What is asbestos air monitoring?

Asbestos air monitoring (also known as asbestos fibre air monitoring or asbestos air testing) is used to detect the level of asbestos fibres within the atmosphere. By drawing air through a filter over a predetermined period of time, airborne particles are collected and prepared for examination by our qualified asbestos analysts. 

All of our asbestos air analysts drive fit for purpose vans which double as UKAS approved mobile laboratories, allowing paperwork such as re-occupation certificates to be printed and issued on site immediately following works, saving our clients time and money. All of our analysts have the standard Lucion Air monitoring kit which is inclusive of a Phase Contrast Microscope, air sampling pumps and electronic tablet for recording data into our online compliance management system NexGen.

Our trained analysts use handheld tablets to record all specific information and photographs where required for all stages of the works. This data is recorded in our award-winning, Cyber Essentials Plus certified, compliance management system NexGen. Our NexGen mobile app generates HSG 248 compliant air monitoring documentation automatically and allows our clients to access their reports as live documents once the analyst has synchronised their data. Paperwork / certificates can be printed off on site within the analysts van, which doubles as a mobile laboratory.

Do I need asbestos air monitoring services?

Asbestos air monitoring assesses the concentration of airborne asbestos fibre levels that may have been generated by the asbestos removal process or if an asbestos containing material is suspected to have been distirubed, affecting the surrounding air. Asbestos air testing can be conducted:

• To confirm that an appropriate level of personal protection equipment (PPE) or respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has been chosen. This can be achieved by undertaking personal air monitoring or sampling on individuals where the works are being carried out

• To check the effectiveness of dust suppression methods used during the asbestos removal process
• To provide data for employee exposure records

As one of the four stages of acquiring your Clearance Certificate, required to reoccupy your building, the asbestos air test is essential to determine that the levels of asbestos fibres are safe for occupation.

What asbestos air monitoring services are available?

We offer a full range of asbestos air testing services that can be performed on site, including:

• Four stage asbestos clearance testing to HSG 248 (The Analysts Guide) including work area/enclosure visual examination, clearance indicator air test, reassurance air testing and decontamination unit reassurance air testing as required

• Reassurance air testing to HSG 248 (The Analysts Guide)
• Leak air testing to HSG 248 (The Analysts Guide)
• Background air testing to HSG 248 (The Analysts Guide)
• Personal air testing to HSG 248 (The Analysts Guide)
• Boundary monitoring during remediation of external ground contamination to HSG 248 (The Analysts Guide)

We are also able to undertake airborne asbestos fibre determination and fibre counting using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) providing a greater level of accuracy than the methods used by a majority of UKAS ISO 17025 asbestos laboratories. This is particularly effective in instances where our clients require categorical confirmation of contamination.

What are my responsibilities?

If you are the duty holder, you are required to manage your asbestos risks in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. 

Lucion Services is UKAS accredited and the UK’s market leader in asbestos management. Our asbestos management consultants provide a number of support services including; writing specification documents for asbestos removal, assist with the procurement of Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC), manage the asbestos removal process, and audit contractors and works conducted.

Take control of your asbestos risks. Contact our team today. Click 'Make an Enquiry' now or give our team a call on 0345 5040 303.