Asbestos Testing & Sampling

Asbestos Testing & Sampling involves taking a small amount of a suspect material and having it tested by a UKAS accredited to find out if it contains asbestos. An asbestos check tells you exactly what you’re dealing with so you’ll know you’re safe to continue working or living around the material without concern.

Asbestos analysis ensures that neither you (or those whom you have a responsibility for) are put as risk.

Asbestos Sampling is Important

Having asbestos tested is in the only way of knowing for certain if a material contains hazardous fibres. It is particularly useful at identifying hazardous asbestos minerals, including those found in asbestos insulating board, asbestos thermal coatings and asbestos cement products.

INDEPENDENT TESTING

Every asbestos sample is analysed by a completely independent, UKAS accredited laboratory.

Certificate Provided

You are provided with a certificate which confirms where the sample was taken from and what (if anything) it contains.

CALL-OUT INCLUDED

All prices quoted include call-out, travel to and from site and travel to and from site and the Asbestos Sampling process.

How is Asbestos Tested?

Asbestos is tested by taking a sample of the suspect material, usually by dampening the area. The person conducting asbestos sampling will then remove a small section of the suspected asbestos containing material which is then placed into a polythene bag and then into a second. The area where the sample has been removed will be covered by sealant or strong tape and, if necessary, labelled with an asbestos warning sticker. The samples are then tested by an independent UKAS Accredited laboratory and the results are usually available within 3 to 5 working days.

Is Any Damaged Caused To The Area?

There may be a small area of damage caused during the asbestos check, as it is necessary to take a piece of the material away for the laboratory to analyse. However, our employee will endeavor to take the sample from an inconspicuous area and cover it with something which is sympathetic to the surroundings, where possible.

How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost?

Prices start from £60.00+vat including call-out. Each additional sample taken at the time of the visit is just £20.00+vat. Please visit our asbestos testing cost page for more detailed information.

How Long Do The Results Take?

Please allow 5 to 7 working days for the asbestos analysis results (although they are often available sooner). If you’ve provided us with an email address we’ll send you the results as soon as they arrive, once the invoice has been paid.

Do You Recommend Using A DIY Asbestos Sampling Kit?

Due to the hazardous nature of some asbestos containing materials we do not recommend the use of a DIY self asbestos sampling kit. Such kits available online are not endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive and could lead to exposure to dangerous fibres such as amosite if used incorrectly. There are also some types of materials which require an experienced person to sample, such as pipe lagging.

Employing the services of an experienced company to visit your premises also gives you the opportunity to discuss any potential issues of concern during the visit.