Air Monitoring
For Commercial,
Industrial & Domestic
Comprehensive Air Monitoring Services
Core Surveys offers comprehensive UKAS accredited asbestos air monitoring services to ensure safety and regulatory adherence during and on completion of asbestos removal and remedial projects. Our fleet of mobile laboratories allows for efficient on-site testing. We carry out 4 Stage Clearances following licensed asbestos removal works and Reassurance Testing following non-licensed removal works. During asbestos works we are able to undertake Leak Testing, Background Monitoring and Personal Monitoring. We also regularly undertake Background and Personal Monitoring during land remediation projects. Additionally, we offer Contractor Compliance services to ensure works are undertaken in line with all current regulations and guidance.
15,000+
Air Tests Completed
The Full Range of Asbestos Air Monitoring Services
Mobile Laboratories
We operate a fleet of mobile laboratories, allowing all work to be carried out directly on site. Hard copy reports can be provided immediately, with digital PDF versions sent via email shortly after. This ensures efficient, timely reporting and minimal disruption to your schedule or site operations.
4 Stage Clearances &
Certificate of Reoccupation
On completion of asbestos removal within an enclosure, an Analyst conducts a 4 Stage Clearance. This includes a detailed visual inspection inside and outside the enclosure, followed by a disturbed air test to confirm fibre levels are below the clearance limit. If all stages pass, a Certificate for Reoccupation is issued.
Leak/Background Testing
During asbestos removal, Leak Testing is recommended to verify enclosure integrity and Background Monitoring undertaken to ensure safety within the local area. Testing uses Phase Contrast Microscopy, and a Certificate of Airbourne Fibrecounts is provided to confirm fibre levels are within safe limits.
Reassurance Air Testing
On completion of non-licensed asbestos works, a Reassurance Air Test is completed to ensure fibre levels are acceptable, in addition to a thorough visual inspection. Testing uses Phase Contrast Microscopy, and a Certificate of Airbourne Fibrecounts together with a Visual Inspection Certificate are provided on completion.
Personal Monitoring
Personal air monitoring of operatives is good practice. When monitoring asbestos removal, the supervisor should give clear instructions about the purpose of the sampling. All sampling should be carried out for sufficient durations: shift duration (preferably 2-4 hour periods) or the duration of specific tasks being observed.
Hygiene Facility Certificates
The hygiene facility is used for personnel decontamination after enclosure entry. Before it can be safely removed from site, it must be cleaned and undergo testing. On completion a Hygiene Facility Certificate of Inspection is issued, which must be displayed inside the unit.
Asbestos Removal Contractor Compliance
Core Surveys undertake Contractor Compliance on asbestos removal projects to assist Clients with their obligations. This work includes reviewing method statements, keeping logs of trained personnel (training dates, face fit dates & medicals), equipment checks, enclosure checks and daily site diaries. This work allows a Client to feel confident that the removal process is overseen independently to the removal company.
Air Monitoring Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos air monitoring is a vital process used to assess the levels of airborne fibres during or after works involving asbestos containing materials. It helps verify the effectiveness of control measures, ensures the safety of workers and the public, and confirms whether an area is safe for reoccupation. Common questions include when air monitoring is required, what types of testing are available (such as background, leak, personal exposure, and clearance testing), and how results are measured. Understanding these elements helps clients stay compliant with regulations and ensures that asbestos works are carried out to the highest safety standards.
What is asbestos air testing?
It is the process of measuring the concentration of fibres in the air to determine if they pose a risk to human health and safety.
Why is asbestos air testing necessary?
It is necessary to identify if fibres are present in the air, to be able to take the appropriate measures to protect human health and safety.
How is asbestos air testing conducted?
Asbestos air testing is undertaken by asbestos analysts in accordance with HSG248 Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide.
Who is qualified to conduct asbestos air testing?
Asbestos air testing must be conducted by analysts who hold the BOHS P403 and P404 proficiency certificates as a minimum standard, and who are employed by companies accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17025.
What equipment is used for asbestos air testing?
The key equipment includes pumps and filters, used to collect the samples, and slides and microscopes, used to analyse the samples.
How accurate is the asbestos air testing?
Asbestos air testing is very accurate. It should be noted that all fibres longer than 5 microns and thinner than 3 micros are counted. The analyst will not differentiate between asbestos and non-asbestos fibres.
What are the different types of asbestos air testing?
The different types of asbestos air testing include 4 Stage Clearances, Reassurance Air Testing, Leak Testing, Background Monitoring and Personal Monitoring.
How long does it take to get the results of asbestos air testing?
What kind of certificate is issued after asbestos air testing?
A Certificate of Airbourne Fibrecounts is issued, showing the number of fibres counted at the time the testing took place. The certificate includes a plan showing the location of the pumps used. This may also be accompanied by a Visual Inspection Certificate or Certificate for Reoccupation.
What should I do if asbestos fibres are found in the air?
Action only needs to be taken if fibre levels are above the acceptable level. Where they are found to be above this level, access to the area will need to be restricted until suitable remedial works are undertaken.
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