Asbestos Proficiency Testing Program

ASBESTOS PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM

The Industrial Hygiene Department centrally administers Proficiency Testing (PT) for Asbestos analysis for all Navy laboratories performing that analysis. There are two Proficiency Testing programs, as follows:

Fiber Counting – This program assesses the performance of laboratories and analysts that determine the airborne concentration of fibers by counting, using Phase Contrast Microscopy, fibers collected on a filter through which a known volume of air was sampled. The PT samples are provided and graded by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) Program under contract to the Navy. This analysis is not specific for asbestos fibers but counts all fibers meeting specific size criteria.

Fiber Identification – This program assesses the performance of laboratories and analysts that identify fibers in samples of bulk material. This analysis specifically identifies the type and amount of asbestos present in addition to other types of fibers and non-fibrous material. The PT samples are provided and graded by the AIHA Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (BAPAT) under contract to the Navy.

The Industrial Hygiene Laboratory at NEPMU5 will no longer perform sample analysis for Asbestos Identification and Fiber Counting. All samples received for asbestos identification or fiber counting will be forwarded to the laboratory at NEPMU2 for analysis. Please see attachment for additional guidance.

Our staff serves as the Contracting Officer’s Representative for both of the above contracts.

For more information on the Asbestos Proficiency Testing Program, please email us at: usn.hampton-roads.navmcpubhlthcenpors.list.nmcphc-ask-ih@health.mil