Scheme overview 

The Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) tests the performance of laboratories measuring exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace/ambient air such as lead, benzene and respirable quartz. It was established in 1988 and is one of the largest schemes of its kind with over 200 laboratories participating worldwide. The WASP scheme is operated by HSL, which oversees management, registration, and membership matters together with distribution of the samples, processing the participant data and providing performance reports.

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

Analytes in the scheme

* indicative concentrations, balance Iron. Samples may contain some or all of the stated elements. Welding fume samples supplied upon request to participants subscribing to spiked metal filter sample.

* It may be possible to accommodate alternative sorbent tube designs, please contact HSL.

Who should participate?

Laboratories undertaking analysis of workplace and ambient air samples. The scheme is open to worldwide participants.  

Laboratories accredited to the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) wishing to join the WASP PT scheme are requested to join via the AIHA proficiency testing program. Please note that WASP round reports for these participants are supplied to AIHA IHPAT scheme organisers. 

What analytical methods should be used?

Participants are free to use whatever methods are deemed appropriate.  Analytical methods developed by HSL and published in the HSE Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances can be downloaded here. 

A useful method information source is the GESTIS database.  This database contains a list of validated analytical procedures described as suitable for the analysis of chemical agents at workplaces and draws upon methods developed both at an international (ISO) and at a national level (e.g. methods developed in . France (INRS), Germany (IFA), UK (HSL) and the USA (NIOSH/OSHA) ).

Analytical guidance for the analysis of palmes type diffusion tube used in the WASP NO₂  PT scheme can be found here on the UK Defra website.

Participants can also contact HSL for measurement advice through the PT Team..

Operation of the scheme

The samples are prepared on various sampling media dependent on the analyte (see tables above).
Four test samples (plus associated blank samples) are sent to participants every three months for each of the analyte categories. Laboratories typically have one month to analyse the samples and report the results. The gravimetric and silica test samples are supplied on a two round per annum basis. Two welding fume test samples are supplied once a year.  

The WASP gravimetric scheme has an additional step. Initially blank filters are dispatched to participants in order for them to weigh. Participants then ship the filters back to HSL for spiking. HSL resends the spiked filters back to the participants for reweighing who then report the results (reweighing value - initial blank value) to HSL for assessment.

Participants upon completion of the round receive a report detailing their performance. Please note that WASP round reports for participants joining via AIHA (see above) are also supplied to the AIHA IHPAT scheme organisers.

Performance is classified as good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Scheme Schedule 

Scheme Schedule (gravimetric analyte only) 

  Scheme Schedule (NO2 analyte only)

• Indicative dispatch dates. Participants will be notified by email of any changes if dispatches do not occur within stated week
• HSL currently uses Royal Mail Parcel Force to dispatch WASP samples and reports to UK and EU participants. For non-EU participants HSL employs a courier. The anticipated transit times (if cleared by customs) are
  • 2 - 4 working days for UK customers
  • 2 - 5 working days for European customers
  • 2 - 8 working days for RoW customers
  • Customers should contact HSL if samples do not arrive within the anticipated times

Round specific information and paperwork

Result form for WASP Gravimetric Round 14 can be found here.

Results form for WASP Round 92 (Solvents) can be found here.

Results form for WASP Round 92 (Formaldehyde, Quartz & Metals) can be found here.

 WASP training DVD

In order to provide technical guidance to laboratories, HSL has produced a training DVD. This is based on the procedures in HSE's series 'Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances' and ISO publications, and gives practical tips about how to achieve accurate results.

It is assumed however that the viewer has some previous knowledge of the techniques and analytical methods descibed. 

The topics covered include:

• The analysis of metals on filter analysis using inductively coupled plasma - atomic absorption spectrometry (ICP-AES);
• The analysis of chemicals on charcoal by solvent desorption and gas chromatography (GC) analysis;
• The analysis of chemicals on tenax for thermal desorption and GC analysis;
• The analysis of isocyanate derivatives on glass fibre filters using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Download extract from DVD

NB To view this extract you need Windows Media Player. To download software please use the link below:

www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp

Contact information for further details

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