Certified expert knowledge in connection with state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) – meeting the demands of TRGS 519 for asbestos-containing hazardous substances and TRGS 521 for biopersistent mineral wool

In the past, the demolition of sprayed asbestos and other weakly bound asbestos products was paramount in asbestos-related building refurbishment programs. Moreover, it was necessary to ensure that all reconstruction or refurbishment measures, any maintenance or service work was absolutely safe for the craftsmen involved, so that potential health hazards could be excluded.

Currently, asbestos is once again highly topical, not only among experts, but also in public media. Why so? So-far unnoticed asbestos applications are now in the focus of interest, just as the fact that asbestos has been found in further building materials – be it direct material or indirect (in particular it was found in filling material, stippling glaze and in tile adhesive for walls and ceilings). These products have now come to the fore, though their asbestos contents might be below 1 %.

Several Müller-BBM experts at different sites in Germany have successfully attended courses for the acquisition of expert knowledge relating to demolition, reconstruction and maintenance work (ASI work) on all asbestos-containing hazardous substances including asbestos cement products according to number 2.7, Annex 3 of TRGS 519 and to TRGS 521 (demolition, reconstruction and maintenance work with biopersistent mineral wools). So, they are well-prepared to tackle the touchy subject “asbestos” with all the necessary quality and care.

We Analyse air samples, samples from contact areas and material samples from building investigations; we carry out exposure measurements, ambient air measurements and emission measurements as described in the TA Luft (German regulation “Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control”) in compliance with relevant guidelines (e.g. TA Luft 2002, para 5.2.7.1.1 ‘Carcinogenic Substances’, EU-Directive 2009/148/EC, TRGS 910, BGl. 505-46 , VDI 3492, VDI 3861). In their laboratories Müller-BBM use state-of-the-art scanned electron microscopy (SEM) along with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (ECX). Thus, a one-stop project flow is ensured, from the initial sampling over the analysis procedure to the evaluation of the findings and the elaboration of a report. The Müller-BBM testing laboratory for hazardous substances is accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 by DAkkS, Germany’s national accreditation body (registration number D-PL-14119-02-02). Its scope comprises the determination of fibre dust in workplace measurements in compliance with the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

We are looking forward to learning more about your specific tasks – please contact us under umwelt@mbbm.com