At ECT we provide a comprehensive range of material testing services including Asbestos Analysis. Our multi-accredited team provide high-quality, quick and reliable testing to ensure your projects are safe and meet compliance obligations.
Asbestos Analysis Services
ECT provides asbestos analysis through our UKAS-accredited testing laboratory. UKAS accreditation provides assurance that laboratory testing is carried out to recognised standards by competent personnel using controlled methods.
The Health and Safety Executive states that organisations commissioning asbestos analysis should use laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, with UKAS being the recognised accreditation body in the United Kingdom.
Our asbestos testing services help clients support compliance with project specifications, health and safety duties, environmental risk assessments and material classification requirements.
For our full scope of accredited activities, please visit our Accreditations and Memberships page.
Our Asbestos Analysis Services
ECT offers a range of asbestos testing services for both building materials and environmental samples.
Bulk Asbestos Analysis
Bulk asbestos analysis identifies whether asbestos-containing materials are present in a sample. This type of testing is commonly used for construction materials, demolition materials, refurbishment projects and suspected asbestos-containing materials.
Bulk samples may include materials such as:
• Cement-based products
• Insulation materials
• Textured coatings
• Bituminous products
• Boards and panels
• Debris from demolition or refurbishment works
• Other suspected asbestos-containing materials
This testing helps confirm whether a material contains asbestos and, where present, the asbestos type.
Soil Asbestos Testing
Soil asbestos testing is used to identify asbestos-containing materials, asbestos fibre bundles or dispersed asbestos fibres in soil and made ground. This is particularly important for contaminated land, brownfield development, remediation, earthworks and waste classification projects.
ECT can test samples including:
• Soil
• Made ground
• Sediment
• Slurry
• Ballast
• Aggregate
• Demolition arisings
Qualitative Asbestos Analysis
Qualitative asbestos analysis determines whether asbestos is present in a sample and identifies the asbestos type. This may include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite or other asbestiform fibres.
Qualitative testing is typically used when the key question is:
“Does this material contain asbestos?”
This analysis is commonly used for suspected asbestos-containing materials, building materials, demolition waste, soil, aggregate and contaminated land samples.
Quantitative Asbestos Analysis
Quantitative asbestos analysis calculates the amount of asbestos present within a sample, usually expressed as a percentage by dry weight. This is commonly required when asbestos is identified in:
• Soil
• Ballast
• Aggregate
• Made ground
• Sediment
• Slurry
• Demolition arisings
Quantitative testing can support environmental risk assessment, contaminated land investigation, waste classification, remediation planning and project decision-making.
ECT Asbestos Testing Process
ECT follows a structured asbestos analysis process designed to support accurate identification and, where required, quantification of asbestos-containing materials and asbestos fibre bundles.
Stage 1 – Initial Screening of Material/Soil Samples
The material or soil sample is initially screened for the obvious presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Soil samples are then coned and quartered to obtain a representative sub-sample, which is dried and prepared for microscopic analysis.
Stage 2 – Stereo Microscopic Analysis
The qualified analyst examines the bulk material or dried soil sample using advanced stereo microscopy techniques. Any suspected asbestos fibres are identified and carefully isolated for further analysis.
Stage 3 – Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) Analysis
An isolated fibre is mounted onto a microscope slide with an appropriate Cargille refractive index liquid. When viewed under a polarised light microscope (PLM), the fibre exhibits unique optical properties and colour effects that enable the qualified analyst to confirm the asbestos type.
Stage 4 – Fibre Quantification
The analyst isolates and counts all asbestos fibres identified within the representative soil sample. The results are then quantified and reported as a percentage concentration based on the volume of the soil sample analysed
Asbestos Testing for Contaminated Land and Construction Projects
Asbestos in soil and made ground is a common concern on brownfield and redevelopment sites. Historic demolition, poor waste management or previous industrial use can leave asbestos-containing materials within the ground.
ECT supports developers, consultants, contractors and environmental specialists with asbestos analysis for contaminated land and construction projects. Our testing can help inform:
• Site investigation reports
• Environmental risk assessments
• Remediation strategies
• Waste classification
• Materials management plans
• Verification and validation work
• Construction phase risk controls
Through the wider Phenna Infrastructure group, ECT can also support clients with related asbestos remediation strategy and verification services via CGL and Mason Evans.
Supporting Compliance and Risk Management
Asbestos analysis helps organisations meet safety, environmental and project compliance obligations. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out legal duties for managing asbestos risk, including work that may disturb asbestos and requirements around sampling and laboratory analysis.
ECT’s asbestos testing services support clients by providing clear, reliable laboratory data that can inform risk assessment, material handling, remediation, waste management and construction planning.
Quality Control and Analyst Competence
ECT’s asbestos analysts hold a minimum of the BOHS P401 qualification, with designated staff further trained to BOHS P403 and P408.
This supports technical competence across asbestos identification, fibre counting and analytical procedures. The HSE’s HSG248 guidance is the authoritative source for asbestos analysts in Great Britain and sets out procedures for asbestos sampling, analysis and clearance-related work.
Quality control, analyst competence and accredited methods are essential for producing reliable results that clients can use with confidence.
Why Choose ECT for Asbestos Analysis?
ECT combines technical expertise, accredited laboratory testing and practical project support for clients across construction, environmental consultancy, contaminated land, demolition, remediation and infrastructure sectors.
- UKAS-accredited asbestos testing laboratory services
- Qualitative and quantitative asbestos analysis
- Experienced analysts with BOHS qualifications
- Clear reporting to support project decisions
- Access to wider Phenna Infrastructure expertise
FAQs
What is asbestos analysis?
Asbestos analysis is laboratory testing used to identify whether asbestos fibres or asbestos-containing materials are present in a sample. It can also determine the asbestos type and, where required, quantify the amount of asbestos present.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative asbestos analysis?
Qualitative asbestos analysis confirms whether asbestos is present and identifies the asbestos type. Quantitative asbestos analysis measures how much asbestos is present, usually as a percentage by dry weight.
Can asbestos be tested in soil?
Yes. Asbestos can be tested in soil, made ground, ballast, aggregate, sediment and slurry. This is commonly required for contaminated land, brownfield development, remediation and waste classification projects.
What types of asbestos can be identified?
Laboratory testing can identify asbestos types including chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite, which are commonly known as white, brown and blue asbestos.
Why should I use a UKAS-accredited asbestos laboratory?
A UKAS-accredited laboratory provides assurance that asbestos testing is carried out to recognised standards by competent personnel using controlled methods. This is important for reliable results and compliance purposes.
When is asbestos testing required?
Asbestos testing may be required before demolition, refurbishment, groundworks, remediation, waste disposal or any activity that could disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials.
What is PLM in asbestos testing?
PLM stands for Polarised Light Microscopy. It is a laboratory technique used to identify asbestos fibres and support asbestos type identification.
Does ECT test asbestos in contaminated land samples?
Yes. ECT can test asbestos in soil, made ground, ballast, aggregate, sediment and slurry to support contaminated land investigation, remediation, risk assessment and waste classification.