We provide a range of asbestos monitoring services for different contexts, all used to detect levels of dangerous airborne respirable asbestos fibres. These services must be carried out by qualified people like us, UKAS accredited and working to guidance HSG264, and completely independent of the removal contractors. If you have an emergency we can be with you 24/7. Our emergency call-out service is perfect for instant support, and it’s good to know that all our asbestos inspection services meet ISO 17020.
Asbestos reassurance air test monitoring
We use background air testing to establish ambient asbestos fibre levels and this is often carried out before the work, designed to find out whether there are any problems. If your asbestos removal contractor wants to remove asbestos from your property or site, or make it safe, they might need a background air test.
We sample a known volume of air through a filter using a sampling pump, then analyse it. Counting the fibres caught in the filter confirms the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air, a baseline to compare later test results. This confirms whether removal or remediation will mean higher asbestos fibre levels.
What is an asbestos reassurance air test?
If asbestos has been disturbed or removed, you may need a reassurance air test. It’s exactly the same as a background test, except for the timing. We carry out reassurance air tests after asbestos has been disturbed or removed, revealing whether the area is safe. It often happens after planned, non-licensed asbestos removal.
This test finds leaks, similar to Reassurance and Background monitoring. It’s an early indicator of whether the right control measures are in place during asbestos removal. We use a 1000 gauge polythene enclosure to safely contain the working area, adding negative air pressure units to keep the air inside area contained. If we find a leak, it can be an early sign the control measures should be improved.
This type of monitoring reveals the condition of the air breathed by people during asbestos related activities. Personal air monitoring delivers valuable performance information, giving you an accurate record of concentrations of airborne fibre generated by particular types of work under particular circumstances. It gives those involved the confidence that the control methods are working as they need to.
Asbestos air sampling is recommended by the Asbestos Regulation 2012, the Approved Code of Practice, and existing guidance. It checks the effectiveness of the controlled method or removal , provides data for personal exposure records, helps you assess and plan similar jobs, and confirms you have chosen the right RPE.
What is air monitoring?
Air monitoring detects the level of respirable fibres in the air in a given location. We use a pump to draw a set amount of air through a filter, over a set time. This filter is analysed according to HSG264 and other guidance, then viewed and counted under a microscope. Depending on the type of air monitoring, the test result should be <0.01 f/ml (below 0.01 fibres per ml of air) to pass the test.
Do I need air monitoring?
Raised asbestos levels could happen thanks to accidental damage to asbestos containing materials, or planned asbestos removal works, whether licensed or not. It can occur when asbestos might be present but can’t be recorded on a ground works survey. In all three cases air monitoring is required. It can also be used to find the appropriate RPE to use during asbestos related works. If you need licensed asbestos removal work, you will also need 4-stage Clearance.
Do you need Asbestos Air Monitoring ?
Fill in our online form and a member of our team will get back to you to discuss your requirements and explain the best way forward.
