The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states, “the only way to confirm if a suspect material contains asbestos fibres is to obtain and analyse a sample of it”. But, is DIY, at-home sampling the way to go? Here’s the truth about asbestos sampling kits.
What Are Asbestos Sampling Kits?
Asbestos sampling kits are often sold online, providing basic equipment needed to take samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) for those who want to sample at home without enlisting the help of a professional. These samples will then be sent to an asbestos testing laboratory and you will receive a result confirming whether the materials tested positive or negative for asbestos content.
What Do Asbestos Sampling Kits Contain?
The contents of asbestos sampling kits vary, but most will include:
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – e.g. disposable gloves, shoe covers, safety glasses, masks with FFP3 filtration, etc.
- Sampling tools – sampling bags, cleaning wipes, etc.
- Instructions – step-by-step instructions on how to collect samples of materials.
While this sounds useful, if you are an untrained individual, asbestos sampling kits if used incorrectly can pose serious health risks – not only for yourself, but also for those around you.
Are Asbestos Sampling Kits Dangerous?
In short, yes they can be. As the HSE states, “Sampling asbestos materials should be carried out by a suitably trained person. If in doubt, use a competent surveyor”.
As we’ve established, exposure to asbestos can pose serious health risks, ranging from mesothelioma and asbestosis, to lung cancer and pleural thickening.
That’s why the HSE stipulates that only trained professionals should sample potential ACMs. But, what exactly are the dangers of using at-home sampling kits?
Risk of Exposure
Some asbestos sampling kits may come with incorrect packaging. For instance, if there is nothing to encapsulate the material with at the point of sampling, this could lead to a risk of exposure.
Incorrect PPE & Disposal
Depending on the condition of the suspected ACMs, some will require more rigorous control measures and different types of PPE when sampling than others.
Therefore, the PPE you receive in the sampling kit could be wrong, and will also leave you with potentially contaminated waste PPE that must be disposed of correctly.
Uncertainty
Asbestos is difficult to detect with an untrained eye. Once you have received your result from the laboratory, how do you know there are no other ACMs within your premises?
Additionally, if the samples tested positive for asbestos content, how do you know what the next course of action should be?
This is where a Pillars Environmental asbestos survey comes in. As accredited asbestos surveyors, our dedicated team can provide both Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys and Asbestos Management Surveys, which both include bulk sampling that tests all potential areas for asbestos and provides you with impartial advice on the best course of action to take should ACMs be detected.
Should You Use Asbestos Sampling Kits?
While these kits may seem useful, in our opinion, the truth about asbestos sampling kits is they are not worth risking the health of yourself and those around you for.
Not only do they pose a health and safety risk, but compliance is also something to consider. Asbestos samples must be taken in accordance with the latest regulations, which is why it’s safer to enlist the help of licensed asbestos consultants, such as ourselves.
Why Choose Pillars Environmental?
Here at Pillars Environmental, not only are we SSIP (Acclaim) and Construction Line accredited asbestos surveyors, but we also have over 35 years of experience working across several sectors, including domestic, commercial and industrial premises, among many others.
As well as asbestos surveys, we also provide Asbestos Management Plans, Asbestos Removal Management and Asbestos Re-Inspections, tailored to your building’s specific needs.
Explore our wide range of case studies here.
Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote Today
Now you know the truth about asbestos sampling kits, if you are the dutyholder of a residential, commercial, industrial or public sector building, and you suspect asbestos may be present within your premises – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote today.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to discuss your enquiry with you over the phone on 01253 340 538, or via email on info@pillarsenv.co.uk. Alternatively, please fill in the contact form on our website and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible with a free, competitive quote in response to your enquiry.
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