Asbestos Clearance Certification

Our analyst will establish the scope of work and ascertain whether it has been carried out accordingly. They will also check the site files to ensure all associated information is present and up to date.

Once complete they will then conduct a visual assessment of the site to check that the removal enclosure is intact, that the site decontamination unit is operational and the work area, transit and waste routes are free from unnecessary clutter and any obvious contamination that has arisen as a result of the removal work.

Once we are happy these conditions are met and we can begin an inspection of the work enclosure we sign off and move on to stage two.

Initially, the analyst will inspect the removal area to check for any residual material or fallen debris, but all areas of the enclosure, including the airlocks and bag locks, are debris and dust-free.

Microscopic asbestos contamination is easily spread within the enclosure during the removal process so it is important to inspect all surfaces within the work area to ensure they have been suitably cleaned.

Once deemed clean to a suitable standard, the analyst can move on to stage three, otherwise, the licensed contractor may be required to continue cleaning.

Testing and analysis for asbestos fibres (including asbestiform fibres that fit the respirable criteria) are then carried out. The work enclosure is brushed at the start of the sample run to disturb any unseen fine-settled dust that is likely to contain asbestos fibres. Such dust could give rise to high levels of exposure during the dismantling of the enclosure or subsequent cleaning/maintenance activities in the work area.

Samples are collected on filters which are removed from the enclosure and counted on-site using PCM (Phase Contrast Microscopy). Should the air tests be assessed as suitably clean, stage 3 can be signed or ready for the dismantling of the removal enclosure.

This is a ‘backstop’ to check for any materials released as the enclosure is taken down. It’s possible they were trapped within the folds of the enclosure material for example.

The analyst will check the more general work for any residual problems, including a revisit of the transit and waste routes.

Minor issues can normally be cleaned easily before the fourth stage is completed, but in extreme (and very rare) cases, the enclosure may need to be reinstated and the work will need to be redone.

Once all four stages are complete, and only after the fourth stage is signed off, a certificate of reoccupation is issued.

Note that further testing works associated with asbestos removal may be required and we can assist you with leak testing, personal sampling and pre-start background tests.