Asbestos Fibre Counting Training Course

Asbestos Fibre Counting (PCM) BOHS P403 Training Course

COURSE CONTENTS

TOPIC TIME ALLOCATION
1) Setting up of Microscope 10%
2) Filter Preparation and Fibre Counting 30%
3) Calculation of Results & Quality Control 10%
4) Practical work 50%
1) Setting Up Micoroscope (10%)
Use of light microscopy, setting up of kohler illumination, calibration of stage micrometer, test slides.
Describe the theory of phase contrast microscopy specifications outlines in the guidance material. Demonstrate and allow
students to practice the use of the Walton Beckett graticule, stage micrometer ad NPL test slide. Students should be given the opportunity to set up various makes of microscopes used in this work as well as to count slides of known quality such as those used in the RICE scheme.
2) Filter Preparation And Fibre Counting (30%)
Make students familiar with the preparation of filters and counting of fibres in accordance with the recognized counting
rules, using the MDHS 39 (1), ERM and the WHO method as a basis. Discuss the limitations of the methods together with examination of accuracy, precision and systematic differences.
3) Calculation of Results & Quality Control (10%)
Examine the reliability of results in relation to quality control schemes such as UKAS, RICE and ISO and European Standards for GLP and internal schemes i.e. counting of blank filters and counting audits.
4) Practical work (50%) Practical work should be carried out to provide the student with all practical
knowledge in carrying out the following:
· Microscope set-up.
· Slide preparation.
· Fibre counting for a range of fibre densities and types.
COURSE EXAMINATION/ ASSESSMENT
The students would be assessed as follows:
· A 45 minutes MCQ BOHS examination (30 questions).
· A practical assessment carried out by the course provider as follows.
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT - FIBRE COUNTING
Assessment should include:
· Microscope set-up, filter paper mounting, slide counting of 8
UNKNOWN RICE SLIDES.
· Also each slide will be given a sampling data for calculation of concentration
and decision if appropriate.
Successful completion of the above and a RICE category A and B performance will lead
to a:
'PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE' in ASBESTOS FIBRE COUNTING (PCM)
COURSE EXAMINATION/ ASSESSMENT
The student would be assessed as follow:
· A 45 minute MCQ BOHS examination (30 questions).
· A practical assessment carried out by the course provider as follows.
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT - AIR SAMPLING AND CLEARANCE TESTING
Assessment should include:
· Enclosure inspection - prior to work and to detect deficiencies.
· Enclosure - visual clearance, smoke testing, leak testing, enclosure design.
· Use of PPE
· Set up of air sampling equipment. Successful completion of the above will
lead to a:
'PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE' in AIR SAMPLING AND CLEARANCE TESTING OF ASBESTOS
Educational Objectives
The student should be able to describe the approved methods for the fibre counting and have a understanding of their
limitations and the requirements for quality control.
References
HSE Guidelines MDHS 39/ 4 (1995)
Asbestos Fibres in Air. Sampling and Evaluation by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) Under the Control of Asbestos at
Work Regulations.
Suggested Further Reading Royal Microscopical Society Microscope Handbook
No 01 An Introduction to the Optical
Microscope, Savile Bradbury
No 23 Basic Measurements Techniques for
Light Microscope, Savile Bradbury