AIR ASBESTOS TESTING
Asbestos air testing – Asbestos fiber content testing is an activity in which a certain amount of air is drawn through the filter over a measured time. During this time, the molecules of e.g. Airborne asbestos is collected on the filter, which then prepares for examination under a microscope.
A representative percentage of the filter is examined with a phase contrast microscope to count all visible fibers. Only fibers that meet certain size criteria are counted in a certain number of areas. From this, we can calculate the total concentration of asbestos fibers, shown as fibers per cubic centimeter of air (fibers / cm3).
WHAT TYPES OF DO WE PERFORM?
Fully in line with the domestic and foreign standard, we can provide all kinds of airborne asbestos testing, which are detailed below.
TESTS – WORKPLACE TESTS (NDS)
This form of air testing is used to assess asbestos exposure for your workers and is required by law. It can be used in the following circumstances:
Assess the effectiveness of your asbestos control measures when working with asbestos;
To assess whether the inspection limit has been exceeded, so that you can choose the appropriate PPE to use;
To assess that the measures you intend to use will be appropriate and will provide you with an adequate level of protection;
Information on asbestos exposure in your medical surveillance records;
Provide important details of the risk assessment to support current and future asbestos work.
ASBESTOS AIR TESTING IN THE SO-CALLED BACKGROUND
This is usually done when evidence is required or it is verified that the airborne asbestos fiber level is below the recommended level. Most often this is done to establish the fiber concentration before any activity that could lead to airborne asbestos contamination. It can also be used as part of an overall monitoring strategy to manage asbestos risks.
AIR LEAK TESTING
This form of air test is used to measure the concentration of fibers in the air outside of a sealed asbestos-removal enclosure to determine if the enclosure is airtight and if the control measures are adequate. The air-tightness test is used to support the initial smoke test and frequent close visual inspections of the room during removal work.
AIR TESTING AFTER ASBESTOS REMOVAL
Typically it is used to measure the concentration of fibers in air after asbestos removal to confirm that the residual concentration of asbestos fibers is <0.01 fibers / cm3.