Asbestos bulk analysis

Last updated: 17 June 2019
Grant rate/tier: £140 (Tier 2)
Grant code: GET2181

Overview

The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding to be able to carry out analysis of samples in the workplace.

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Standard details

CITB has developed this standard in discussion with industry

Duration

Minimum 3 days of 6 learning hours per day

Purpose/Scope

The Control of Asbestos Regulations imposes duties on every organisation who analyses samples for the identification of asbestos to be accredited by UKAS for this activity. Laboratory analysts will need to be able to analyse and identify asbestos from within samples collected out on site in accordance with the procedures described in HSG248.

The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding to be able to carry out this role in the workplace. Possession of this qualification by staff will help organisations and companies meet the accreditation criteria for ISO17025 (testing bodies).

The scope of this standard covers:

different types of asbestos
asbestos containing products
risks to health
legislation
use of polarised light
features of asbestos fibres
equipment required
refractive index liquids
mistaken materials
procedural errors
quality control procedures
safety procedures
preparing samples
polarising microscope
asbestos fibre characteristics
analytical procedures
personal protective equipment (PPE)
respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational groups:

analyst
analyst supervisor
analyst manager

Candidate pre-requisites

It is recommended that the candidate should have bulk analysis experience plus an awareness of the contents of HSG248 Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures.

Instruction/Supervision

As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

a train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate e.g. NVQ Level 3 Learning and Development or higher
successfully completed training to this standard
at least 3 years relevant experience
a verifiable CV.

Delivery

Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment.

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for candidates to achieve learning outcomes, and must comply with relevant legislation.

The class size and candidate/instructor ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable candidates to achieve the learning outcomes.

The following delivery methods may be used in the delivery of this standard:

a mixture of classroom and demonstration and practice

This standard is considered to contain 51 per cent or more practical learning.

This standard is considered to be set at an advanced level.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures the learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.

Quality assurance

Recognised

CITB will gain assurance through the third party’s quality arrangements.

Approved Training Organisations will be required to supply confirmation of approval (centre approval and scheme approval) with the related third party awarding organisation or body. In most cases this will be an approval certificate provided by the third party awarding organisation or body, listing the routes, qualifications and categories they are approved to deliver. In addition, a copy of the most recent external quality assurance monitoring report will be required, relating to the standard that you wish to be approved for.

This information will be reviewed by CITB’s quality assurance team. Approval will be subject to the required third party documentation being supplied by you. As part of the quality assurance checks, CITB may confirm the accuracy of documentation with the issuing organisation.

Renewal/refresher

Mandatory Refresher

Approval date

To be confirmed

Review cycle

Either on request or in 3 year(s) from approval date.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes
The candidate will be able to:	Additional guidance to support learning outcome
Explain the health risks uses and properties of asbestos.	State the properties and characteristics of different types of asbestos. Review the types and uses of asbestos containing products. Explain the risks to health of asbestos.
Describe the legislation relating to asbestos.	Summarise legislation relating to the control and use of asbestos.
Describe how polarised light microscopy can be used in the identification of asbestos fibre.	Describe the effect of polarised light on vitreous, crystalline and amorphous materials. State the features of asbestos fibres that allow them to be identified by polarised light microscopy. Identify equipment required for the identification of asbestos fibres by low power stereo and polarised light microscopy. Outline the use of refractive index liquids in asbestos analysis and describe the methods used for sample preparation.
Explain the factors that may prevent the identification of asbestos fibres by polarised light microscopy.	Explain how some materials can be mistaken for asbestos fibres by polarised light microscopy. Identify procedural errors that may result in failure to accurately identify asbestos fibres. Outline quality control procedures and limits of detection for the PLM method as described in HSG 248.
Describe the safety requirements for the use of polarised light microscopy in the identification of asbestos fibres.	Outline procedures for maintaining safety during asbestos analysis.
Carry out preparatory procedures for identifying asbestos fibres by polarised light microscopy.	Prepare samples for polarised light microscopy Set up a polarising microscope for use.
Carry out polarised light microscopy for the identification of asbestos fibres.	Identify asbestos fibre characteristics by the use of PLM. Demonstrate the use of refractive index liquids in the identification of asbestos fibres.
Carry out appropriate health and safety procedures in the analysis of asbestos samples.	Ensure that all analytical procedures are performed safely. Use appropriate PPE during analytical procedures.