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
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, which was widely used in construction and other industries until the late 1990s. The three types of asbestos commonly used in the UK were – Blue (Crocidolite), Brown (Amosite), and White (Chrysotile).
If you suspect asbestos materials are present in any capacity, it is important to ensure it is professionally sampled and tested by a specialist laboratory.
Asbestos Testing
At ECT we offer a range of asbestos analysis testing services including the following:
- Laboratory testing for asbestos
At our UKAS* accredited testing laboratory (No. 0320), we can perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of asbestos.
* For a full list of our UKAS-accredited activities, please visit our Accreditations and Industry Standards
- Qualitative testing
We can analyse both bulk and soil (including sediment, slurry, ballast, and aggregate) samples to determine if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present and, if so, the type of asbestiform and ACM. - Quantitative testing:
If soil, ballast, or aggregate is found to contain asbestos, we can perform quantification on the sample to calculate percentage content by dry weight.
ECT Asbestos Testing Process
At ECT we offer a comprehensive asbestos analysis testing process. Our asbestos analysis testing process includes four important stages designed to ensure precise identification and quantification of asbestos-containing materials and asbestos fibre bundles.
- Stage One
Identification using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM). - Stage Two
Gravimetric quantification of large asbestos containing materials (ACM) and asbestos fibre bundles in soil by eye. - Stage Three
Gravimetric quantification of small asbestos containing materials (ACM) and asbestos fibre bundles in soil via stereo microscopy. - Stage Four
Quantification of respirable fibre content of soil using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCOM). The respirable fibre count is the number of fibres per gram of soil that would be classed as respirable if they became airborne and can therefore be a useful addition to risk assessments.
Asbestos analysis quality control
Our analysts all hold a minimum of the BOHS P401 qualification, plus designated staff are further trained to be qualified to BOHS P403 and P408.
In addition to our asbestos analysis services in Leicester, our sister company, Construction Testing Solutions (CTS), operates a dedicated Contaminated Materials Testing (Red Lab) facility in Harrietsham. This enables us to support clients with the safe, compliant, and sustainable testing and classification of contaminated materials.
ECT also offer asbestos remediation strategy and verification services through our Phenna Infrastructure colleagues at CGL and Mason Evans.
Why Choose ECT for Asbestos Testing?
We pride ourselves on consistently delivering high-quality material testing and asbestos analysis that enables our clients to meet their compliance obligations. Our accurate results and fast turnaround help reduce project timelines whilst delivering an accurate and reliable service.
To find out more about our asbestos testing solutions, please get in touch with a member of the ECT team today, and we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services and how we can help you.