Why you should purchase a self-test asbestos kit.

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Here at Envirochem we’ve recently introduced our very own range of self-test kits for a range of different substances such as Asbestos, Lead in Paint, Legionella and more.

We always want your safety to be a priority and to make sure the process of checking for harmful substances is as straight forward as possible. Whether it’s at work or in your home, we understand that it’s not always easy to know where to start if you’re worried about asbestos. Our self-test kits are easy to use, come with all the necessary protective equipment and instructions and can be returned back to us for analysis. If needed, we can let you know feedback and results in just four hours!

Everyone knows that the presence of asbestos is definitely something you don’t want lurking around your home or workplace. With the release of our new self-test kits it’s never been easier to take a sample of an area you think may have asbestos and get it tested by us so you can get on with your day-to-day life.

Our self-sampling kit will enable you to take a sample, safely, from a material you suspect contains asbestos. The substance can be found in a number of materials, and it is commonplace in buildings built prior to 1980. It can be found in anything from corrugated cement and internal cladding panels to window sills, walls and boards. It is always safest to check whether asbestos is present before making any changes to a building.

If you’re considering renovating your home or workspace, make sure you order one of our self-test kits today to ensure the process is as safe as possible. Alternatively, our expert team is always on hand to attend a site and take samples for you. For more information, get in touch with one of our experts today.

Order any of our full range of self-test kits here:

 

For more information or to get in touch with one of our team please fill out the form below or email us at office@envirochem.co.uk.

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Introducing our new self-sample asbestos testing kits!

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Envirochem are please to introduce our new safe, cost-effective self-sample asbestos testing kits.

Each kit comes with all the personal protective equipment (PPE) you will need to safely take samples of suspect asbestos containing material from your property. The Kits have a set of easy to follow instructions, and return packaging. The samples will then be analysed in our own in-house UKAS accredited 17025 Laboratory. Once the samples are received back to the lab, we can get the report issued to you within 4 hours if you request.

Please see below to purchase them and for all the details of the self sampling kit

What can I expect to get in the kit?

  • Disposable FFP3 flat fold face mask, coveralls and gloves
  • Cleaning wipes to ensure sample tools are kept clean
  • Labelled grip lock Polythene sample bags
  • Sample submission form
  • Detailed and easy-to-follow instructions

 

What samples can I take?

The self sampling kit enables you to safely take a sample(s) from a material you suspect may be containing asbestos, materials include;

  • Corrugated cement
  • Walls and boards
  • External cladding panels
  • Soffit, fascia and rainwater goods
  • Window sills
  • Textured coatings
  • Many more… all explained in the kit.

For more information and full details of places asbestos could be, please see the website below;

http://www.hse.gov.uk/ asbestos/building.htm

 

Once the samples are received, they are analysed in our own in-house UKAS accredited 17025 Laboratory. With results available four hours from being received if requested.

 

Need any more advice

Our in-house laboratory staff is always on hand to help answer any questions you may have either by phone or email;

 

If you’d like to know more about our kits or how to order one give us a call on 01329 287777 or send us an email at office@envirochem.co.uk. Alternatively you can fill out the form below.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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We recommend dropping the samples back to us or sending the samples to us via courier.

 

Remember remember the 5th of November… and don’t throw these items in your bonfire!

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Remember remember the 5th of November… and don’t throw these items in your bonfire!

Backyard bonfires are a great way to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with your friends and family but, as with burning anything, it can come with certain risks.

We’ve put together the top 5 things you should definitely avoid burning at all costs which you may not have thought about before. Keep your family safe and don’t burn:

1.Anything plastic

Anything plastic is a big no-no. When burned, plastic items release toxic chemical fumes into the air that are damaging for both you and the environment such as dioxins (chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants), furans (colourless, flammable, highly volatile liquid with a boiling point close to room temperature) and styrene gas (a colourless

oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations have a less pleasant odour).

  1. Accelerants

We know it can be quite frustrating if you have gathered all of your friends and family around to relax and enjoy being in the outdoors with the bonfire – but it’s not quite as roaring as you’d hoped. The temptation to ‘get the fire going’ and apply an accelerant can be strong, but don’t! Flammable liquids are unpredictable and cause explosions. Try adding small amounts of dry kindling instead.

  1. Wooden Pallets

You may think that anything wooden is perfect to throw on a bonfire – but you’d be wrong unfortunately. Some wooden pallets are treated with the chemical methyl bromide (a colourless gas at room temperature with a sweetish odour at high concentrations. Human exposure to high concentrations of methyl bromide can cause central nervous system and respiratory system failures and can harm the lungs, eyes, and skin). Unless you know for sure it hasn’t been treated with chemicals it’s best to use something else!

  1. Painted Wood

We talk a lot about the dangers of lead in paint and this is no exception. When any painted wood is burned it will release toxic fumes that can be both damaging to you and the environment. Lead in paint can occur, in particular, when the wood is old which can be incredibly toxic to all in the surrounding area.

  1. Magazines

Burning everyday items like junk mail, magazines and wrapping paper might seem like a good idea as a way to get rid of them but ink printed on the paper can release toxic fumes into the atmosphere and affect those standing too close. Best to avoid those items and recycle them instead.

 

 

If you are concerned about any other items you’re thinking of burning on your bonfire then get in

touch using the form below or calling 01239 287 777

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World War 2 Gas Masks

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We recently helped a client who had purchased a World War 2 gas mask, who was concerned that it may contain asbestos.

Warnings by the HSE have been issued in the past warning schools and the public that gas masks and helmets and the related equipment should not be handled or worn, as they may contain harmful asbestos and other harmful toxins. Over time the masks condition deteriorates allowing the fibres to become loose and free.

Advice from The Health and Safety Executive to schools and public is to destroy or make safe (by a licensed contractor) the artefacts following tests to look for asbestos fibres.

For more information please visit the HSE website or contact ourselves if you have any concerns.

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Three simple steps to taking waste to landfill

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Three simple steps to taking waste to landfill

 

Making sure waste from your construction or demolition site is classified before it goes to landfill is a legal duty for contractors. There are several stages to take before you can confidently deliver your waste to landfill – here they are in three simple steps:

 

Step one

 

Work out how your materials for disposal are classified in government guidance on different types of waste[https://www.gov.uk/how-to-classify-different-types-of-waste]. Construction waste must be classified as hazardous or non-hazardous before it can be tested further or taken to landfill.

 

Step two

 

If your waste is characterised as hazardous it will need to be tested against Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) as this will determine which landfill site can accept it based on their waste license. Some non-hazardous or inert waste will also need testing so make sure you get expert advice on this.

 

WAC testing works by looking at how waste will behave once it’s buried in a landfill; specially what leaches out from it and the concentration of organic materials.

 

Step three

 

When it comes to taking your hazardous waste to landfill the site operators are likely to want to see your WAC testing analysis. This will help them decide if they can take it based on their landfill license and what they need to do with it next. Each landfill site is different.

 

How to arrange WAC analysis

 

WAC analysis isn’t a quick process so plan ahead to ensure you know exactly where your waste should be taken. This will speed up your waste disposal process.

 

At Envirochem we offer Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing on:

  • contaminated soil
  • spent grit
  • industrial waste
  • other waste streams.

 

You could purchase one of our WAC self sample kits below;

 

Alternatively, Find out about these services and the analysis consultancy we offer by completing the contact form below or calling our WAC experts on 01329 287 777.

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Five reasons to choose Envirochem

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Five reasons to choose Envirochem

 

Our team at Envirochem work with environmental consultants, corporate and individual clients throughout the UK, and strive to maintain a fast turn around on all projects. Our head office is in Fareham, Hampshire, between the major south coast cities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

 

Here are five reasons that we believe make us stand out from our competitors

 

1) Our broad range of services

 

We are a one stop shop for our clients; offering the wide range of services that we do is a rarity in our industry. We have a variety of different services including asbestos testing, soil analysis and testing, WAC testing, noise and dust monitoring, legionella and water testing, air quality surveys and training courses. From testing samples that have been sent into the lab to going out and testing on large areas of land as a team we are able to offer so much to clients.

 

2) Our experienced team

 

The team consists of more than 50 full-time members of staff. From consultants, project managers, occupational hygienists and chemists to analysts, surveyors and laboratory technicians. All of the technical analysts hold appropriate certification applicable to their role. Our staff have impressive academic backgrounds ranging from masters and PhDs to degrees in chemistry and marine environmental science.

 

3) We give clients bespoke solutions to their problems

 

Not only do we specialise in a huge variety of services we can also give clients bespoke solutions to their problems. We not only give our clients the results of tests, we also work with them to understand what they mean, giving them our expert advice about moving forward with the next steps safely.

 

4) We’re UKAS accredited

 

We are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for various asbestos testing, asbestos surveying,  chemical and microbiological analysis services. These are carried out in accordance with in-house procedures based upon guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Our clients can be assured they are receiving a high quality service that is based upon the most up to date regulations.

Please see our schedule of accreditation on our website for a full list of what we are accredited for.

 

5) We offer 24 hour call out, seven days a week and national coverage

 

We’re proud to provide national coverage with a fast and efficient turnaround. With our 24 hour call out service open seven days a week, we always accommodate our clients needs.

 

 

If you require expert analytical services for any environmental, health or safety concerns contact our team today.

Lead in paint in your home – what you need to know

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Lead in paint your home – what you need to know

 

Was your home built before 1978? If so there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. Lead paint is still present in millions of homes and sometimes under layers of newer paint. Here’s what you need to know if you find lead paint in your home.

 

Lead paint is usually not a problem, providing that the paint is in good shape. Deteriorating lead-based paint – for example peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged or damp – is however a hazard and will need immediate attention.

 

Where is it found?

 

As well as being found under layers of newer paints, it can also be hazardous when found on surfaces that get a lot of wear-and-tear. For example windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, skirting boards and porches.

 

Lead is naturally occurring, and can be found in high concentrations in some areas for example soil, gardens and playgrounds.

 

In a well-maintained home, lead in dust can still be an issue. When lead-based paint is scraped, canned or heated during DIY activities lead dust can form.

 

Lead can also be found in many products including, painted toys, furniture, toy jewellery, food or liquid containers, cosmetic and plumbing products.

 

Drinking water can also be affected by lead, it can enter drinking water through corrosed pipes.

 

Who’s at risk?

 

Children and adults, including pregnant women, are at risk from lead poisoning. Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do. Children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

 

A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.

 

How to lower the risk from lead paint and make your home safe

 

There are many simple steps that will go a long way in preventing lead exposure, for example:

 

  • inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration
  • keep your home clean and dust-free
  • clean around painted areas where friction can generate dust, such as doors, windows, and drawers
  • wash children’s hands, bottles, and toys often
  • encourage children to wipe and remove their shoes and wash hands after playing outdoors.

 

How Envirochem can help with lead paint

It is important to have your home tested for lead if it was built before 1978. There are two ways to get your home checked, the first is a paint inspection.

 

We have 25 years experience in assessing chemical risks in buildings. When our team conducts a paint inspection, they are able to tell you the lead content of every different type of painted surface in your home. However from a paint inspection we are unable to tell you if the paint is a hazard. This test is appropriate when you are buying or renting a homeland before you do any DIY, and will help you to determine how to maintain your house for lead safety.

 

The second test that our team can carry out for your home is a risk assessment. This test allows our team to tell you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure such as peeling paint and lead dust. We will then provide you with information on what actions to take to address the hazards.

 

Get in touch with our team today to discover how our services can help keep you safe.

 

Three reasons why noise monitoring matters

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Three reasons why noise monitoring matters

 

Whether you work in the construction industry or use heavy machinery, noise monitoring matters. Staying within the legal levels for workplaces and operating in the public domain will minimise risk to your employees and your business.

 

Excessive noise and the law

 

17,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, ringing in the ears or other ear conditions caused by excessive noise at work. This is why the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Noise Regulations 2005) were brought in make it a requirement of employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work.

 

Guidance on acceptable levels of noise is available on the Health and Safety Executive website[http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm].

 

Why noise monitoring matters

 

Here are three reasons why noise monitoring matters and how you can ensure you stay within the legal guidelines:

 

  1. Nuisance noise

If you are working on a construction project near homes, offices or schools you are required to keep noise within strict decibel levels dependant on the time of day. Monitoring the noise being generated by your site while ensure you are within those guidelines and can respond robustly to complaints about nuisance noise.

 

  1. Planning applications

If you have monitored noise levels during your past construction projects you can use this data as part of planning applications for future work. Being able to prove you are compliant with noise level rules will give assurance to planning decision makers.

 

  1. Noise induced hearing loss

Prolonged exposure to excessive noise in the work place can have a negative impact on your employees’ hearing. Monitoring the levels of noise individuals are exposed to is an important part of your responsibility as an employer. It will enable you to introduce PPE measures to prevent hearing loss and demonstrate to employees that you are looking after them, not to mention reduce time off due to work-related illness.

 

Putting in place effective noise monitoring

 

At Environchem we offer several different noise monitoring services. We can:

  • undertake walkthrough noise surveys to assess noise levels throughout your premises
  • undertake octave band assessments that assist in the choice of noise abatement equipment or PPE
  • assess daily exposure with personal dosimeters to give you accurate data about the noise levels each individual employee is exposed to in a day.

 

Our team at Envirochem have 25 years of experience in the market. Get in touch with our team today to discover how our noise monitoring services can benefit your business.

 

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

 

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UKAS ACCREDITED ASBESTOS IN SOIL TESTING

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UKAS ACCREDITED ASBESTOS IN SOIL TESTING
Envirochem now offer UKAS accredited quantification of asbestos in soil. 
Analysis will identify:
  • The presence of asbestos
  • The asbestos product type
  • The percentage of asbestos present within the sample
  • Documented values to enable the client to interpret the results to their specific requirements

Analysis will enable the end user to:

  •  Assist with the determination of the Waste Acceptance Criteria
  •  Identify potential for asbestos exposure adjacent to contaminated land
  •  Identify the total percentage of asbestos present in the sample

Prices start from £25.00 (+VAT)

Asbestos Fibre Identification in accordance with our UKAS accreditation and HSG 248.

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Asbestos Fibre Identification in accordance with our UKAS accreditation and HSG 248.

 

Envirochem offers a competitive Asbestos Fibre Identification service 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.

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.

Please fill out the form below or call us on 01329 287 777;

 

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