Compliance
CAWR 2012 (Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations) Regulation 5, states that any employer of people who are due to work with asbestos has an obligation to identify any asbestos type that may be present. Once surveys have been conducted, all subsequent works are based on the findings contained therein.
These processes are strictly controlled and closely monitored and in the UK, all asbestos laboratories must be UKAS accredited to ISO 17025, an international standard for laboratories. UKAS regularly undertake audits to ensure that all procedures are accurate and quality is constantly maintained.
Professional
The operational demands and pressures on analysts require a unique skill set and personality. All analysts are required to attain a BOHS P401 qualification, and should have the ability to work methodically under pressure, maintain composure and focus and constantly demonstrate an exceptional work ethic.
It is vital that every laboratory ensures their workers adhere to the HSE regulations with relation to the maximum number of samples that can be analysed within a 24 hour period. Monitoring such activity prevents performance being impeded through an excessively high workload, and in this situation, quality really does surpass quantity.