Scheme
overview
Asbestos In Materials Scheme (AIMS) assesses the
performance of laboratories carrying out the identification of
asbestos in bulk materials. The AIMS scheme is operated by HSL,
which oversees management, registration, and membership matters
together with distribution of the samples and processing the
participant data.
Analytes in the scheme
Amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and
actinolite in various matrices such as lagging materials,
insulation board, flooring materials and cemented
products. The scheme has the advantage that it includes both common
and less common forms of asbestos.
Who should participate?
UK laboratories are required to be accredited by the United
Kingdom Accrediation Service (UKAS) to ISO 17025 to undertake this
particular analysis as part of assessing whether materials contain
asbestos under the Control of
Asbestos Regulations (CAR). Participation in AIMS in the United
Kingdom is recommended in the Health and Safety Executive's
Guidance - HSG 248,
"Asbestos: The analyst's guide for sampling, analysis and clearance
procedures" and is a precondition for accreditation of this
analysis to ISO 17025.
Participation in the scheme is also open to non-UK
laboratories.
Operation of the scheme
Four samples are distributed to participants quarterly. No
specific test method is required, although in the UK it is
recommended that the method used in a laboratory be based on
procedures set out in HSG 248. The AIMS scheme also supplies
test samples specifically for participants that undertake TEM
analysis.
Laboratories typically have one month to analyse the samples and
report the results. The scheme requires participants to
qualitatively assess the supplied samples and to report, if
present, the type of asbestos found. Upon completion of the
round participants receive a performance report and a round
summary report.
Performance is classified as 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory'
provided participants have completed three consecutive rounds of
the scheme. Laboratories, which have not yet participated in three
consecutive rounds, are categorised as 'unclassified'.
The participant handbook can be found
here which provides a comprehensive overview of the
operation of the AIMS PT scheme.
Scheme Schedule
|
Round Number
|
Samples Dispatched Week
Commencing
|
Results
Deadline
|
Results Dispatched
Week Commencing
|
|
43
|
17 January 2011
|
25 February 2011
|
28 March
2011 |
|
44
|
16
May 2011 |
17
June 2011 |
18 July 2011
|
| 45 |
19 September 2011 |
21 October 2011 |
21 November 2011 |
| 46 |
16 January 2012 |
17 February 2012 |
19 March 2012 |
- Indicative dispatch dates. Participants will be notified by
email of any changes if dispatches do not occur within stated
week.
- Dates for the dispatch of reports are indicative. Results may
be reviewed by the steering committee before they are despatched
and the dates of the committee meetings may not coincide with the
despatched date indicated above.
- HSL uses a courier to dispatch AIMS samples and Royal Mail to
dispatch reports. The anticipated transit times are 2 - 4 working
days for UK customers and 2 - 8 working days for European and
worldwide customers.
Round specific information and paperwork
The AIMS Round 46 results form can be found here.
The AIMS Round 46 TEM 20 results form can be found here.
The group report for AIMS round 45 can be found here.
The new on-line data entry system will be piloted in round 46.
Thirty UK laboratory volunteers are required for this
pilot exercise. Further details can be found in the PT news page.
Contact details for further information
For further details or to join please email proficiency.testing@hsl.gov.uk
or contact:
The Proficiency Testing Team
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JN
Tel: 00 44 (0)1298 218553
Fax: 00 44 (0)1298 218572