What Is PCM Asbestos Testing in Hampshire?

Are you concerned about asbestos in your building, but unsure how to check for it or remove it safely? Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is here to help, with affordable and reliable asbestos testing and removal services in Hampshire and the South East of England.

One of the key tools we use in our asbestos testing work is PCM, or Phase Contrast Microscopy. In this landing page, we'll explore what PCM asbestos testing is, how it works, and how Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can help you stay safe and healthy in the face of this dangerous substance.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a material that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries between the 1940s and the 1980s. Its fibres are heat-resistant, fire-resistant, and provide excellent insulation, making it a popular choice for many applications.

However, it was discovered that inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to severe diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos was finally banned in the UK in 1999, but many older buildings still contain asbestos materials.

That's why it's important to have professionals like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire test and remove any asbestos materials in your building, to protect your health and the health of those around you.

What Is Asbestos Testing?

Asbestos testing involves taking samples of suspect materials and analysing them for the presence of asbestos fibres. This is an important step in identifying and removing any asbestos materials in your building, as it's often impossible to tell just by looking if something contains asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer two main types of asbestos testing: air sampling and material sampling. The type of test that's best for you depends on a number of factors, including the size and layout of your building, the type of materials you're concerned about, and your overall budget.

Air Sampling

Air sampling is a non-invasive test that involves taking samples of the air inside your building and analysing them for the presence of asbestos fibres. This test is ideal for larger buildings or for situations where it's difficult or impractical to take samples of materials directly.

When we conduct an air sample, we use a filter to collect dust and other particles in the air. We then analyse the filter under a microscope for the presence of asbestos fibres. This is known as Phase Contrast Microscopy, or PCM.

PCM is a widely used and accepted method for asbestos testing, and is recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the US. It's the method we use at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, and we've conducted countless successful tests using this technique.

Material Sampling

Material sampling involves taking small samples of suspect materials and analysing them under a microscope for the presence of asbestos fibres. This is a more invasive test than air sampling, but can be more accurate in identifying the specific source of any asbestos contamination.

When we conduct material sampling, we carefully collect a small sample of the suspect material, using tools like a hammer, chisel, or drill. We then analyse this sample under a microscope using a variety of techniques, including PCM and electron microscopy.

Material sampling is often required by state agencies or other regulatory bodies, and we're well equipped to handle these requirements. Whatever your testing needs, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is here to help.

How Does PCM Asbestos Testing Work?

As we've mentioned, PCM asbestos testing involves using a microscope to analyse filters or material samples for the presence of asbestos fibres. But how does this process actually work?

The key to PCM is phase contrast microscopy, which uses a special filter to enhance the visibility of small particles like asbestos fibres. The filter works by shifting the phases of light waves passing through it, creating contrast that makes it easier to see small, obscured particles.

During a PCM test, we use a special cassette to collect air samples or a microscope slide to analyse material samples. This cassette or slide includes a special filter that collects particles and fibres from the sample.

We then take the collected filter or slide and analyse it under a microscope using phase contrast microscopy. This technique makes it easier to detect small asbestos fibres, which can be difficult to see under normal conditions.

What Are Safe Asbestos Levels?

If you're concerned about asbestos in your building, you might be wondering what levels of asbestos are safe. Unfortunately, there's no completely safe level of asbestos exposure, as even tiny amounts can cause damage over time.

However, there are legal and regulatory standards for maximum allowable asbestos exposure in certain settings. In the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set specific limits for airborne asbestos concentration, measured in fibres per cubic centimetre (f/cc).

The current OSHA standard for airborne asbestos concentration is 0.1 f/cc, as measured over an 8-hour work shift. If a sample exceeds this level, further action is required to protect workers.

Similarly, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set an action level of 0.1 f/cc for certain types of work, including asbestos removal and demolition. It's important to note that these are maximum allowable levels, and that any amount of exposure to asbestos can be dangerous.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

If you're in Hampshire or the South East of England and looking for reliable asbestos testing and removal services, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. With years of experience and a highly skilled team of personnel, we're well equipped to handle any related issues you may face.

We're committed to the highest standards of safety and quality in all our work, and use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure accurate and thorough testing and removal.

In addition, we pride ourselves on our affordable pricing and responsive customer service. We know that dealing with asbestos can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and we're always here to answer your questions and help you through the process.

Whatever your asbestos testing, removal, or monitoring needs, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is here to help. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help keep you safe and healthy.