ANALYTICAL SERVICES
At Nichol Associates, we not only provide clients with asbestos removal, surveying and training services, but we also have the facilities and expertise to undertake all asbestos analytical work.
With vast experience in the field, we’re proud to deliver complete, accurate and efficient results for our clients. Our asbestos analytical services cover all types of air monitoring, including air clearance monitoring, as well as optimum laboratory testing of materials suspected of containing asbestos at our on-site facility in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear.
Air Monitoring
Air monitoring takes place following the removal of asbestos-containing materials under fully controlled conditions. Once the air monitoring is passed, you’ll receive a certificate of reoccupation, giving staff and members of the public the green light to reoccupy the area.
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Along with these reassurance tests, we also carry out leak air monitoring outside the enclosure/work area while work is in progress. With the results from the leak air monitoring, we can establish whether the control measures in place are adequate to control any asbestos fibres released to the outside.
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Smoke tests can be performed within an enclosure to highlight any potential breaches. This test gives clients confidence in the knowledge that all asbestos-containing fibres will remain inside the enclosure, therefore protecting nearby staff and members of the public from the dangers of exposure to asbestos fibres.
We offer a full range of asbestos analytical services
Four Stage Clearance
Reassurance Air Tests
Leak Air Tests
Background Air Tests
Personal Air Monitoring
Laboratory Testing
Four Stage Clearance
Asbestos services specialists Nichol Associates undertake four stage clearance air monitoring following the removal of asbestos based materials (generally licensed materials such as insulation boards, insulation and coatings) under fully controlled conditions. This will enable a certificate of reoccupation to be issued to reassure those reoccupying the area that it is safe to do so.
Reassurance Air Tests
Reassurance air monitoring is conducted to determine asbestos fibre concentrations upon completion of the assessment of site for reoccupation or following the removal of non-licensed asbestos containing materials (such as vinyl floor tiles, cement products, textured coatings). Air tests can also take place following the disturbance of suspected or identified asbestos-containing materials.
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After the asbestos removal procedure has taken place, a reassurance air test is carried out.
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It is common for asbestos dust to fall into crevices of the enclosure sheeting that cannot be seen to the naked eye, which is why we complete the test after the full removal process.
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Nichol Associates carries out reassurance monitoring on behalf of clients and will discuss the implications of any results.
Leak Air Tests
Leak air monitoring is carried out outside the enclosure/work area while work is in progress. It is undertaken to verify that the control measures are adequate enough to control asbestos fibres released to the outside.
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When working in an enclosure, a leak test can be performed. This test will highlight any breaches within the enclosure, clients can be confident that the enclosure is retaining and keeping asbestos fibres within it.
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We can carry out leak testing on behalf of our clients, which then identifies any leaks in the enclosure construction, and therefore protect staff and members of the public who may be nearby.
Background Air Tests
We will implement background air monitoring to establish airborne fibre concentrations before any activity that may lead to airborne asbestos contamination before and during activities.
Personal Air Monitoring
Personal monitoring is performed which allows us to determine whether or not the personal exposures of workers comply with the applicable control limits. With this knowledge, you can provide workers with suitable respiratory protective equipment and also ensure that control measures are working effectively.
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We can assess samples for personal exposure records, assessment of respirator suitability or as an assessment of whether airborne fibre concentrations are higher or lower than the control limit.
Laboratory Testing
As a leading provider of asbestos services including removal, surveying, training and analytical services, we’re proud to have our very own UKAS-accredited laboratory at our head office which is fully accredited to meet UKAS standards of ISO 17025.
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Since we don’t rely on external labs, we’re able to analyse samples within a matter of hours on the same day or over a timeframe suitable to your needs. Overseeing all asbestos analytical activity within our lab is our team of Technical Managers and Analysts, who boast over 20 years’ experience in the field.