During an asbestos survey the surveyor will normally take samples of any materials that they feel may contain asbestos. These samples are taken (in double sealed plastic bags) to an asbestos laboratory for analysis. Often asbestos surveying companies will have their own in-house asbestos laboratory. Asbestos laboratories use a number of techniques to analyse materials in an attempt to find evidence of asbestos fibres. In some instances this is a simple process, but in others (where density is lower) it can be a longer more complicated exercise
This exercise can also be performed on a one-off basis if a suspect material is identified within a building. Most asbestos management organisations offer this service and costs vary from £120 upwards.
If you would like to get a suspect material analysed by a local UKAS accredited company you can find out the cost by filling in our 'Need a quote?' form.
In the UK ALL asbestos laboratories must be UKAS accredited to ISO 17025. This is an international standard for laboratories. UKAS are an organisation that regularly audit asbestos laboratories to ensure that they are correctly following very strict analysis proecedures.
Analysis is done in two main stages. Firstly, the analyst uses tools to break up the sampled materials and looks for evidence of asbestos fibres using a microcope. If fibres are found, the analyst extracts them and uses a number of specialised techniques to identify whether they are asbestos fibres and which asbestos type they are. Asbestos types demonstrate different properties when polarised light is shone through them under a Polarsied Light Microscope.
The laboratory report will indicate whether asbestos was found and, if so, which types. It will also often indicate which asbestos product the analysts feel is present i.e asbestos insulation board. The report may also indicate the amount (usually as a percentage) of each asbestos type that has been found.
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