Asbestos Air Sampling: Methods, Equipment and Laboratory Analysis
Asbestos air sampling collects airborne asbestos fibres for subsequent laboratory analysis. It is an essential stage in measuring airborne fibre concentrations and assessing potential exposure risks.
BJL Laboratoires supports professionals with compliant sampling programmes and asbestos air testing, providing reliable results and fast turnaround times.
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✔ Sampling in accordance with the applicable protocol✔ ATEM/TEM analysis according to NF X 43-050
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What is asbestos air sampling?
Asbestos air sampling involves drawing a measured volume of air through a suitable filter to collect airborne fibres. The filter is then examined by an asbestos testing laboratory to identify asbestos fibres and determine their concentration in the air.
Equipment used for air sampling
- Calibrated sampling pump
- Filter holder fitted with a suitable membrane filter
- Flow meter for checking the sampling flow rate
- Tripod or personal sampling attachment, depending on the measurement objective
The equipment and sampling configuration depend on the type of assignment: asbestos works, workplace exposure or indoor air monitoring.
How is asbestos air sampling carried out?
- Define the sampling strategy, including the area, duration and measurement objective.
- Install the pump and filter holder.
- Set and check the flow rate in accordance with the applicable sampling protocol.
- Carry out the sampling for the specified duration under representative conditions.
- Record the sampling information and send the filter to the laboratory.
Sampling duration and conditions
The sampling duration depends on the measurement objective:
- Short-duration measurements during specific phases of asbestos work
- Longer measurements for occupational exposure assessment
- Air monitoring following asbestos removal or encapsulation work
The sampling conditions must be representative of the activity or premises being assessed to obtain a reliable and meaningful result.
Laboratory analysis
For the French regulatory measurements covered here, samples are analysed by analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM/TEM) to:
- Identify asbestos fibres
- Count the relevant fibres
- Calculate the airborne fibre concentration
The French Order of 14 August 2012 recognises analysis according to NF X 43-050 as satisfying the regulatory analytical requirement.
See also: asbestos air testing.
French regulations and standards
- French Labour Code provisions governing occupational exposure to asbestos
- French Order of 14 August 2012 on asbestos air measurements and occupational exposure monitoring
- NF EN ISO 16000-7 and its French application guide for the sampling strategy
- XP X 43-269 for membrane-filter sampling
- NF X 43-050 for ATEM/TEM analysis of asbestos fibres in air
- For occupational exposure, the French limit is 10 fibres per litre averaged over eight hours, measured in the air inhaled by the worker.
- For specified post-removal or post-encapsulation measurements in buildings, the airborne level must be 5 fibres per litre or less before the treated premises are returned to use.
When is asbestos air sampling required?
- During asbestos removal or encapsulation work
- Following asbestos removal work
- For indoor air monitoring
- For occupational exposure assessment
- During industrial or building maintenance operations
Why choose BJL Laboratoires?
- Specialist expertise in asbestos air testing
- Dedicated asbestos testing laboratory
- Fast turnaround, with a 24-hour option where available
- Technical support
- On-site sampling services
Related services
Asbestos air testing | Asbestos air monitoring | Asbestos air testing laboratory | Asbestos testing prices
BJL Laboratoires specialises in asbestos air sampling and laboratory fibre analysis.