Materials Sampling

Summit Environmental is an experienced hazardous materials consultancy offering a range of testing and analysis for many hazardous materials. Hazardous materials require identification so as to manage the risk, we can help with Vermiculite, lead paint, anthrax, CFC and chemicals in spray foams and more.

Sampling and Testing

Risk management for hazardous materials starts with sampling and testing of potentially suspect materials. Identification then allows control measures, such as safe systems of work to be put into place, to ensure that hazards are minimised to anyone that may be affected, including the environment.

Single point sampling of individual suspected hazardous materials once identified and results can be available in 24-48 hours, allowing you to deal with any emergencies quickly and safely.

materials sampling

Lead Paint – sampling and risk assessments

We are able to undertake the identification and sampling for lead and other hazardous compounds within materials.

Working with lead can put your health at risk, causing symptoms including headaches, stomach pains and anaemia. Other serious health effects include kidney damage, nerve and brain damage and infertility.

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) place a duty on employers to prevent, or where this is not reasonably practicable, to control employee exposure to lead.

We can undertake the identification and sampling for lead and other hazardous compounds within materials such as paint. Samples taken can be tested for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’S), TBT’s, Inorganic compounds, and Heavy Metals.

Lead paint surveys & analysis are crucially important for those involved in refurbishment or renovation, particularly in period properties

For all commercial projects (refurbishment, development, and demolition), it is a legal requirement for a lead paint survey to be conducted where paintwork pre-dating 1992 is likely to be damaged or disturbed.

CFC, PCB’s and More – sampling and risk assessments

Summit Environmental is able to provide sample collection, analysis and consultancy on CFC’s, PCB’s and other hazardous materials. Whether these are held in materials, machinery or components.

Is spray foam insulation present to the underside of your roof? Spray foam can increase dampness and leaks to properties. In severe cases it can rot the roof joists. We are able to advise on the best next steps.

Machinery, cables, pipework, transformers, switchgear, capacitors and in the starter units of fluorescent lights can often contain PCB’s. PCBs are a family of substances which are good electrical insulators. They are chemically stable, fire resistant and don’t easily generate a vapour.

Anthrax – sampling and risk assessments

The bacterium Bacillus Anthracis is the causative agent of the disease Anthrax. Summit Environmental has the skills and expertise to undertake sampling of plaster and soil for laboratory analysis for anthrax spores. We can assess and advise on Anthrax in buildings and land. The bacterium Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of the disease Anthrax.

Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores. Human’s almost invariably contract the natural disease directly or indirectly from animals or animal products. Construction workers might be exposed to anthrax in some situations, such as contracting Anthrax from contaminated land and buildings.

Cases of people getting anthrax are very rare. People generally contract it from contact with diseased animals, their secretions, hides, hair, or other products.

Workers may be at more risk in several situations including:

Building on some types of old land, eg an old burial site with anthrax-infected carcasses or an old tannery where there may be a risk of soil contamination
Crypt clearances involving the opening of coffins containing people who have died of anthrax
Demolition of buildings where infected animal hair was used to bind the plaster is the concern.

Services we can provide include Anthrax assessments, conducting routine inspections, audits, testing, and analysis or advising on appropriate control measures and management techniques.

services

Materials Sampling

Sampling and Testing

Lead Paint – sampling and risk assessments

CFC, PCB’s and More – sampling and risk assessments

Anthrax – sampling and risk assessments