28 March 2018

Optimum score in latest AIMS round

Enquin Environmental is delighted to have retained the optimum score possible in the latest round of the Asbestos in Materials Scheme (AIMS).

What is AIMS?

AIMS is an external quality control scheme run by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL). Participation in the Scheme is a precondition for UKAS accreditation for bulk sample analysis to ISO17025.

How the scheme works

Four samples are distributed to Scheme participants three times a year. Each Laboratory is given 20 working days to analyse samples and report the results. Each sample needs to be assessed and the type/s of asbestos, if found, identified.

Ben Holderness, Technical Manager for Enquin Environmental comments:

“Having consistently correct analysis during the AIMS scheme demonstrates our commitment to quality and provides assurance to our clients that their samples are analysed to a high standard.

168 (95%) UK laboratories and 139 (71%) Non-UK laboratories obtained the best possible score of zero for this latest round. One sample also contained brucite which some laboratories misidentified as amphibole asbestos. Although fibrous the brucite lacks the tensile strength of asbestos, is brittle and soluble in acid.”

To view a copy of our latest AIMS certificate and our other accreditations, please click here.