Weshar.com
Title
Asbestos Analytical & Consulting Services Company
Description
Asbestos Analytical & Consulting Services Company
Since 1988 Wes-Har has been providing dependable quality consulting and laboratory services for a wide range of clients so they may comply with occupational health requirements relating to asbestos. Wes-Har is committed to providing clients with effective, economical solutions to their asbestos issues.
Laboratory
Wes-Har's in-house laboratory services provide prompt results for both air sample fibre-counting and bulk material asbestos identification. Our flexibility is an asset in providing a quality service when you need it. Be it now, tomorrow or next week, a service to fit your budget or time-line.
Laboratory Information Management System
Wes-Har's in-house developed menu driven data management system (WHDMS) is based on Microsoft's FoxPro database platform. Samples received are assigned a unique identification number and batch locator based on clients Chain of Custody information. The WHDMS systems architecture streamlines data entry and report generation. The long term benefit of the system is the ability of Wes-Har to search, sort, extract and report sample information based on numerous criteria directly related to the clients request.
Correlation Programs
Industrial Hygiene Proficiency Testing Program (IHPAT) Asbestos in Air by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM), sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (Lab Id 149340). [January 2006]
Bulk Asbestos Profiency Analytical Testing (BAPAT) Program sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (Lab I.D. 149340 pdf).
Contact
- Wes-Har Asbestos Analysis & Consulting Ltd.
-
- Richmond BC
- Canada V6X 2T1
-
- 604-279-9445
Additional Information
Asbestos
Asbestos is a term applied to the classification of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that are exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. Asbestos minerals are divided into two groups - serpentine and amphibole. The distinction between groups is based upon a mineral's crystalline structure - serpentine minerals have a sheet or layered structure, amphiboles have a chain like crystal structure.
Asbestos is a proven carcinogen, and any release of asbestos fibres into the atmosphere creates a potential health hazard, due to possible inhalation of these fibres directly into the lungs. Scientific literature cites evidence that suggests that exposure at even very low fibre concentrations is significant. For this reason, human exposure should be kept at a minimum in all cases.
Asbestos was widely used in all aspects of manufacturing from adhesives, tiles, wallboards, brakes, electrical insulators to decorative finishes to name but a few. (EPA partial list http://www.epa.gov/Region06/6pd/asbestos/asbmatl.htm" ) During the mid eighties its use was prohobited entirely or has been limited to special cases (eg. high temperature boiler insulators). In conjunction with the advent of Material Safety Data Sheet requirements, hazardous materials like asbestos can be almost eliminated or at the minimum classified on job sites. The following two diagrams illustrate some of the locations of where Asbestos may be found in homes [ http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/asbestos_hazards_homeowners.pdf ]or commercial buildings [ http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/building.htm ].
Consideration should be given to materials that are friable in nature, substances that can be easily crumbled in the hand. Friable products can present a potential health hazard if disturbed. The mere presence of a friable asbestos containing material does not imply an immediate health hazard, however elevated fibre levels can occur when such a material is disturbed through maintenance, renovation, contact or movement.
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