Need asbestos air testing for your next West Midlands project?

We provide UKAS accredited asbestos air testing and monitoring to assist before, during and after asbestos works or asbestos disturbances.

As a fully independent and impartial company, you can be confident that the results and recommendations you receive from Acorn will always be in your best interests!

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Asbestos Air Testing

Asbestos air testing is an activity where a known volume of air is drawn through a filter over a measured period of time. During this time, airborne particles are collected on the filter which is then prepared for examination under a microscope.

A representative percentage of the filter is examined using phase-contrast microscopy to count all fibres seen. Only fibres which meet the set size criteria are counted over the specified number of areas.

From this, we can calculate the overall fibre concentration, shown as fibres per cubic centimetre of air (f/cm3).

We provide

Background Asbestos Air Testing
Leakage Asbestos Air Testing
Reassurance Asbestos Air Testing
Personal Asbestos Air Testing

See Frequently asked questions below for more information

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Fast, free and fixed price quote service

We’ll quote you within 1 working day, and the quote you receive will be the price you are charged.

On site analysis and results

We set up our mobile laboratories on your site so you have instant results.

Accurate data collection system

All of our asbestos air testing is completed using the latest data collection software ensuring all of your asbestos information is recorded accurately and securely.

Free asbestos remediation consultation & advice

We don't undertake asbestos removals inhouse which allow us to give you independent and impartial assistance for any asbestos works required during your asbestos air testing.

Free Asbestos Client Portal

All asbestos surveys come with free access to your own live, secure and encrypted, asbestos portal. Provide 24/7 access to your asbestos data and reports whenever you want to whoever you want, you're in control.

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Asbestos Air Testing - Frequently Asked Questions

Below we've outlined some commonly asked questions about asbestos air testing. Still got a question, contact us and request a call back from one of our Asbestos Consultants.

What types of asbestos air testing are there?

Personal Asbestos Air Testing

This form of air testing is used in order to evaluate asbestos exposure to your employees and is required in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It can be used in the following circumstances:

Evaluate the effectiveness of your asbestos control measures being utilised during asbestos works;

To assess whether the control limit is exceeded so that you can select the appropriate RPE to be used;

To assess that the RPE you plan to use is adequate and will provide you with the correct level of protection;

Provide information in relation to asbestos exposure for your medical surveillance records;

Provide important risk assessment details to support your current and future asbestos works.

Background Asbestos Air Testing

This is generally conducted when you require evidence or a check that fibre levels in the air are below the recommended level. Most commonly this is carried out to establish fibre concentrations before any activity which may lead to airborne asbestos contamination. It can also be used as part of an over-all monitoring strategy to manage asbestos-related risks.

Leakage Asbestos Air Testing

This form of air testing is used to measure the airborne fibre concentration outside a live asbestos removal enclosure at your premises in order to determine whether the integrity of the enclosure is being maintained and that the control measures are adequate. Leakage air testing is used to support an initial smoke test and the frequent thorough visual inspections of an enclosure during removal work.

Reassurance Asbestos Air Testing

This is generally used to measure airborne fibre concentration following asbestos removal works to confirm that the residual asbestos fibre concentrations are <0.01 f/cm3.

How much does an asbestos air testing cost?

Who can carryout asbestos air testing

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 - Regulation 20 standards for air testing and site clearance certification requires companies performing asbestos air testing must meet all the requirements set out in ISO 17025.

The company must be competent and accredited by the appropriate accreditation body - United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS).

Acorn Analytical Services are Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017

What is asbestos air testing

A sample is collected by drawing a measured volume of air through a membrane filter by means of a sampling pump. The filter (or part of the filter) is mounted on a microscope slide and rendered transparent (‘cleared’). Fibres of appropriate dimensions on a measured area of filter are counted visually using phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and the number concentration of fibres in the air calculated.

When is asbestos air testing required?

Asbestos air testing is required as part of a four-stage clearance for licensed asbestos removal works.

The Approved code of practice for The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states

Air monitoring to reduce risks from the spread of asbestos is required to:

measure the background concentration of asbestos fibres in the work
area during work, to check that the control measures are effective;
measure background fibre levels outside the enclosure, particularly when
the enclosure is in occupied premises. Check for fibre leaks around the
the perimeter of the enclosure and at the airlock and bag lock positions.
Also, conduct testing at the discharge location of the air extraction
equipment, where it is sited internally;
measure background fibre levels inside the enclosure when the asbestos
work is complete, to ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and
decontaminated before dismantling;
carry out measurements for reassurance, eg after accidental release of
asbestos fibres.

What lead time do we need to book in an asbestos survey?

Free Asbestos Database with Every Asbestos Air Testing Project

We have worked with our database provider to produce an easy to navigate online system that can be accessed via any web browser. There is no downloading software or apps and best of all its FREE.

Host your asbestos data securely, accessible anytime from anywhere.

This is available for anyone who uses our services.

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How it works:

Fill in the form below and we’ll send you your quote.
If like most people you’re happy with your quote, simply give us the go-ahead.
Once received, we’ll get straight to work on getting you compliant!

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Air testing details:
What type of air testing do you require? Please choose from the following list:
- Background Air Testing
- Leakage Air Testing
- Reassurance Air Testing
- Personal Air Testing
- 4 Stage Clearance (Certificate for Reoccupation)

Your Business Development Manager

If you prefer to talk to a real person, call us on 0844 818 0895