personal Monitoring is used pre-dominantly by asbestos removal operatives to ensure that the individual wearing the sampling pump is adequately protected from whatever levels of airborne asbestos fibres are present and to ensure that the control measures in use are suitable and sufficient for the works being undertaken, and to confirm that adequate RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) is being used. The sampling results can then be used to support current and future risk assessments.
Why use ENV?
- All Asbestos Analysts employed by ENV hold the internationally recognised BOHS qualifications: proficiency module P403 “Asbestos fibre counting” and P404 “Air Sampling of Asbestos and MMMF and Requirements for a Certificate of Reoccupation Following Clearance of Asbestos”
- Air monitoring paperwork and certification is completed using hand held tablets and printed from the mobile laboratory so copies can be left on site for both the building manager and the contractor if required.
- We actively participate in Regular Inter-Laboratory Counting Exchange (RICE) proficiency schemes administered by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).
- Please contact us for further information or if you would like to discuss your requirements.
ENV are always on the lookout for qualified analysts with experience of working with UKAS accredited organisations, if you are interested, please see our careers page and get in touch.
