Asbestos Management Solutions
Asbestos Management Solutions
Bulk sampling involves the controlled removal of a small portion of building material to test for the presence of asbestos.
Sampling is carried out using safe, appropriate techniques designed to minimise damage to the original material while reducing the risk of fibre release. Bulk sampling should only be undertaken by competent, suitably trained personnel, as inappropriate sampling can present a serious health risk.
The purpose of bulk sampling is to allow laboratory testing to determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present and, if so, to identify the asbestos type in accordance with recognised analytical methods.
Bulk sampling is a testing activity and forms part of the laboratory analytical process. It is not an asbestos survey and does not provide a comprehensive assessment of asbestos presence within a building.
To Find out more about our bulk sampling service
Please contact us info@westlandes.co.uk | 01782 624642
to discuss your requirements in more detail to obtain the most suitable quotation.
Bulk sampling does not replace an asbestos survey. Where information is required on the presence, extent, and condition of ACMs within a building, an asbestos survey appropriate to the planned activity should be undertaken in accordance with HSG264.
Westland Environmental Safety Ltd is a UKAS-accredited inspection body for asbestos surveying, operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection activities.
In addition, Westland Environmental Safety Ltd is a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (Accreditation No. 7567) for asbestos bulk sampling and subsequent fibre identification.
All asbestos analysis is carried out in strict accordance with our in-house documented Quality Management System, which is based on HSE guidance HSG 248 – Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide for Sampling, Analysis and Clearance Procedures.
In accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), it is a legal requirement that laboratories undertaking asbestos fibre identification are accredited to the appropriate international standards. Westland Environmental Safety Ltd meets these requirements through UKAS accreditation for both inspection (surveying) and testing activities.
We conduct a preliminary visual examination of the bulk sample – using a stereomicroscope at X 10- X 40 magnification to assess for fibres & fibre bundles
Sample treatment is undertaken (if required) to release or isolate fibres
Representative fibres are mounted in appropriate Refractive Index liquids on glass microscope slides
The different fibrous components are identified using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and dispersion staining techniques at a magnification of X 100 or greater.
Upon request, we accept specific site bulk sampling conducted by competent personnel who operate in accordance with our in-house documented quality management system.
Also, we welcome submitted samples to our laboratory by surveyors, consultants and asbestos removal contractors.
Westland Environmental Safety Ltd is a participant in the ‘Regular Inter-laboratory Counting Exchange’ scheme (RICE)
for which we are required to maintain a satisfactory classification.
Our trained P403 & P404 specialist team of asbestos site analysts provide a high quality of service and reliability throughout the United
Kingdom for full project management to individual tests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have all the required experience, qualifications,
expertise, insurance and an established track record in this field. The UKAS logo is an assurance of our impartiality, independence and integrity.
For more information about our bulk sampling services
Please contact us info@westlandes.co.uk | 01782 624642
to discuss your requirements in more detail to obtain the most suitable quotation.