It’s no secret that asbestos is dangerous. The reason it’s so deadly is because when released into the air, the tiny fibres have a long-term impact on our health.
Once we breathe in these miniscule fibres, they can stay in the body, particularly in the lungs and surrounding tissue. Scarily, they can reach deep into the lungs, lodging in the alveoli (tiny air sacs where oxygen exchange occurs).
If a building in the UK was built before the 1980s, it might well contain asbestos-containing materials (ACM), which will release fibres when disturbed. Without air sampling, residents or workers might unknowingly be exposed to asbestos.
Buildings most likely to have this problem in the UK include industrial and manufacturing facilities, public buildings (like hospitals, schools and universities), residential buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s, and commercial buildings built before 2000.
Asbestos used to be highly popular in construction materials, until it was discovered to be linked to serious respiratory conditions.
Fortunately, because of the serious health risks of asbestos posts, the UK has introduced regulations on the handling and monitoring of this ACM. Asbestos air sampling is a process which serves two salient roles:
Risk Assessment and Compliance: Identifying asbestos levels ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. It will therefore reduce liability risks.
Occupant and Worker Safety: Sampling allows employers and residents to find out if an environment is safe; it protects people from the potential hazards of asbestos exposure.
The Different Types of Asbestos Air Sampling
Understanding the different types of air sampling helps demonstrate why high-quality equipment is essential. The main methods include background sampling, which is conducted before getting rid of asbestos. It measures initial fibre levels to help gauge the contamination potential.
Other methods include leak sampling, which is performed during the removal process to see if containment methods have been effective. Meanwhile, clearance sampling checks if an area is safe because it’s reoccupied.
Last but not least, there’s what is known as ‘personal sampling’. This measures the level of exposure experienced by individual workers. This is crucial for assessing the risk in their occupation.
Why Choose Airbox Sampling Pumps?
Our pumps are renowned for being reliable, durable and accurate. Let’s take a closer look at how they can make asbestos testing an easier process.
First off, these pumps produce precise and consistent results. Airbox has meticulously engineered its pumps to maintain a reliable flow rate, even under fluctuating conditions. This will reduce the risk of errors in the measurements.
This precision is crucial for all types of asbestos air sampling. It’s particularly vital for clearance and personal sampling, where minor discrepancies can significantly impact the results of safety assessments.
Robust and Reliable Pumps
Our high performance air sampling pumps are designed to be used in harsh environments.
Whether you need them for use at a construction site or for a demolition, they’re used on all kinds of projects. Because our pumps are so durable, they’re an excellent investment if you regularly need accurate air sampling.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Our devices are compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations, so you can be assured they meet the required standards for asbestos air sampling. They undergo scrupulous testing, to ensure results align with the latest industry standards.
These air sampling pumps are also a pleasure to use. This will make the process much more hassle-free and efficient.
Easily Transport them to Different Sites
Airbox Sampling Pumps are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport across worksites. Whether performing background or leak sampling, the portability of these pumps allows for quick relocation and easy setup in different areas, enabling a more thorough assessment without logistical barriers.
Cost-Effective Technology
We look to balance affordability with premium features. If you need to managemultiple worksites or extensive asbestos monitoring projects, the cost-effectiveness of Airbox Pumps represents an added advantage.
Since they’re highly reliable, these pumps won’t need replacing often. You can therefore reduce the long-term costs associated with asbestos sampling equipment.
Environmentally Conscious Design
Airbox is also committed to delivering products which are environmentally-friendly. You can be assured that all our pumps are energy efficient and made to reflect sustainable manufacturing practices.
More About Safe Asbestos Air Sampling
When selecting equipment for asbestos air sampling, it’s essential to consider the full scope of safety and regulatory requirements. In addition to using quality pumps like Airbox Sampling Pumps, asbestos air sampling must follow strict procedural standards:
Trained Personnel. Only qualified individuals should perform asbestos sampling, as missteps can compromise accuracy and safety.
Appropriate Protective Gear (PPE). Sampling should always be conducted with personal protective equipment to prevent exposure during the process.
Regular Calibration. Sampling pumps must be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate readings, aligning with HSE guidelines and other regulatory standards.
By following these practices and investing in high-quality pumps, you can confidently navigate the challenges of asbestos air sampling.