Asbestos fibre counting is one of the most important methods of modern asbestos analysis. Relying on air samples taken from active construction sites or bulk samples extracted from potentially contaminated properties, this style of asbestos analysis is well-known for being effective, efficient, and accurate.
That said, there are a few things that can make or break whether this process works for your team. At Consultex Labs, we have a few best practice recommendations we like to pass on to anyone who is utilising our asbestos fibre counting services for the first time.
In this blog post, we’re covering what those best practice recommendations are, as well as reviewing the method behind counting asbestos fibres (as this contributes heavily to why certain best practices are required in the first place). Without any further ado, let’s dive in!
The Method for Counting Asbestos Fibres
One of the most popular analysis techniques used for asbestos fibre counting, and the technique we use most in our IANZ-accredited laboratory, is Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM). This relies on an air sample which filters any residual fibres onto a filter sheet that can be extracted and observed under a microscope with up to 500x magnification.
Lab technicians will count the fibres to determine a fibre concentration. The level of the concentration across a given area will determine the lab’s recommendation. To calculate this concentration, our technicians use a basic formula that determines fibres per millilitre of air (or f/ml). To find this, we pit the total number of fibres collected on the exposed area of the air filter, divided by the volume of the air sample.
With this methodology in mind, let’s further explore the best practices we recommend to make these results as accurate as possible.
Tip One: Hire Appropriate Equipment
Asbestos fibre counting is delicate, precise work. For our in-house laboratory technicians to accurately determine how much asbestos is in the air, they require two key pieces of information: how large is the air filter being extracted from the air sampling machine and what volume of air passed through the filter to extract a sample. If these two pieces of data are muddied, the concentration calculation will be off, resulting in incorrect recommendations from our team.
This is why it’s vital for construction and demolition crews who are monitoring sites for asbestos exposure to hire the appropriate machinery. Air sample machines like the ones we offer in our range are calibrated to sample a particular amount of air every single time, ensuring that the calculations are as accurate as possible.
Improper equipment could lead to an imprecise fibre count and therefore, endanger the health of any crew members or subsequent occupants.
Tip Two: Monitor Where Samples Are Taken From
It’s vital that air samples are taken from the appropriate place while work is being conducted, as this can play a significant role in the results. Samples should always be taken from areas that are at highest risk, which is usually around the breathing zone of any workers who might be exposed to friable asbestos.
If you conducted an asbestos removal survey prior to beginning work – which is required by law – then you will most likely know which areas are at the highest risk for asbestos exposure. Ensuring air sampling is up and running close to these sites during work will provide the most accurate results.
Some crews make the mistake of sampling from too far away, resulting in asbestos fibre counting calculations that are much lower than the true levels. This can invite dangerous levels of asbestos exposure, especially if insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) is in use.
Tip Three: Consider Investing in a Mobile Asbestos Laboratory
A quick turnaround for air sampling results is vital, especially when work is ongoing and a potentially high volume of asbestos is present on-site. In these cases, we often recommend that crews invest in having a mobile asbestos laboratory on-site with them.
Our mobile asbestos laboratories come equipped with everything required to test air samples quickly, ensuring that high levels of asbestos in the air are immediately identified. This also gives you the additional benefit of having a technician on-site who can help you navigate appropriate sampling techniques.
While this is slightly more of an upfront investment, it is well worth noting that this can contribute to a much higher level of on-site safety.
In summary, when conducting asbestos fibre counting, our technicians are hard at work to determine how much asbestos is in the air you’re breathing. To ensure an accurate result, we encourage teams to hire appropriate air sampling equipment, to sample in the correct area, and to consider investing in an on-site laboratory to expedite turnaround.
Looking for experts in asbestos fibre counting?
At Consultex Labs, our IANZ-accredited laboratory is staffed with experienced laboratory technicians who are ready to assess samples on an urgent turnaround. This ensures your construction site is appropriately monitored, keeping you, your crew, and subsequent occupants safe from asbestos exposure.
Get in touch with us today to arrange on-site fibre counting, or hire our range of air sampling machines to ensure you get the best possible reading.