Scheme overview

The Regular Interlaboratory Counting Exchange (RICE) PT scheme assesses the proficiency of laboratories counting asbestos fibres in air.The RICE 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

Asbestos fibres mounted on microscope slides.

Who should participate?

UK laboratories are required to be accrediated by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 17025 to undertake this particular analysis as part of assessing clearance under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR). Participation in RICE 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.

The participant handbook can be found  here which provides a comprehensive overview of the operation of the RICE PT scheme. 

Participation in the scheme is also open to non-UK laboratories.

Operation of the scheme

Currently there are two sample distributions per annum. Each distribution is a round robin wherein batches of test slides are circulated between small cohorts of laboratories, typically 2-3 laboratories per cohort. Participants have 15 working days to analyse the slides, to report the results and to pass on the slides to the next laboratory in their particular cohort. Upon submission of results participants receive initially a provisonal report and a certification report upon completion of the particular round.

Performance is categorised as A, B or C and provided more than 75% of slide results are in the A or B category after three rounds then a laboratory is classified as 'satisfactory'.

Scheme Schedule

• Royal Mail Special Delivery (next day) is recommended for distribution of RICE samples between UK laboratories. Non-UK laboratory cohorts are requested to use an equivalent service.
• HSL aim to send out provisional reports 10 workings days from receipt of results.

• Final reports and certificates will be sent upon completion of each round.

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: 01298 218553
Fax: 01298 218572