Identification and Bulk Sampling

Whilst many products look like they might contain asbestos, the only certain way to find out is to have the suspect material safely sampled by trained staff and then tested in a UKAS accredited asbestos identification laboratory.

We offer a sampling service along with identification in our laboratory, which is UKAS accredited to ISO 17025:2017 (the international standard for testing) and HSG 248, Asbestos: The analysts' guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures. Our staff are fully trained to take samples of suspect material safely and then securely transport them to our laboratory for analysis.

The testing involves the double-bagged sample being safely opened within an air extraction cabinet. Suspect fibres within the sample are teased out and examined under a low power microscope.  Further tests are then carried out on the fibres using optical and chemical techniques including pleochroism (where materials have a differing refractive index across different planes) and dispersion staining.

The tests are definitive for asbestos within the sample so the outcomes are that either no asbestos is detected in the sample or else asbestos is present.

If required, our fully qualified surveyors will attend your property (Commercial/ Domestic/Industrial) and safely sample suspected asbestos materials for you. We also accept samples sent by appropriate means to our laboratory for analysis. If you are taking samples yourself, please ensure you refer to the HSE guidelines for safe sampling of asbestos containing materials (ACM’s).

If you would like to submit a sample for asbestos analysis, please contact us via email or phone to answer your queries. Please use this sample submission form (containing our Terms and Condition of Business); this must be completed and returned to us along with sample(s).