Biolab Umweltanalysen, Braunschweig, Akkreditierung

Asbestos and fibre analysis

  • Asbestos in focus
  • BIOLAB Umweltanalysen Braunschweig, Umweltanalysen
    Workplace asbestos analyses
  • BIOLAB Umweltanalysen Braunschweig, Umweltanalysen, Asbest
    Workplace asbestos analyses
  • BIOLAB Umweltanalysen Braunschweig, Umweltanalysen, Asbest
    Workplace asbestos analyses
  • BIOLAB Umweltanalysen Braunschweig, Umweltanalysen, Asbest
    Workplace asbestos analyses
  • BIOLAB Umweltanalysen Braunschweig, Asbest
    Workplace asbestos analyses: weevil

Asbestos, a fibrous mineral raw material, displays a number of useful characteristics – including resistance to heat and flames, good insulation properties, high surface energy, high tensile strength, etc. Due to its fibrous nature, asbestos proved easy to process, making it the material of choice for a wide range of civil engineering products (e.g. fibre cement panels, PVC flooring, light-weight panels, industrial screed, wall coatings, plaster, etc.).

What we examine/ asbestos analysis

We examine material specimens and samples, dust samples and air samples for asbestos and/or man-made mineral fibres. All examination methods have been accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS), Germany’s National Accreditation Body.

Material specimens and samples (building materials, technical products, raw materials) examined for asbestos to VDI Guideline 3866, Sheet 5, as well as for man-made mineral fibres, including testing for evidence of WHO respirable fibres.

Indoor air samples examined for asbestos and/or man-made mineral fibres to VDI Guidelines 3492 (status quo, control and clearance measurements) and 3861, Sheet 2 (equipment exhaust measurements) BGI/GUV-I 505-46 (workplace exposure measurements) as well as to the pertinent international standard, ISO 14966.

Dust samples/ dust particles on adhesive tape examined for asbestos and/or man-made mineral fibres (including evidence of WHO respirable fibres).

Quantification of asbestos content as per BIA method 7487 in building materials and asphalts, optionally conducted to the specifications of TRGS 517.

Determination of the carcinogenicity index for exposure to man-made mineral fibres as per BIA method 7488.

Products containing asbestos and their methods of analysis
Your guide to sampling and analysis

For your own safety and the safety of our employees, please ensure that you use a suitable sampling container.

The following list contains the most frequently occurring asbestos-containing products. The completeness of this list is not guaranteed and should rather serve as orientation for the analysis order.

In addition, please note that asbestos-free variantsof most of the materials listed also exist . The materials in question are mainly those used between 1945 and 1993 (peak of asbestos production in 1974).

For many sample materials, the determination of other parameters is necessary in addition to the asbestos analysis (e.g. PAH, phenol index, etc.). We will be happy to provide you with advice in this area.

Analysis method for samples with expected "high" asbestos contents

Examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5 (fracture edge, target preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)

Fiber Cement Products
Asbesttyp
Chrysotile, rarely together with amosite / crocidolite
Bindung
usually firmly bonded (cement matrix)
Asbestgehalt
approx. 5-20 wt.-%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5 at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 5 cm x 5 cm
Material
Fiber cement board "Eternit" (with chrysotile)
Einsatzgebiete
Roofing (corrugated [link to Welleternit] and flat sheets, man-made slates), facade covering, pipes for all areas of civil engineering and building construction, ventilation pipes and exhaust gas flues (gas heating systems), flower boxes, window sills
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respirator mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Fiber cement board "Eternit" (with chrysotile)
Material
Facade panel
Einsatzgebiete
Exterior walls, pavilion buildings, lightweight construction infills.
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Facade panel
corrugated titanium sheet in "sandwich construction"
corrugated titanium sheet in "sandwich construction"
Material
Corrugated titanium sheet in "sandwich construction"
Einsatzgebiete
very popular as barn, hall and garage roofs
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Corrugated titanium sheet in "sandwich construction"
ceiling tile / wall panel
ceiling tile / wall panel
Material
Ceiling tile / wall panel
Einsatzgebiete
Ceiling tiles and wall paneling
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Ceiling tile / wall panel
Partition wall
Partition wall
Material
Partition wall
Einsatzgebiete
Transformer stations, toilets, switch boxes
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Partition wall
sewage pipe (-blind plug)
sewage pipe (-blind plug)
Material
Sewage pipe (-blind plug)
Einsatzgebiete
Sewage pipe laying
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Sewage pipe (-blind plug)
Spacer
Spacer
Material
Spacer
Einsatzgebiete
in general, spacers are built-in parts that secure the required installation dimension between outer reinforcement bars and the formwork, therefore, in terms of construction technology, many places of application are possible. e.g. bridge abutments
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Spacer
Lightweight panels
Asbesttyp
Chrysotile, rarely together with amosite
Bindung
generally weakly bound (various matrices)
Asbestgehalt
approx. 20-50 % by weight
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 5cm x 5 cm
"Promabest" lightweight board
"Promabest" lightweight board
Material
"Promabest" lightweight board
Asbestgehalt
Interior finishing of buildings (similar to plasterboard)
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Lightweight board "Promabest"
 lightweight "Sokalit" board
 lightweight "Sokalit" board
Material
Lightweight "Sokalit" board
Einsatzgebiete
like "Promabest", but only in the new federal states of Germany
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Lightweight "Sokalit" board
Flooring
Asbesttyp
chrysotile
Bindung
generally firmly bound (various matrices)
Asbestgehalt
approx. 5-20 wt.%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5 at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 5cm x 5 cm
Cushion vinyl
Cushion vinyl
Material
Cushion vinyl Cardboard on underside weakly bonded!
Einsatzgebiete
as floor covering in damp rooms (kitchen, bathroom)
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site during sampling to avoid dust formation
Cushion vinyl / Cardboard on underside weakly bonded!
flooring "stone wood". Other color variants: black, gray, green, blue
flooring "stone wood". Other color variants: black, gray, green, blue
Material
Flooring "stone wood". Other color variants: black, gray, green, blue
Einsatzgebiete
as floor covering in living areas, offices, corridors
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Flooring "stone wood". Other color variants: black, gray, green, blue
flooring "PVC
flooring "PVC
Material
Flooring "PVC
Einsatzgebiete
as floor covering in living areas, offices, corridors
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Flooring "PVC
"Linoleum" flooring
"Linoleum" flooring
Material
"Linoleum" flooring, Asbestos content is limited to the linoleum matrix, fabric on underside is generally asbestos-free
Einsatzgebiete
as flooring in living areas, offices, corridors
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Linoleum flooring
Organic adhesives
Asbesttyp
chrysotile, rarely together with anthophyllite
Bindung
generally firmly bonded (organic matrix)
Asbestgehalt
approx. 1-5 wt.-%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 1cm x 1cm
bituminous tile adhesive
bituminous tile adhesive
Material
bituminous tile adhesive
Einsatzgebiete
under floor or wall coverings
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
bituminous tile adhesive
light-colored organic adhesive
light-colored organic adhesive
Material
light-colored organic adhesive
Einsatzgebiete
like bituminous adhesives
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
light-colored organic adhesive
Pipe coatings
Asbesttyp
mosite, rarely together with chrysotile
Bindung
usually weakly bound (together with diatomaceous earth)
Asbestgehalt
approx. 1-5 wt.%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
material quantity of approx. 5 g
diatomaceous earth
diatomaceous earth
Material
Diatomaceous earth
Einsatzgebiete
Heating pipes, hot water pipes
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Diatomaceous earth
Cords, textiles, cardboards, fabrics
Asbesttyp
chrysotile
Bindung
generally unbound
Asbestgehalt
up to 100 wt.%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
smallest quantities are sufficient
fabric from asbestos cord
fabric from asbestos cord
Material
Fabric from asbestos cord
Einsatzgebiete
Use as pipe jackets, furnace insulation, gaskets.
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling, take smallest amount of sample
Fabric from asbestos cord
BIOLAB Umweltanalysen, Braunschweig
asbestos board
Material
Asbestos board
Einsatzgebiete
under window sills above heaters, cladding around stone of night storage heaters, heat insulation for stoves
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling, take smallest amount of sample
Asbestos board
asbestos cord
Material
Asbestos cord
Einsatzgebiete
Use as pipe jackets, furnace insulation, gaskets in the sanitary sector
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling, take smallest amount of sample
Asbestos cord
Insulating materials, gaskets, insulations
Asbesttyp
chrysotile, rarely together with amosite / crocidolite
Bindung
usually firmly bonded (various matrices)
Asbestgehalt
various, see examples
Analysemethode
analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 5 cm x 5 cm
Material
bituminous sealant
Asbestgehalt
1-5% by weight
Einsatzgebiete
Joint sealants
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Bituminous sealant
Material
Gasket, door panel "Litaflex”
Asbestgehalt
1-5% by weight
Einsatzgebiete
Fillings in security doors
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Gasket, door panel "Litaflex”
Material
Sealing ring
Asbestgehalt
unbound, compressed up to 100 wt.%.
Einsatzgebiete
Flange connections of superheated steam pipes (e.g. in power plants), between ribs in radiators
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Sealing ring
Material
Window putty
Asbestgehalt
1-5% by weight
Einsatzgebiete
Greenhouses, most famous example are the Morinol joint putties of the GDR, which were used e.g. in the Palace of the Republic
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Window putty
Material
Cable sheathing
Asbestgehalt
unbound up to 100 wt.%
Einsatzgebiete
Cables of various types
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Cable sheathing
Protective coatings
Asbesttyp
crocidolite, rarely with chrysotile
Bindung
weakly bound (unbound)
Asbestgehalt
up to 100 wt.%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
smallest quantities are sufficient
Material
Sprayed asbestos
Einsatzgebiete
Fire protection insulation of steel beams and concrete ceilings / walls
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), take smallest amounts of the sample material
Sprayed asbestos
Analytical methods for samples with expected "low" asbestos contents (< 1 wt.%)

Examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5 (scatter preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 0.1 wt.%), as well as Examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, appendix B (suspension or
filter preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 0.001 wt.%)

Roofing
Asbesttyp
chrysotile, rarely anthophyllite
Bindung
generally firmly bonded (organic matrix)
Asbestgehalt
<1-5 wt.-%
Analysemethode
analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, on scatter preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 0.1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 5cm x 5 cm
Material
Roofing felt
Einsatzgebiete
Roof coverings under roof tiles, as bitumen sheeting on flat roofs
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration)
Roofing felt
Mg-based industrial screeds
Asbesttyp
chrysotile, rarely with tremolite
Bindung
usually firmly bonded (magnesium chlorate matrix)
Asbestgehalt
approx.≤ 1 wt.%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, Sheet 5, on the scatter preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 0.1 wt.%). Analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, annex B (suspension or filter preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 0.001 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
piece of material of max. 5cm x 5cm, pay attention to homogeneity / representativeness!
Material
Yellow and red stonewood screed (other colors also possible)
Einsatzgebiete
Mainly laid in factory halls. Are often partially exchanged (e.g. machine change), therefore often positive and negative findings in a confined space.
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
Wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation.
Stonewood screed
Leveling compounds
Asbesttyp
chrysotile
Bindung
generally firmly bonded (cement matrix)
Asbestgehalt
approx.≤ 1 wt.%
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, Sheet 5, on the scatter preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 0.1 wt.%). Analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, annex B (suspension or filter preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 0.001 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
in powder form at least 10g ("tablespoon"), ensure homogeneity / representativeness
Ausgleichsmassen
Ausgleichsmassen
Material
Leveling compounds
Einsatzgebiete
for leveling of unevenness of screeds and concrete floors
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Plasters, fillers
Asbesttyp
chrysotile
Bindung
usually firmly bonded (cement / calcium sulfate matrix)
Asbestgehalt
approx.≤ 1 wt.%.
Analysemethode
Method of analysis: examination according to VDI-3866, Sheet 5, on the scatter preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 0.1 wt.%). Analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, annex B (suspension or filter preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 0.001 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
In powder form at least 10g ("tablespoon"), ensure homogeneity / representativeness
putz
putz
Material
Plaster
Einsatzgebiete
Walls, door and window reveals, ceilings
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Plaster
Spachtelmasse
Spachtelmasse
Material
Filler
Einsatzgebiete
in drywall construction, to conceal gypsum board joints, to level out unevenness on interior and exterior walls, concrete components, screeds and concrete floors, to seal the slots of electrical lines
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for low duration or FFP3 mask for high duration), moisten sampling site before sampling to avoid dust formation
Filler
Mineral tile adhesives
Asbesttyp
chrysotile
Bindung
generally firmly bonded (cement matrix)
Asbestgehalt
approx.≤ 1 wt.%.
Analysemethode
examination according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, on the scatter preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 0.1 wt.%). Analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, annex B (suspension or filter preparation; estimated detection limit ≈ 0.001 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
In powder form approx. 10 g ("tablespoon")
mineralischer Fliesenkleber
mineralischer Fliesenkleber
Material
Mineral tile adhesive
Einsatzgebiete
Wall tiles, floor tiles
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before/during sampling to avoid dust formation
Coatings
Asbesttyp
chrysotile, partly together with anthophyllite
Bindung
generally firmly bonded
Asbestgehalt
approx. 1-5 wt.%
Analysemethode
analysis according to VDI-3866, sheet 5, at the fracture edge, target preparation (estimated detection limit ≈ 1 wt.%)
Benötigte Probenmenge
material quantity of approx. 5 g
hitzebeständige Farbe
hitzebeständige Farbe
Material
Heat resistant paint
Einsatzgebiete
Hot steam pipes (e.g. blast furnace pipes)
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling point before sampling
Heat resistant paint
BIOLAB Umweltanalysen, Braunschweig
bituminöser Anstrich
Material
Bituminous coating
Einsatzgebiete
Ship hulls, lock gates, foundation waterproofing
Vorsichtsmaßnahme bei Probenentnahme
wear respiratory protection mask (FFP2 for up to 2h duration or FFP3 mask for longer duration), moisten sampling site before sampling
Bituminous coating
Methods of analysis for raw materials, asphalts, construction waste

Quantitative determination of low mass fractions of asbestos in road asphalts, raw materials and construction waste

In Lower Saxony, the exact determination of the mass fraction of asbestos is mandatory for the processing, disposal and possible reuse of bituminous road pavements. This results from the fact that, in addition to other mixture components, mineral raw materials were frequently used as fillers here, which may contain small natural proportions of asbestos minerals (basic magmatites such as gabbro, diabase, basalt). Asbestos was therefore not used because of its technical properties. Rather, it represents only a technically irrelevant secondary aggregate of the fillers used. In contrast to the technical products, asbestos mostly occurs as minerals of the amphibole group: Tremolite, Actinolite, Amosite and Anthophyllite.

For disposal as non-asbestos-containing waste or for possible reuse of the material, the limit value of 0.1% by weight specified in the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances must be undercut.

Furthermore, road surfaces with a mass fraction of respirable asbestos fibers of 0.008% or more may only be processed under special protective measures (e.g. chiseling, milling)

 

The analyses required for this are carried out on our premises according to the following test method:

IFA workbook 7487: (limit value for disposal: 0.1 wt.%)
Method for the analytical determination of low mass contents of asbestos fibers in powders, powder and dusts with SEM/EDX ("BIA method").

In this method, the samples are prepared and homogenized by freezing and crushing, depending on the condition of delivery. A representative portion is annealed at 400 °C to remove organic components that interfere with the analysis. The annealing residue is ground to a particle size of < 100 µm. A portion (20 mg) of the powder is placed in suspension and this is filtered onto a core pore filter (nominal pore diameter 0.2 µm) vaporized with gold. The filter surface is then examined for asbestos fibers.

If the material is to be examined with regard to falling below the limit value of 0.1 wt.% for landfilling or reuse, all fibers with a length of > 5 µm and a length/thickness ratio > 3 are evaluated.

 

If the limit value of 0.008 wt.% of respirable fibers is to be investigated with regard to occupational health and safety, the requirements of the following guideline also apply:

Technical rules for hazardous substances TRGS 517: (limit value for occupational health and safety: 0.008 wt.%)
Activities with potentially asbestos-containing mineral raw materials and mixtures and products made from them Detailed information on the analysis methods can be found here.

Here, only fibers with a diameter D < 3 µm (WHO fibers) are considered for the calculation of the measurement result.

For the analysis, the samples can be offered in different forms and quantities: As cores, broken up, pre-crushed granules, in powder form. The customer is requested to ensure that the sample handed over to BIOLAB is representative of the total quantity to be processed. We will be pleased to advise you on this, or to carry out the sampling for you.

After prior preparation, qualitative detection of asbestos can be carried out on all sample materials. In the case of subsequent quantification, the costs for preparation are charged

The described methods can also be applied to other materials with expected low asbestos contents, should a question arise in this regard: Plasters, fillers, screeds, bituminous roofing membranes, construction debris.

The quantitative content of artificial mineral fibers as defined by the WHO can also be determined on all sample materials using the above methods.

In principle, these analysis methods can also be applied to all materials with low asbstos contents (e.g, plasters, etc.).

The correct packaging of the samples

We ask you to use plastic bags with a zip/pressure seal (Fig. 01) as small as possible for your material samples, adapted to the contents. Carefully tightened/pressed is usually sufficient to transport the sample safely. Further gluing of the closure is only necessary in rare cases. In this case, however, a repacking of the bag to secure the contents can also help.

The use of glass containers, for example, leads to potential contamination of the workplace and samples, as the sample must be transferred from the glass container into a plastic bag by our staff for archiving. In addition, glass may shatter during transport. Suitable plastic bags are more resistant and allow a safe transport.

The required sample quantity can be found in the asbestos product information. However, these only apply if you order the asbestos analysis only. If other analysis parameters are added, we ask you to send more sample material accordingly (see Analyses and their sample quantities).

To avoid cross-contamination of samples, samples should generally be packed individually.

Here is an example:
You would like to have a pipe sheathing made of gypsum and an attached insulation wool (Fig. 02) tested for asbestos and artificial mineral fibers (AMF) according to the WHO definition. If you were to store both materials together in a bag (Fig. 03, 04), both samples would contaminate each other. As a result, it would not be possible to make a clear statement as to whether the gypsum coating also originally contains AMF or only as a result of contamination.
In case of mineral construction materials (e.g. plaster, tile adhesives, fillers, etc.), it is possible to have up to five similar materials tested in one mixed sample. However, we ask you to pack each sample individually so that the mixed sample is prepared properly in the laboratory. This ensures that each sample is tested in equal proportions and that a meaningful result can be delivered. In addition, in the event of a positive result, each sample can be examined again individually to find out exactly which one contains asbestos.

Figure 01: Sample bags with zip/print closure in different sizes. Figure 02: Pipe sheathing made of gypsum with AMF insulation
Figure 03: Different samples packed together. This is an unfavorable variant of packaging, as the samples contaminate each other. Figure 04: Different samples packed individually. This is the correct variant of packing samples.

 

Further applications of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis
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In addition to examining for asbestos and/or man-made mineral fibres, scanning electron microscopy – in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray micro-analysis – provides a wide range of additional applications, such as:

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High-resolution surface imaging (e.g. metals, glass, corrosion structures, ruptures, plastics).

Chemical identification of impurities (e.g. inclusions in glass, blooming of ceramic products and building materials, corrosions layers, faults in electronic circuits, etc.).

Chemical identification of very small sample quantities (deposits in production areas, on worktops, etc.).

Element mapping (e.g. examination of welds, solder joints, metals and alloys, etc.)

Technical equipment
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Our labs are provided with five scanning electron microscopes (SEM)

 

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PHENOM XL & PHENOM XL
(2nd generation)

In April 2019, the Phenom XL desktop scanning electron microscope was acquired. This instrument from the manufacturer Phenom World, which can also be used in mobile applications, is equipped with secondary electron detector and EDX detector technology. The SEM also features a large sample chamber (up to 36 samples) and fast sample changes.

Due to the Phenom XL's strong performance, two additional Phenom XL (2nd generation) scanning electron microscopes were purchased in December 2020 and July 2021. In addition to the powerful features of the previous model, the 2nd generation instruments offer an optimized user interface.

 

 


Axia ChemiSEM

The Axia ChemiSEM (ThermoFisherSCIENTIFIC) is our newest scanning electron microscope in the instrument inventory (2022). The sample chamber as well as the adjustable sample stage (up to 36 samples) allows the analysis of larger samples. A special feature is its ColorSEM technology. It transforms SEM imaging into a color technique using live EDS with live quantification.