Asbestos analysis

Current regulations require the analysis of materials for asbestos in bulk materials to be conducted by an accredited laboratory. Our facility in Coventry is ISO17025 UKAS accredited laboratory for the identification of Asbestos in soils and waters.

Asbestos is a non-biodegradable naturally occurring silicate mineral that can be categorised into two main crystalline groups, Amphibole and Serpentine.  Although the use of Asbestos was completely banned in the UK in 1999 it still poses a potential problem for contractors due to its presence in buildings built pre 2000.

Based upon the industry recommended HSG248 documentation, our internal methodologies are carried out utilising stereo and polarised light microscopy by P401 fully trained analysts. Our UKAS accredited laboratory provide isolation and identification of all forms of asbestos including:

• Amosite (brown)
• Crocidolite (blue)
• Fibrous Anthophyllite
• Fibrous Tremolite
• Fibrous Actinolite
• Chrysotile (white)

Participation in a recognised proficiency testing scheme is required as part of our accreditation and this is undertaken through the Asbestos In Materials (AIMS) proficiency scheme run by the Health and Safety Laboratory.