Asbestos Air Monitoring

What is asbestos air monitoring?

Airborne asbestos fibres monitoring measures the airborne concentration of respirable asbestos fibres released when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed that workers may breathe in during normal operations. It quantifies real personal exposure so employers can judge whether existing controls are adequate.

IndustrialAirMonitoring.uk provides independent asbestos air monitoring across construction and demolition, facilities management, refurbishment, asbestos removal support sites throughout the UK. Our occupational hygienists deliver defensible exposure data that demonstrates compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the workplace exposure limits set out in HSE guidance note EH40.

We provide background, reassurance, leak and personal asbestos air monitoring. Four-stage clearance certification for licensed removal is carried out by UKAS-accredited analysts; we will direct you to the appropriate accredited service where formal clearance is required.

Why asbestos air monitoring matters

Under COSHH Regulation 10, employers must monitor exposure to hazardous substances where it is needed to protect health, where a workplace exposure limit could be exceeded, or where control measures need to be verified. Airborne asbestos fibres monitoring provides the objective evidence that satisfies this duty.

Uncontrolled exposure to airborne asbestos fibres is linked to mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Beyond the legal duty, robust monitoring protects your workforce, reduces the risk of enforcement action and civil claims, and gives insurers and clients confidence that exposure is being actively managed.

How we carry out asbestos air monitoring

We measure exposure using filter sampling with phase contrast microscopy (PCM) fibre counting to MDHS 39/4, following the recognised MDHS 39/4 / CAR 2012 methodology. Personal samplers are worn in the breathing zone for a representative full shift to derive an 8-hour time-weighted average, while static (background) samples help map contaminant sources across the workplace.

Samples are analysed by an accredited laboratory and the results compared with the relevant occupational exposure limit. Where short-term peaks are a concern we add 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL) sampling, so both the chronic and acute risk picture is captured.

Standards, limits and reporting

The current workplace exposure limit for airborne asbestos fibres is 0.1 f/cm3 control limit (EH40/2005, as amended). We assess compliance using the BS EN 689 statistical decision framework, which accounts for exposure variability rather than relying on a single result.

Your report sets out the measured concentrations, the compliance position, the adequacy of existing controls such as local exhaust ventilation, and a recommended re-monitoring interval. It is written to be understood by managers and to satisfy HSE inspectors, auditors and insurers.

Our asbestos air monitoring process

Our asbestos air monitoring programmes follow a structured, four-stage workflow so the results stand up to scrutiny. Request monitoring or book a site assessment to begin.

1Scoping & site survey. We review your processes, COSHH assessments and previous asbestos air monitoring data, then plan a representative sampling strategy using BS EN 689 similar exposure groups.
2On-site sampling. Qualified occupational hygienists carry out calibrated breathing-zone and static measurements across a representative shift, with full chain-of-custody documentation.
3Accredited analysis. Samples are analysed using the relevant MDHS / ISO laboratory method and the results are compared against the applicable workplace exposure limit.
4Reporting & recommendations. You receive a clear exposure report with compliance status, control recommendations and a re-monitoring interval — defensible evidence for HSE, insurers and auditors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the asbestos control limit?

The control limit under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is 0.1 asbestos fibres per cm3 of air, averaged over a continuous four-hour period.

What types of asbestos air monitoring are there?

Background, reassurance, leak and personal monitoring during work, plus four-stage clearance for licensed removal by accredited analysts.

Do you remove asbestos?

No — we provide air monitoring and exposure assessment. Licensed removal and formal clearance certification are carried out by appropriately accredited and licensed providers.