Socotec tests airborne asbestos detector17 December 2021

Working with Alert Technology, Socotec is trialling a portable real-time airborne asbestos warning device, the ALERT PRO1000, which emits an alert if asbestos fibres are detected within the atmosphere, and enables the identification of activities that may have caused fibre release.

Socotec’s asbestos team is currently trialling the Alert PRO1000 during intrusive surveys, managing risk on sites and also during remedial projects, with the ultimate aim of gaining a better understanding of the PRO1000’s full potential. While by no means replacing the traditional HSE-recommended approach, the unit has been developed to encourage best practice rather than being led by legislation. Nevertheless, Section 5.44 of the new HSG248 guidance does state that real-time ‘live’ monitoring can be used in sensitive situations to monitor for relative increases in levels of asbestos fibres.

The asbestos monitoring method used within the Alert PRO1000 comprises a two-stage analysis process involving laser light technology and magnetic alignment. Upon being drawn into the unit, particles are illuminated as they pass through an optical chamber which produces a light scatter pattern.

Each particle type has a distinguishable scatter pattern which enables the unit to determine if the particle is a fibre or not. The light scattering technique alone is not enough to differentiate between asbestos fibres and other fibres, and as such the magnetic alignment of asbestos fibres is also used to confirm presence. The angle of fibres is checked between two laser beams as they pass through a strong magnetic field. The unique paramagnetic properties of all asbestos fibres cause them to align with the magnetic field. This change in angle enables a distinction to be made between asbestos fibres and other non-asbestos fibres.

Dan Rushton, EU and UK sales manager, Alert Technology, said: “Socotec is the first organisation in the UK to be running longer-term trials on a range of sites.”

Operations Engineer

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