Low Asbestos Content Scheme (LACS)
LACS R22 Samples Will be
Despatched by
w/c 26th August
2024
Results Deadline Date
is
18th October
2024
Low Asbestos Content Scheme (LACS) assesses the performance
of laboratories carrying out the identification of asbestos at low
concentrations. LACS is operated by HSE Testing and Monitoring,
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 solids and powders. The
scheme has the advantage that it includes both common and less
common forms of asbestos. The asbestos content will range
from 0.01 - 0.1%.
Who Should Participate?
Laboratories who wish to monitor and improve the quality of
their asbestos analytical techniques. This scheme will enable
laboratories to demonstrate their competence with respects to
regulatory standards.
Operation of the Scheme
The LACS year operates from April to March and test materials
are distributed to participants quarterly with distribution dates
detailed in the LACS schedule. These are normally in-line with
distribution dates for AIMS.
The test materials used in the scheme are all manufactured in
the laboratory and do not necessarily reflect typical asbestos
containing materials used in buildings. Also, whilst the six
regulated asbestos types will be included, it is not
anticipated that all six will be used every year and laboratories
should not rely on LACS to demonstrate analytical competence in the
identification of the six regulated asbestos types. From time
to time more unusual samples and naturally occurring industrial
minerals will be included.
Test materials may contain up to three different asbestos types
or no asbestos at all. A range of non-asbestos fibres may
also be included. Each sample is individually manufactured by
careful weighing and mixing of the asbestos component(s) and matrix
material.
A representative sub-set of all test materials is fully
validated against detailed criteria before introduction into LACS.
The validation laboratories are normally accredited to ISO 17025
for the measurement of asbestos in bulk materials.
There is no recommended method for LACS although the low
asbestos content suggests many laboratories will use electron
microscopy techniques. However, in order to ensure detection of all
asbestos types present, it is strongly recommended that the sample
is analysed in its entirety.
Participants obtain a round score for the qualitative assessment
(identification of asbestos types present).
Contact Details
The Proficiency Testing Team
The HSE Science and Research Centre
Harpur Hill
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JN
email: proficiency.testing@hse.gov.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 203 028 3382
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