Fundusze Europejskie
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Test types and methodology

 

 

IDENTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS IN A SAMPLE OF A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL CONTAINING ASBESTOS

 

This test consists in obtaining a representative sample in a form of a material fragment containing asbestos which is crushed and averaged. Next, the sample is ground in an agate mortar to obtain 30 μm particles suitable for microscope observation purposes. Next, a bunch of fibres is isolated to create microscopic specimens.

In order to define the asbestos type, the optical polarised light microscopy method is used. Additionally, we apply the optical microscopy method with positive phase contrast and stereomicroscope. In the polarised light microscopy method, we take advantage of the fact that each asbestos type has a characteristic colour, morphology and optical characteristics. In order to define an asbestos type, samples are compared with commercial asbestos samples. Initial tests are conducted with a naked eye and stereoscopic microscope  (magnification 64x); fibre morphology is tested with a phase contrast microscope (magnification 500x); a full identification analysis is conducted by means of a polarised light microscope (magnification 630x).

In order to roughly determine the asbestos content in a sample, the number of fibrous forms in a specimen is estimated.

 

 

MEASURING ASBESTOS FIBRE CONCENTRATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT

 

These tests are conducted to determine the quantity of fibres in the air and assess the air pollution in the vicinity of works performed to remove elements containing asbestos. Air samples may be taken before, during or after disassembly works. Locations and layout of measurement points are defined on the basis of previously prepared draft. Samples are taken on cellulose membrane filters (pore size 0.8 µm) using aspirators, on the basis of the PN-Z-04008-07 and PN-88/Z-04202/02 standards.

After the sampling process is completed, filters are tightly stored in containers and transported to a laboratory where they are made transparent by means of balm based on diethyl oxalate and dimethyl phthalate, to PN-88/Z-04202. Prepared filters are analysed under an optical phase contrast microscope (magnification 600x).

The results of the tests of asbestos fibre quantity in the air are evaluated on the basis of the hourly permissible value for asbestos specified in the Ordinance of the Minister of Environment of 26.01.2010 (Journal of Laws no. 16, item 87, of 03.02.2010).

This measurement method is used both for indoor and outdoor measurements.

 

MEASURING ASBESTOS FIBRE CONCENTRATION IN THE AIR, IN A WORKPLACE

 

These tests are conducted to determine the quantity of asbestos fibres in the air in a workplace and to assess the air pollution degree at a station where elements containing asbestos are disassembled. Air samples are taken during disassembly works using applicable aspirators. Samples are taken on cellulose membrane filters (pore size 0.8 µm), to PN-Z-04008-07 and PN-88/Z-04202/02 standards. During test-stand measurements, filters are mounted on the respiratory system height. After the sampling process is completed, filters are tightly stored in containers and transported to a laboratory where they are made transparent by means of balm based on diethyl oxalate and dimethyl phthalate, to PN-88/Z-04202. Prepared filters are analysed under an optical phase contrast microscope (magnification 600x).

The results of the tests of asbestos fibre quantity in the air are evaluated on the basis of the Highest Permissible Concentration (HPC) for dusts containing asbestos specified in the Ordinance of the Minister of Economy and Labour of 10.10.2005 (Journal of Laws no. 212, item 1769, of 28.10.2005).