Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is a process that involves taking a sample of a suspected material to determine whether or not it does contain any asbestos. Asbestos can be found in a large number of materials that were used in the construction of buildings. It is highly dangerous and exposure by inhaling or swallowing its fibres can lead to incurable disease and cancer. Asbestos was widely used as an additive to building materials. It was hailed as the ‘wonder’ material because of its many properties. As such, asbestos-containing materials can be found in the majority of buildings constructed prior to 2000.

An asbestos survey is essential for any building, particularly for an older building. It is now mandatory to have a survey conducted prior to any planned building work or demolition to a building. When an asbestos survey is completed, it will indicate if there are any asbestos-containing materials that could pose a risk. It can be a recommendation of the surveyor to have samples of any suspect materials tested.

However, before the testing can be done, a sample of the suspected ACM must be collected. A trained professional should collect the sample to ensure safety. More than one sample can be collected for analysis and testing. The samples are then sent to an UKAS accredited testing laboratory. The laboratory will supply the results, along with a report regarding the samples that were analysed and tested. The results of the analysis will determine whether any asbestos is present within the building, and if there is, what type of asbestos it is.

Asbestos can be found in almost every building material used to construct a building. These include cement, insulation, tiles, pipes, flooring, ceiling boards and many others. Asbestos becomes friable when it is old or damaged. This is when it poses a risk as the fibres are disturbed and become airborne. The fibres can be inhaled or swallowed by unsuspecting workers within the building. As asbestos fibres cannot be seen with the naked eye, it is best to have a sample of any suspected asbestos-containing material sent to a recognised laboratory for testing.

The control of asbestos regulations 2012 stipulate that all analysis of samples for suspected asbestos-containing materials must be completed by an asbestos company accredited in compliance with the standard outlined in ISO 17025. While the HSE does not specify that the collection of the sample is carried out by a person or company with an asbestos license, they do set out guidelines for the manner in which the sample is collected. To ensure complete safety, it is suggested that a licensed company collects the sample for analysis and testing.

Asbestos Associated is a licensed and accredited asbestos testing and removal company. Our highly skilled and trained team have the experience and the knowledge to collect samples of any suspected asbestos-containing materials. We’re accredited to carry out asbestos testing. Our expert team will determine if any asbestos-containing materials are present within a building, and collect samples to be lab tested.