P401 BOHS Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples

Overview

This qualification has been designed by BOHS to provide candidates with theoretical and practical knowledge in the techniques of asbestos sample identification using polarised light microscopy (PLM) and dispersion staining techniques.

Who should attend

The qualification is suitable for anyone who is required to analyse samples for asbestos content (bulk samples) as part of their work, or those considering a career in asbestos analysis and those persons responsible for managing an asbestos laboratory.

Entry Requirements

Before taking this qualification, candidates should have a thorough awareness of the contents of Appendix 2 of the HSG248 ‘Asbestos: The analysts’ guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures’.

Candidates are also recommended to have at least one month’s work experience of analysing bulk samples, and may already be participating in an accredited asbestos quality control scheme.

Candidates also need basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Teaching Learning Time

The P401 qualification normally runs over three consecutive days and includes at least 16 hours of learning time. This comprises 12 hours taught (teaching and formative practical assessment) and four hours of independent study (in the student’s own time).

The course can be delivered more flexibly, such as on one day per week for three weeks, but should still include 12 hours of teaching.

Recommended Core Competencies

The course is presented in-line with Table A9.3 ‘Fibre identification – bulk analysis’ of HSG248 ‘Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide’ published 2020.

Understand and be able to use the different methods required in the specific job role and understand the theory behind identifying regulated asbestos fibres in a bulk sample.
Understand basic optics/microscopes used including contrast versus visibility, resolution, use of sub-stage iris and adjustment of interocular distance/focus and numerical aperture of lenses.
Understand and be able to set up and use a low-power stereo-microscope and PLM to identify asbestos fibre types/morphology and other fibre characteristics, and be able to use the parts of the microscope.
Understand the challenges and limitations of the method and the implications of how the sample was taken (eg if it is representative; heat effects etc).
Understand the guidance from HSE and UKAS which is directly relevant to an individual analyst’s work (eg protocols for searching for fibres) and the need to check that air tests have been carried out in the areas where bulk analysis is carried out – ensuring a safe environment.
Understand the need for safe analysis (eg assess how the bulk sample has been packaged and/or prepared) and the need to minimise exposure and all risks at all stages by selecting correct controls and methods.
Understand and, where appropriate, apply the requirements for using/ inspecting/monitoring the performance of controls (equipment/PPE) for both asbestos and other hazards in the laboratory associated with asbestos identification.
Recognise the importance of factors such as seating and looking into long distance from time to time and other means of reducing fatigue or attention drift.
Obtain the skills to open and manipulate samples inside fume cupboard or asbestos handling cabinet.
Understand operation of the fume cupboard, the requirements for maintenance of performance (including regular measurement of face velocity), and how to prepare samples (eg matrix removal separation by foreseeable methods such as crushing, washing, ashing). etc.
Understand how to use refractive index liquids to identify fibres and other HSG248 observation methods.
Understand how to use the dispersion staining methods/Becke line plus meaning of relief.
If required in job role: understand how to carry out the water absorption test for AC and describe the water-related properties of asbestos fibres in PLM. Be able to carry out the test for discriminating AIB and AC.
Be able to recognise any issues which may be posed by differing asbestos fibre orientation in the field of view.
Understand the meaning of and apply in practical work the key properties used for the PLM identification of asbestos.
Be aware of the changes that may occur in the properties used to identify asbestos when samples have been stressed in some way (eg exposed to high temperatures or acid).
Be aware of common causes of inaccuracy: small samples; limits of detection for the methods; contamination handling; storage; human error.

Assessment and Examination

Candidates are required to pass three mandatory components in order to be awarded the qualification:

Formative practical assessment (open-book)
Written Theory (WT) examination (closed book)
Practical examination (open book)

The formative practical assessment is undertaken by the tutor during the course, the student needs to pass this before going onto the other components of the examination.

The written theory examination comprises of 20 short-answer questions to be answered in an hour. The pass mark is 50%. This exam paper can be undertaken online as well at the traditional paper exam.

The practical examination requires candidates to analyse six samples provided by the Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL) and the results are marked using the HSL AIMS system, where points are awarded for incorrect analysis results.. The candidate will have been assessed as having satisfactory performance if their cumulative score over the six samples is less than or equal to 18. Scores of 19 or above will result in a failure of the examination.

To gain the P401 qualification, candidates have to gain a pass in all three items detailed above within 12 months of the original exam date.
Resits of any part are permitted.