Vinyl floor tiles

Written by

Vinyl floor tiles are a type of flooring that in more modern times are not used as frequently and are usually hidden underneath carpets that have been laid over them.

These tiles can often contain asbestos and if you are in any doubt whether yours are asbestos containing or not and certainly before you rip them up you should get them tested for asbestos and any bitumen or adhesive used to adhere them as well.

It can also be the case that the tiles are not asbestos containing, but the adhesive used to adhere them to the floor is and should also be tested before pulling up the tiles or scraping the adhesive off.

Here at Envirochem, we can attend your property or site and take samples of tiles and other materials you are concerned with and test them at our own in-house UKAS accredited laboratory.

We even sell self-sampling kits to enable you to safely take samples of materials yourself and return them for us for testing.

For more information and to contact us please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below:

Contact Envirochem now
Sending

Our Newest Bulk Analyst.

Written by

Meet Maria, our newest Bulk Analyst joining our Asbestos Laboratory. Maria has passed her P401 exam and is quickly gaining experience and furthering her knowledge. Maria was trained in-house by our experience staff as we offer approved British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) courses for a range of asbestos related courses including P401.

Here at Envirochem, we are a UKAS accredited Laboratory and have over 25 years of experience in the asbestos sector.

From sample analysis, air monitoring, surveys and more.

Envirochem offers a competitive Asbestos Fibre Identification service, in accordance with our UKAS Accreditation and HSG 248, returning results by email within 24 hours in most cases.

In the United Kingdom, the three most common forms of asbestos are chrysotile (white), amosite (brown) and crocidolite (blue). They are found in common building materials such as insulation board panels, spray coating, bonded cements, gaskets, insulation, textured coatings, and vinyl flooring.

We undertake Management and Major Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Surveys in accordance with our UKAS accreditation based upon HSE Guidance Note Asbestos: The survey guide (HSG 264). We also undertake Re-inspection Surveys of buildings which have previously undergone Management Asbestos Surveys.

Our team offer the full range of asbestos air monitoring services geared specifically to meet the requirements of your project, in accordance with HSG 248. Our growing fleet of asbestos analysts are provided with fully equipped mobile laboratories allowing for on-site analysis of air samples and instant certification upon completion of analytical monitoring.

Additionally, we are UKAS Accredited for the Quantification of Asbestos in Soil.

For further information on all our services, please contact us for our fast and efficient service, call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below:

Contact Envirochem now
Sending

High Level and Confined Spaces

Written by

Here at Envirochem we undertake Management and Major Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Surveys in accordance with our UKAS accreditation based upon HSE Guidance Note Asbestos: The survey guide (HSG 264). We also undertake Re-inspection Surveys of buildings which have previously undergone Management Asbestos Surveys.

If that includes high level access or a confined space that’s no problem, we have a range of tools and equipment that our expertly trained staff can use to access nearly any space.

Asbestos Surveys are quoted on an individual basis. For a free quotation please contact us with as much detail as possible about the scope of your project including the size, age, usage, location and any other relevant information about the property.

    For more information on our services and how we can tailor them to any requirement call us today or fill out the form below.

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    What does Water testing entail:

    Written by

    Testing for coliform bacteria and E.coli are the most important routine microbiological analysis carried out on drinking water. These tests provide a sensitive means for detecting faecal contamination, for assessing raw water quality, the effectiveness of water treatment and disinfection, and monitoring water quality in distribution.

    Why carry out Water testing:

    Recreational water such as Pools and SPAs – can be easily get Infectious agents introduced into them via bathers, from dirt entering the pool or from the water source itself. Once in the spa pool, conditions often exist for these infectious agents to grow and proliferate.

    Drinking water or potable water – To ensure water is safe enough to be consumed by humans or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm.

    Environmental Water – Lakes, rivers and seas are used for a variety of recreational activities including swimming, diving, fishing and sailing. If these activities are to be enjoyed safely, attention must be given to health hazards such as sewage pollution and excessive growth of toxic cyanobacteria, as well as to the prevention of accidents. EC bathing water directive (2006/7/EC).

    What we can offer:

    Envirochem routinely carry out a variety of tests including:

    For recreational water:

    UKAS Accredited tests:

    • Total coliforms
    • E.coli
    • Total viable counts 1 days at 37°C
    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    • Legionella

    For Drinking water or Potable water:

    UKAS Accredited tests:

    • Total coliforms
    • E.coli
    • Total viable counts 2 days at 37°C
    • Total viable counts 3 days at 22°C
    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    For Environmental Water:

    Relevant tests:

    • Total coliforms
    • E.coli
    • Faecal streptococci

    If you would like more information or you think you may require testing please call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below.

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    Analysis for the Built Environment

    Written by

    What is analysis in the Built Environment:

    We offer a variety of analyses for the Built Environment where sensitivity is required in understanding the composition and nature of various substances.

    For example, lead, arsenic and other metals in paint, anthrax or gypsum in plaster, mould and more.

    Why test:

    Many substances in the built environment can cause serious harm if they are disturbed and you are exposed to them. For example:

    Lead in paint if breathed in or ingested can lead to changes in your blood and have effects on your nervous system and kidneys.

    Anthrax is a potentially fatal infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that is transmitted from animals to humans. In the built environment one of the main sources of anthrax risk is horsehair plaster, typically found in older buildings, and usually pre-dates the 1950’s.

    Paint and wallpaper containing arsenic that becomes damp, can be metabolised to a volatile form of arsenic called arsene. This arsene can then be inhaled by the occupants of the building. Even if concentrations are low, prolonged exposure can lead to arsenic bio-accumulating in the body and subsequent sickness. 

    Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other similar gases in insulating foams are ozone layer depleting substances, which is one of the driving causes of climate change. Many of these substances are banned or are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol because of how damaging they are to the ozone layer.

    Who should test:

    Depending on what you are testing for, below is a few examples of who might require testing:

    • Demolition workers
    • Building contractors
    • Anyone carrying out refurbishment works
    • Individuals doing DIY
    • Anyone concerned about mould growth
    • Insulators or Insulation removers

    What we can offer:

    Envirochem can offer a range of testing including:

    • UKAS accredited Lead and Chromium in paint testing
    • Arsenic in paint and wallpaper testing
    • Anthrax or gypsum in plaster
    • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in foam and polystyrene
    • Mould analysis
    • Tests for over 30 metals in paint

    We can also attend site and sample for you or alternatively we offer self-sampling kits for you to sample yourself to send to us for analysis.

    For more information call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below:

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing.

    Written by

    What is LEV Testing:

    Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) checks, help control the release of hazardous airborne substances from a process into the workplace environment.

    Why carry out LEV testing:

    The aim of LEV checking is to control the emission as close as possible to the point of release, and prevent it from entering the air of the workplace.

    Who should carry out LEV Testing:

    Anywhere with extraction units and/or that produces fumes, a few examples of workplaces and processes include:

    • Wood and carpentry manufacturers
    • MOT Stations
    • Restaurants with exhaust ventilation units
    • Industrial processes that produce paint fumes and solder fumes
    • Shot blasting and sand blasting processes
    • Air conditioning units
    • Furniture makers  

    What we can offer:

    Envirochem routinely undertake LEV checks for many clients on equipment including:

    • Fume cabinets
    • Spray booths
    • Dust extract systems
    • Air conditioning units
    • Exhaust ventilation units
    • Extractor fan units

    These should be tested 14 monthly or after any modifications, as specified within the Health and Safety Executive’s HSE Guidance Notes HS(G)54 and HS(G)37.

    We produce thorough reports detailing duct velocities static pressures and flow rates and make comments on any observed changes in the system reading or their possible causes.

    For more information or to contact us please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    What is Asbestos?

    Written by

    What is Asbestos:

    Asbestos is not one material as it is commonly mistaken for, but the term used for the fibrous forms of seven naturally occurring minerals.

    In the United Kingdom, the three most common forms of asbestos are chrysotile (white), amosite (brown) and crocidolite (blue). They are found in common building materials such as insulation board panels, spray coating, bonded cements, gaskets, insulation, textured coatings, and vinyl flooring and more.

    Why test for asbestos:

    Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health implications, including Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis.  Approximately 5000 workers still die per year from asbestos related illness.

    Who should test:

    Asbestos could be found in any building or construction built before 2000, this includes houses, schools, factories, hospitals and more.

    Anyone who is involved in a trade such as demolition and those in the refurbishment, maintenance, and similar trades where it is foreseeable that your work will disturb the structure of the building, or even just individuals doing some DIY at home or work should check and get testing /surveying carried out before disturbing materials that could contain asbestos.

    What we can offer:

    Envirochem offers a competitive Asbestos Fibre Identification service returning results by email within 24 hours in most cases.

    Samples can be delivered to our laboratory or collected by our analysts.

    An Asbestos Fibre Identification certificate is produced for each batch of samples analysed, which is available most commonly in PDF format via email.

    For more information please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below.

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    The HSE have sentenced a company and director for exposing workers to asbestos.

    Written by

    The HSE have sentenced a company and director for exposing workers to asbestos.

     

    Make sure you keep your employees and workplace safe. 

     

     

    press.hse.gov.uk/2021/07/08/com

     

    For more information on how we can help and advice, from asbestos surveys and air monitoring to asbestos fibre identification and asbestos awareness training courses and more please fill out the form below or call us on 01329 287 777.

     

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    Why test for Legionella?

    Written by

    What is Legionella bacteria:

    Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including the most serious legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever.

     

    The bacterium legionella pneumophila and related bacteria are common in natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, but usually in low numbers. They can also be found in purpose-built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold-water systems, and spa pools.

     

    Why test for Legionella:

    Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, and everyone is susceptible to infection. The risk increases with age, but some people are at higher risk including:

    • People over 45 years of age
    • Smokers and heavy drinkers
    • People suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
    • Diabetes, lung, and heart disease
    • Anyone with an impaired immune system

     

    Who should test:

    From vending machines to humidifiers, Domestic water systems to Cooling towers legionella bacteria can breed to dangerous levels if testing and monitoring is neglected.

     

    Below is a list of potential water sources at risk:

    • Domestic water systems
    • Cooling towers
    • Any drinking water service
    • Swimming pools
    • Spa pools
    • Car washes
    • Effluent
    • Vending machines
    • Evaporative condensers
    • Hot and cold-water systems
    • Cooling waters
    • Process waters
    • Humidifiers
    • Dental equipment
    • Hot & cold systems
    • Borehole water
    • Showers
    • Sprinklers
    • Fountains
    • Water storage tanks
    • Natural water sources such as lakes and rivers and reservoirs

     

    What we can offer:

    Envirochem now offer UKAS accredited legionella tests by using the most up to date scientific techniques, covering any water system in the workplace or domestic environment.

     

    We can attend site to carry out sampling (not covered by our UKAS accreditation) or alternatively please see below our new Legionella self-sampling kit.

     

    For more information please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

     

    Contact Envirochem now
    Sending

    The Contamination & Geotech Expo 2021

    Written by

    Next week we will be at The Contamination & Geotech Expo, find us at stand 4-G100!

     

    We have a wide range of services and analytical testing options that we can provide and tailor to our clients requirements. Come and meet us to find out more.