Asbestos Air Monitoring – Approved Code of Practice Requirements

In this episode Neil and Ian highlight the importance of asbestos air monitoring. The Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) state the following:

416 Air monitoring to reduce risks from 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 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.