Is an Air Test Part of an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly used in construction, insulation, and fireproofing. Unfortunately, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. As a result, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos. Asbestos surveys are performed to identify the presence of asbestos in buildings and determine whether it poses a risk to occupants or workers.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire that provides a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, sampling, testing, analysis, and removal. One question that we frequently receive from our clients is whether an air test is part of an asbestos survey.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any materials that contain asbestos. The survey is typically performed by a qualified asbestos surveyor and involves visually inspecting the property and taking samples of any suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The samples are then analysed by an accredited asbestos testing laboratory to determine whether they contain asbestos and, if so, the type and concentration of asbestos fibres present.

Why is an Air Test Necessary?

While visual inspections and sampling can identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials, they do not provide a complete picture of the extent of asbestos contamination in a building. Asbestos fibres can become airborne when ACMs are disturbed or damaged, such as during renovation or demolition work. Breathing in these fibres can cause serious health problems, which is why it is important to identify and remove all sources of asbestos within a building.

An air test is performed to measure the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air within a building or specific area. Air testing is typically carried out following the removal or encapsulation of ACMs to ensure that no asbestos fibres remain airborne. The test is also used during asbestos removal work to monitor the air quality and ensure that workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos fibres.

Asbestos Air Testing

Asbestos air testing involves taking air samples from different areas of a building or specific work area using a pump fitted with a filter. The samples are collected over a specific period of time and analysed by an accredited asbestos testing laboratory to determine the level of asbestos fibres present in the air. There are two types of asbestos air testing: background air testing and reassurance air testing.

Background air testing is typically performed prior to any asbestos removal work to establish the level of asbestos fibres present in the air before any disturbance takes place. This provides a baseline for comparison during and after the removal work.

Reassurance air testing is performed following the removal or encapsulation of ACMs to ensure that no asbestos fibres remain airborne. The number of samples taken and the length of time for sampling will depend on the size of the area being tested and the type of work carried out.

Accredited Analysts

Air testing for asbestos must be carried out by an accredited analyst who has received appropriate training and holds a relevant qualification. The analyst must also be registered with a professional body such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire works with accredited analysts to ensure that our air testing services are carried out to the highest standards.

Asbestos Survey Requirements

Asbestos surveys are required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The type of survey required will depend on the type and age of the building and the intended use of the survey. There are two types of asbestos survey: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that is used to identify the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. The survey is carried out on a regular basis to ensure that any ACMs are monitored and managed to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is required prior to any renovation or demolition work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials. The survey is used to identify all ACMs within a building and determine the best course of action for removal or encapsulation prior to carrying out the work.

Asbestos Enclosure

During asbestos removal work, it is common practice to create an enclosure around the work area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. The enclosure is typically made from temporary walls, ceiling materials, and floors, which are designed to seal off the work area and prevent asbestos fibres from escaping. The enclosure should also be equipped with negative air pressure equipment to ensure that any airborne asbestos fibres are filtered out by a HEPA filter.

Air Testing Limit

The legal limit for asbestos fibres in the air is 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre (0.1 f/cm3) as a 4-hour average. This means that the average concentration of asbestos fibres in the air over a 4-hour period must not exceed 0.1 f/cm3. However, it is recommended that the level of exposure to asbestos fibres is kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), which means that controls should be put in place to reduce the risk of exposure to as low as possible.

Reassurance Air Testing

Reassurance air testing is performed following the removal or encapsulation of ACMs to ensure that no asbestos fibres remain airborne. The number of samples taken and the length of time for sampling will depend on the size of the area being tested and the type of work carried out.

Reassurance air testing provides reassurance that the area is safe for reoccupation or future works. If asbestos fibres are detected during reassurance air testing, further remedial work will be required to remove any remaining asbestos fibres.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building and determining the best course of action for removal or management. Air testing is an important part of an asbestos survey, as it provides a more complete picture of the extent of asbestos contamination and ensures that all sources of asbestos have been identified and removed.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire that provides affordable, high-quality asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, sampling, testing, analysis, and removal. If you require an asbestos survey or air testing in Hampshire or the South East of England, please contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].