Asbestos measurement and analysis
The fibre measurements of asbestos fibers are particularly important in the run-up to renovation work, the corresponding regulation can be found in TRGS 519. Our SG12 measuring device is ideally suited for the fibre measurements of asbestos fibers, as it can measure fibers according to VDI 3492, especially if high volume flows are required for measurement.
Furthermore, the suction tubes can be used to measure the breathing height of the worker. This serves to monitor occupational health and safety. This measurement can be evaluated by our partner, the GSA Schadstoffanalytik Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik. This is an accredited test laboratory where the analysis is carried out using a scanning electron microscope, among other things. If you have any questions about the measurement and analysis, please contact us at any time.
What are the costs of asbestos measurement and analysis?
The question of cost depends on many different factors. First of all, the scope of the asbestos survey work must be defined. Is it necessary to inspect the property in advance? Should material samples or lying dust samples be taken? Or is “only” an air measurement required? What is the size of the property or the affected area? In principle, our offer includes the deployment of the measurement technician and the journey to and from the site and is made up as follows:
– Hourly rate of the measurement technician: €65
– Additional costs for travel: one-way distance in kilometers x 2 x €0.60
– Preparation of a report: €100-150*
Additional information is required in order to select the appropriate measuring devices and methods. This includes explosion protection, measuring height and measuring duration.
There are various possibilities in the field of fiber analysis . It is possible to check whether fibers have already been released into the interior via weakly bound products. For this purpose, an indoor air measurement is carried out using fiber measurements in accordance with VDI 3492, assuming one measuring point per room (up to 10m²) with suspicion. The costs for this are €140 per measurement point (plus measurement technician and travel costs). Another option is to take adhesive samples when measuring fiber dusts deposited on surfaces if contaminated dust is suspected. As part of this sampling, 3-5 adhesive samples are taken in the (presumably) contaminated room (up to 100m²). This incurs costs of €51.50 per measuring point (plus measurement technician and travel costs).
In a detailed preliminary discussion with our experts, we will put together an individual offer for you and will be happy to advise you on all points. Please use our contact form for this purpose.
*Price information from July 2018, non-binding information, subject to change.
Definition – what is asbestos?
The term asbestos covers “naturally occurring, fibrous silicate minerals with fiber diameters down to 2 micrometers (1 micrometer corresponds to one thousandth of a millimeter)”. They are chemically very resistant, insensitive to heat and non-combustible. Due to their flexibility and ability to bind with other materials, asbestos fibers are versatile and easy to process.
Where can asbestos be found?
Because of the properties mentioned above, asbestos was used in many applications in the past. It was used in brake linings, roof cladding and as asbestos cement. As its carcinogenic effect was not yet known, it was only used in relation to its chemical properties. It was suitable as an insulating material, sealant and façade material. Accordingly, it is often found in old buildings, their floor coverings and the like.
However, it has been banned as an input material since 1993 and is removed (if known). However, removal should always be carried out professionally and with health protection in mind. Any release during the work must be avoided at all costs.
Effects on health
Asbestos has a carcinogenic effect and can lead to asbestosis. This is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. The (constant) contact of the respiratory tract with the fibers leads to a hardening of the lung tissue and can cause tumors to develop. Asbestosis has been recognized as an occupational disease since the 1930s. In the meantime, other types of cancer (e.g. ovarian cancer since 2007) that may have been caused by contact with asbestos are also recognized as such. As we now know that asbestos fibers are harmful to health, it is important to avoid contact with them. This is done, for example, during renovation work by wearing protective clothing and using special packaging and transportation methods. Due to its harmful properties, asbestos is considered a pollutant and must be labeled and disposed of as hazardous waste.
Sources:
[1]: http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/gesundheit/umwelteinfluesse-auf-den-menschen/chemische-stoffe/asbest#textpart-1
[2]: https://www.krebsinformationsdienst.de/vorbeugung/risiken/asbest.php
[3]: https://www.ebersberg.de/fileadmin/ebersberg/E._Ipsen/Asbest-Faltblatt2013.pdf
[4]: http://www.gsa-ratingen.de/leistungsangebot/faseranalyse.html
[5]: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/pdf/TRGS-519.pdf;jsessionid=A1723B2A9F9C60A00BCE7108911ADC17.s2t2?__blob=publicationFile&v=2