UKAS Asbestos Sample Analysis

Laboratory Testing for the Identification of Asbestos

The AEC laboratory is located within the Manchester head office; the laboratory is UKAS accredited to EN ISO 17025 for 'asbestos sample analysis', and works with samples provided by our client or samples taken from premises by our surveyors.

Laboratory operating hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:30. Priority project samples can be analysed within four hours on the same day when delivered prior to 12:00 noon. Projects not requiring this high level of urgency can be analysed on a sliding cost scale within seven days.

In order to provide the best possible service the following information should be included with all delivered samples:

Name, address, telephone number, total number of samples, where each sample was taken from and project reference number.

Sampling of asbestos is extremely hazardous and should only be undertaken by a 'COMPETENT PERSON'.

Samples should be DOUBLE BAGGED and labelled with a standard asbestos warning label.

Bags can be supplied; contact the Laboratory Manager on 0161 872 7111.

The Laboratory participates in the Asbestos in Materials Scheme (AIMS) and Regular Interlaboratory Counting Exchange (RICE) Scheme which are both overseen by the Health and Safety Laboratory.

AIMS assesses the performance of laboratories carrying out the identification of asbestos in bulk materials; all Laboratories analysing airborne fibre concentrations must participate in the RICE scheme, which count all fibre types in accordance with World Health Organisation rules.

The AEC Laboratory is in the top performing percentage of laboratories in the UK for the above schemes.

Asbestos Insulating Board or Asbestos Cement?

The AEC Laboratory is able to conduct 'water absorption tests' to identify whether a sample is Asbestos Insulating Board or Asbestos Cement and is the only laboratory accredited by UKAS for this test.

Identification of this material is critical to the cost and schedule of many projects and will have an impact on the removal and disposal method selected, for example asbestos insulation board requires a licensed asbestos removal contractor and a 14 day notification period whereas asbestos cement does not require the notification period and can be removed by a COMPETENT PERSON.

A 10cm2 sample of material is needed in order to carry out water absorption tests.

Frequent Users of the Laboratory

A web-based reporting service is available for those customers requiring our services on a frequent basis and need fast results. By using a user name and password, the results will be available as soon as posted 'live' by the laboratory staff.

Speak to the Laboratory Manager on 0161 872 7111 for further information.

Bulk Sampling

AEC can provide an analyst to remove samples from specified locations; a certificate of analysis will be supplied stating whether the material is asbestos or not.

Rates are competitive and will be discussed at the time of enquiry; call 0161 872 7111 to make an appointment for one of our analysts to visit your site.

For an additional charge we can also provide a concise letter style report providing further recommendations. This report is a substitute for a full survey and will only be isolated to locations specified.

• The laboratory is UKAS accredited to EN ISO 17025 for bulk sampling, water absorption testing and gravimetric weighing.
• All bulk samples taken will be analysed by dispersion staining and polarised light microscopy in accordance with relevant HSE methods.

The Benefits of AEC

The AEC Laboratory offers a flexible, reliable service and understands the demands of your project.

We welcome the opportunity to provide a tour of our facilities; speak to the Laboratory Manager on 0161 872 7111 for further information.