Asbestos Testing
Asbestos Testing – Asbestos Fibre Identification by Polarized Light Microscopy
Asbestos sampling and independent laboratory asbestos testing is the only conclusive method of identifying the presence of asbestos fibres in any material suspected to contain asbestos. Asbestos testing and analysis involves initial search for fibres under a stereo microscope then selected asbestos fibres are viewed under a polarised light microscope (PLM) to identify the type of asbestos fibre in accordance with Australian Standard AS4964 – Method for the qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk samples. The legislation requires that asbestos fibre identification is carried out in accordance with this method. The laboratory undertaking the asbestos fibre identification must be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
The asbestos testing and analysis result provided by the laboratory is a record of the asbestos or non-asbestos content of the sample piece provided for analysis. The asbestos testing result is reported as “NAD” or “No Asbestos Detected” or specifies the type of asbestos fibres identified in the sample tested for asbestos fibre identification as:
- Chrysotile asbestos identified
- Amosite asbestos identified
- Crocidolite asbestos identified
Other Asbestos Testing and Analysis Methods for asbestos fibre identification include the following:
- Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer microanalysis (EDS)
Asbestos Sampling Procedure
Sampling asbestos requires a safe work procedure to prevent personal exposure, disturbance of asbestos containing materials and release of asbestos fibres locally and to nearby areas. The Safe Work Australia Draft Code of Practice – How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace and the Health & Safety Executive latest publication HSG 264 – Asbestos: The Survey Guide describe the correct procedures for sampling various types of asbestos containing materials including friable and non-friable asbestos.
Asbestos Testing Services
SESA can assist you with any aspect of asbestos sampling and asbestos testing.
Other asbestos services:
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