Analysis of Bulk Asbestos Suspect Materials

Analysis of suspect materials for asbestos is provided in our bulk laboratory in Mississauga.

Bulk sample preparation and analytical procedures are in compliance with the Code for the Determination of Asbestos from Bulk Insulation Samples, dated the 23rd of August, 1985 and issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, and U.S. EPA Method 600/R-93/116 dated July, 1993.

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) are both available.

Asbestos fibres can be identified by a combination of morphology, colour, refractive index, extinction, sign of elongation, birefringence and dispersion staining colours. A visual estimate is made of the volume percentage of asbestos present. The lower limit of reliable quantitation is estimated to be 0.5%. A reported concentration of <0.5% indicates the presence of confirmed asbestos in trace quantities limited to only a few fibres or fibre bundles in an entire sample. Multiple phases within a sample are analyzed separately.

All bulk samples submitted to this laboratory for asbestos analysis are retained for a minimum of three months. Samples may be retrieved, upon request, for re-examination at any time during that period.

Prices for Rush, and Regular Turnaround of PLM and TEM analytical services can be requested from Karen Slayer at kslayer@pinchin.com.  Please note that multiple phases within a bulk sample are analyzed and charged separately.

Preliminary fax results for Regular Turnaround samples are issued in five business days.  The results for Rush Turnaround samples are provided within one business day.  Written reports follow by mail.  The written report consists of a covering letter and a table of results.

Accreditation

Pinchin Environmental Ltd. is one of the very few Canadian laboratories accredited by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP, Certification #101270 Mississauga, #200795 Ottawa) and the relevant requirements of ISO 17025) for the identification of asbestos in bulk samples. Mississauga certificate Ottawa Certificate.

Accreditation to ISO standards provides an assurance of accurate and legally defensible analysis for our own clients, and for other consultants, building owners, engineers and laboratories on a confidential fee-for-service basis.