Services
Spectra Analysis Services Ltd is accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17025 for air sampling and fibre counting.
Our fleet of mobile laboratories are equipped with high flow monitoring pumps, microscopes, power inverters and all equipment necessary to produce on site results. We currently have sixteen mobile laboratories available to clients, seven days per week, twentyfour hours per day.
- Site Clearance Certification - 4 stage testing (L28), in compliance with CAWR2002, Reg16 / HSG 248
- Certificate of Reoccupation, further to the completion of stages 1 - 4
- Decontamination unit clearance testing
- Background sampling
- Leak (Enclosure check) sampling
- Reassurance sampling
- Personal monitoring
Compliance sampling - assessment of the suitability of respirator protection
Please note that it is a requirement of CAWR2002, Reg. 19 that all air monitoring for the presence of airborne asbestos fibres is undertaken by an accredited laboratory to ISO/IEC 17025.
Identification of Asbestos Material (Bulk Sample Analysis)
The company has facilities to undertake asbestos bulk samples analysis at the Main Laboratory based at head office or from specified satellite laboratory site set-ups that meets the quality objectives and requirements of the Health and Safety Executives "Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances 77" Asbestos in bulk materials (MDHS 77), HSG 248 , the International Standard ISO/IEC 1702, UKAS and current legislation. To meet the quality objectives and requirements of the standard, Spectra has attained accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services ( Accreditation Number 2621) for asbestos bulk sample analysis at the main laboratory.
Normal turnaround for analysis of bulk materials from the time samples are received at our laboratory is within 24 to 48 hours (exclusive of bank holidays and weekends) depending on the number of samples. However when urgent analysis of sample batch is required, special arrangements can be negotiated for immediate turnaround depending on number of samples and availability of staff.
Asbestos Surveys and Registers
There are three types of survey referred to in MDHS 100, the approved and prescribed method for carrying out asbestos surveys:
Type 1: Location and assessment (or presumptive) survey: All reasonably accessible areas of the building are inspected but no sampling of suspect ACMs is carried out as such materials are merely presumed to contain asbestos. An assessment of such materials is made to determine their potential to release fibres and cause harm.
Type 2: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey: This is the most common survey type; all reasonably accessible areas of the building are inspected and representative samples of suspected ACMs are taken and analysed to establish asbestos content. Extrapolations to cover materials visually similar to those sampled are made. An assessment of the materials is carried out and appropriate actions are recommended.
Type 3: Full access sampling and identification (pre-demolition or refurbishment) survey: These surveys include a significant intrusive element because of the need to gain access to concealed and difficult to reach areas. This type of survey is generally carried out in unoccupied premises prior to major refurbishment or demolition, and will normally require the presence of a licensed contractor as extensive disturbance of ACMs is usually unavoidable. Although not required for a Type 3 survey, some form of simplified assessment of risk potential is usually carried out as the survey report will often be used as a basis for tendering the removal of ACMs prior to refurbishment or demolition works.
It is best practice to carry out the sampling aspects of a survey when the building is least occupied, for example after normal working hours or at weekends. Asbestos can be an emotive and sensitive issue, and although our surveyors will always be as unobtrusive as possible whilst carrying out their inspection, it is often best to arrange the work in such a way as to minimise disruption and undue concern. The survey will need to encompass all of the locations and areas within its defined scope, and for this reason it is important that facilities personnel are available to enable access to any areas that are locked or normally inaccessible due to security or safety considerations. The surveyors will be made aware of hazards inherent to the site and restricted areas (possibly requiring escort) prior to the survey commencing.