IOM achieves UKAS accreditation for the analysis of asbestos in soils

Asbestos contamination of soil can arise in a variety of settings, including brownfield sites and domestic gardens. The IOM was recently granted accreditation by UKAS for the quantitative analysis of soil samples for the presence of asbestos. The method may be applied to samples containing discrete fragments of asbestos-containing material (ACM) and to samples containing dispersed asbestos fibres, down to a level of 0.001%.

For more information on this and related services, go here

REACH deadline approaches – will you be ready?

December 2010 is the registration deadline for those categories of chemicals that are produced in greatest quantity, and those that are the most hazardous. The IOM advocates a combination of workplace measurement surveys and the application of state-of-the-art exposure modelling tools, in order to arrive at a realistic assessment of risk.

For more on IOM's REACH services, go here

IOM-led consortium awarded key projects on nanomaterials and REACH

The EC has commissioned two projects to establish how nanomaterials should be handled within the context of the REACH regulations. These projects, to be carried out by the IOM's SAFENANO team and a number of collaborators from across Europe, will address the information requirements for registration of nanomaterials under REACH, and the methods that should be adopted for exposure assessment and risk characterisation.

For more details of these two important studies, go here

HSE publishes new guidance on managing asbestos risks

Earlier this month, the HSE published HSG264, ‘Asbestos: The survey guide'. This guidance, aimed principally at asbestos surveyors and those who commission asbestos surveys (duty holders), sets out to ensure that the risks of exposure to asbestos amongst builders and maintenance workers are minimised, and that the right precautions are put in place.

In order to download the new guidance, go here

Analysis of cobalt-containing materials

Cobalt is used in many industries, including machine tools, paints and pigments, glass-making and medicine. It is a highly toxic element, and exposure in the workplace can lead to a number of serious medical conditions such as lung fibrosis, asthma and contact dermatitis. The IOM is able to analyse for cobalt in air and a variety of other media, and can therefore help to ensure that workplace exposure is kept to a minimum.

For more information on the IOM's analytical capabilities in relation to cobalt and other hazardous metals, go here