Finding and sampling asbestos

The taking of an 'air sample' involves the use of specialist equipment, whereby a measured volume of air is pumped through a filter for a specific period of time so that the number of airborne fibres of respirable size can be calculated by statistical counting using an optical microscope.

'Bulk sampling' involves the taking of a representative number of small pieces of materials suspected of containing asbestos and microscopically examining their physical characteristics to determine whether or not they do, and if so the type and approximate percentage content of asbestos.

Regulations 20 and 21 of CAR 2012, the former for air testing and the latter for bulk sampling, impose a duty to ensure that these services are only carried out by appropriate bodies or persons competent to comply with ISO 17025. In Great Britain the sole recognised accreditation body is UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).

See section 9 of the Asbestos guidance note.