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Proficiency Testing - Asbestos in Materials Scheme (AIMS)

Asbestos in Materials Scheme (AIMS)

AIMS LogoAIMS assesses the performance of laboratories carrying out the identification of asbestos in bulk materials. It is of particular relevance to laboratories engaged in the detection of asbestos in a range of matrices, such as building materials, soil, waste and raw materials. The scheme has the advantage that it includes both common and less common forms of asbestos.

Analytes in the scheme
Amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite in various matrices such as lagging, insulation board, powders, cement and sludges.

Operation of the scheme
Four samples are distributed to participants every four months. Laboratories have one month to analyse the samples and report the results. 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 scheme requires only identification of the asbestos but periodically one of the samples will contain a known amount of asbestos, allowing participants to report a quantitative assessment. This provides some experience of estimating asbestos content but the result does not affect the overall performance score.

Schedule

Round Number
Samples Despatched Week Commencing
Results Deadline
Results Despatched
Week Commencing
35
12 May 08
20 June 08
14 July 08
36
15 September 08
17 October 08
10 November 08
37
19 January 09
13 February 09
9 March 09

  • Indicative dispatch dates. Participants will be notified by email of any changes if dispatches do not occur within stated week. 
  • HSL uses a courier to dispatch AIMS samples and Royal Mail to dispatch reports. The anticipated transit times are
    • 2 – 4 days for UK customers
    • 4 – 8 days for European customers
arrow  AIMS Round 36 Result Form - please click here to download
arrow  AIMS Round 36 Electron Microscopy Result Form - please click here to download

Dates for the despatch of reports are provisional. 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

.arrow  AIMS Round 35 Report - please click here to download pdf logo [148k]

Lists of participating laboratories can be seen by clicking below:

arrow  List of UK participants
arrow  List of non-UK participants

Further information
 More information on the scheme is available in the AIMS Information Book for Participants & Structure of the AIMS Scoring System (PDF format).

For more information on the scheme or to join please use our online enquiry form, or contact:

Hannah Clark
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JN

Tel: 01298 218553
Fax: 01298 218572
Email: proficiency.testing@hsl.gov.uk

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