LCS Laboratory Inc. is proud to introduce 3-day in-person, Canada’s premier NIOSH 582 equivalency training program,tailored for laboratory professionals learning Analysis of Asbestos Fibers and Fibre Counting. This hands-on course is focuced on phase contrast microscopy (PCM) folowing NIOSH Method 7400.
Delivered over three days, the training will prepare you and your team for analysis of commercial samples. On Day 1, we study the theory of asbestos analysis. This can be learned either in person or live over Zoom. On Days 2 and 3, we collect the samples, calibrate microscopes, prepare samples, analyse the samples, and calculate the results. This practical part of the training, can take place either at your laboratory or at LCS facility in London Ontario.
Course Format
- Level 1. Theory of asbestos analysis by PCM. One day, live, online training via Zoom ($750 CAD)
- Level 2. Two days. In person training on microscope calibration, air sampling and asbestos analysis, can be in your lab or in our facility ($1500 CAD)
- Certificate of Completion issued by LCS Laboratory Inc. after completion of levels 1 and 2.
- Price Validity: Valid in 2025 and 2026. Travel and accomodation cost is extra.
Here’s what each day includes:
Designed for small groups of 2–3 participants, the training provides personalized attention from the instructor, and practical experience of work with the real life samples. The outline of the training plan is shown below.
- Day 1 (live online or in person): Foundations of Asbestos Air Monitoring and Regulations
- Introduction to the Course
- Objectives and certification requirements.
- Overview of air monitoring technician roles.
- Background on Asbestos
- Characteristics and uses of asbestos fibres.
- Health hazards of asbestos exposure.
- Comparison of asbestos to non-asbestos fibres.
- Federal, State, and Local Regulations
- Key regulations: OSHA, NIOSH, EPA.
- Legal and health implications of non-compliance.
- Asbestos in Real-World Applications
- Typical asbestos project workflows.
- Introduction to building designs, ventilation, and envelopes.
- NIOSH and OSHA Analytical Methods
- NIOSH manual of analytical methods (NMAM): method #7400.
- Overview of OSHA ID-160 for asbestos in the air.
- Aggressive sampling protocols.
- Occupational Exposure Assessment
- Regulatory requirements
- Practical implications
- Asbestos Clearance Test
- Regulatory requirements
- Practical implications
- Secondary testing by TEM
- Introduction to the Course
- Day 2: Practical Sampling and Microscopy Techniques (in person)
- Air Sampling Equipment and Techniques
- Air sampling pumps: low-flow vs. high-flow systems.
- Primary and secondary calibration instruments (electronic, rotameters, dry calibrators, wet calibrators).
- Sampling media types: PCM Cassettes.
- Sample Collection and Handling
- Techniques for area, personal, and clearance sampling.
- Statistical sampling strategies and chain-of-custody protocols.
- Shipping requirements
- Microscope Overview
- PCM microscope components and operating principles.
- Microscope alignment and calibration techniques.
- Sample Preparation and Mounting
- Filter clearing and mounting procedures.
- Troubleshooting sample preparation errors.
- Chain of Custody
- Sampling record
- Troubleshooting sample preparation errors.
- Air Sampling Equipment and Techniques
- Day 3: Fibre Counting and QC (in person)
- Fibre Counting Rules
- Differentiating asbestos fibres from non-asbestos particles for OSHA ID-160
- Total fibre count NIOSH 7400
- Fibre counting rules and techniques
- Type A and B rules
- Understanding the limit of detection
- Fibre Count Calculations
- Determining results using time-weighted averages.
- Recording and interpreting field and laboratory blanks.
- Proficiency and Quality Control
- Blind re-counts and internal proficiency programs.
- Reporting and documentation best practices.
- Record keeping
- Course Review and Knowledge Test
- Pump calibration and sample collection test
- Sample Preparation Test
- Internal Proficiency Test
- External Accreditation and Proficiency Testing
- ISO 17025
- External accreditation bodies: CALA, AIHA, IRRST
- Third-party proficiency testing.
- Final Wrap-Up
- Feedback and Q&A session.
- Fibre Counting Rules
If you’re interested in this personalized one-on-one training, contact us today for a tailored quote and to discuss scheduling your future training session. Let us help you take the next step in advancing your laboratory’s capabilities!
