Where Can I Buy Asbestos Testing Kits from in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction materials during the 20th century due to its excellent heat resistance and insulating properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

If you suspect that your home or workplace contains asbestos, it is essential to have it tested by a licensed professional to determine the level of risk and appropriate actions to take. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a reputable asbestos testing company in Hampshire, providing comprehensive testing services and advice for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

But if you prefer to perform the testing yourself or want to get an initial idea of the presence of asbestos in your building, you can purchase asbestos testing kits from our company. In this article, we will guide you through the use of asbestos testing kits, how to order them, and what to do with the samples.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that consist of microscopic fibers with excellent heat resistance and durability. Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during demolitions, renovations, or DIY projects, and inhaled into the lungs.

The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause chronic respiratory diseases and cancers that may take years or decades to manifest. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even short-term exposure can lead to severe health consequences.

Asbestos was widely used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, cement, pipes, and electrical equipment until its ban in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Why Should You Test for Asbestos?

If your building was constructed before 1999 or you suspect that any of the existing materials may contain asbestos, you should have it tested by a licensed asbestos professional. Only a physical inspection and laboratory analysis can confirm the presence of asbestos and its concentration in the material.

Testing for asbestos is important because:

• It helps identify the presence of ACMs and their location in the building
• It determines the type and concentration of asbestos fibers in the material
• It assesses the risk of exposure and potential health effects
• It guides the proper management, removal or remediation of ACMs
• It complies with the legal requirements for asbestos management and control

How to Use Asbestos Testing Kits

Asbestos testing kits are designed to help you collect samples of suspected ACMs safely and send them to a laboratory for analysis. However, they are not intended to provide a definitive answer to the presence of asbestos and should be used with caution and guidance.

Before using an asbestos testing kit, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the recommended procedures. Also, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers, such as disposable coveralls, gloves, and respirators.

Here are the general steps to use an asbestos testing kit:

1. Identify the suspected ACMs: Locate the materials that you suspect may contain asbestos, such as insulation, ceiling tiles, or pipe lagging.

2. Prepare the sampling area: Isolate the sampling area from other parts of the building to avoid spreading asbestos fibers. Turn off any fans or ventilation systems and cover nearby surfaces with plastic sheets.

3. Collect the sample: Using a utility knife or scissors, carefully cut a small piece of the material, about the size of a penny or a quarter. Avoid breaking, crushing or sanding the material, as it may release asbestos fibers. Place the sample in the provided plastic bag and seal it tightly.

4. Package and label the sample: Label the bag with the location and description of the material, the date of sampling, your name and contact information. Place the bag in the provided envelope and seal it.

5. Send the sample to the laboratory: Mail the envelope to the laboratory using the pre-paid Royal Mail delivery. You should receive the results within a few days or weeks, depending on the type of analysis requested.

Note that asbestos testing kits may differ in their contents, instructions, and analysis methods. Some kits may include multiple bags or swabs for different samples, while others may require you to send the sample to a different laboratory or arrange for a collection service.

If you are unsure about using an asbestos testing kit or need further guidance, contact a licensed asbestos professional for advice.

Where to Buy Asbestos Testing Kits in Hampshire

If you want to purchase asbestos testing kits in Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire offers a range of kits that you can order online or by phone. Our asbestos testing kits are designed for residential, commercial, or industrial properties and contain everything you need to collect samples safely and reliably.

Our asbestos testing kits include:

• A single-piece sampling kit for one sample
• A three-piece sampling kit for up to three samples
• A five-piece sampling kit for up to five samples

Each kit includes plastic bags, gloves, PPE, instructions, and pre-paid Royal Mail delivery. You can choose between standard delivery or next-day delivery, depending on your needs.

Our asbestos testing kits are priced at 29.99 inc VAT for the single-piece kit, 49.99 inc VAT for the three-piece kit, and 74.99 inc VAT for the five-piece kit. We offer a 10% discount for orders over 100, and VAT registered customers can claim VAT exemption at checkout.

To order an asbestos testing kit from Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk/asbestos-testing-kits/ or call us on 01962 458066. You can also email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

What to Do with the Results of Asbestos Testing

Once you receive the results of your asbestos testing, you should review them carefully and act accordingly. The results will show:

• The presence of asbestos or not
• The type of asbestos fibers identified (chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite)
• The concentration of asbestos fibers in the material (expressed as fibers per millimeter squared or f/ml)
• The risk category of the material (low, medium, or high) based on the concentration and type of asbestos fibers

If the material contains asbestos, you should hire a licensed asbestos professional to assess the risk of exposure and recommend the proper management, removal, or remediation of the material. The removal or repair of ACMs should only be carried out by licensed contractors who are trained and equipped to handle asbestos safely and legally.

If the material does not contain asbestos, you can dispose of it as normal waste, following the local regulations for construction and demolition waste.

It is important to keep a record of all asbestos testing and management activities for future reference and compliance with legal requirements.

Conclusion

Asbestos testing is an essential step in protecting your health and the environment from the risks of asbestos exposure. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire offers reliable and affordable asbestos testing kits that you can use to collect samples of suspected ACMs and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

Our asbestos testing kits include everything you need to perform the sampling safely and accurately, and our delivery options ensure fast and convenient access to testing services. We also provide guidance and support throughout the testing and management process, ensuring that you have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions.

If you need asbestos testing kits in Hampshire, contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today. Our experts will help you choose the right kit for your needs and guide you through the sampling and analysis procedures. Call us on 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk/asbestos-testing-kits/.