Expression of Interest – HSG 248 2 points NAD

UKAS, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), would like to invite laboratories to express an interest to join the initial extension to scope process for asbestos bulk identification testing. This would deliver accreditation by UKAS to perform a deviating method for the identification of asbestos in bulk materials against the conformity assessment requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and UKAS document LAB 30. This will also reflect an adjusted HSG 248 edition 2 method process that would be published before any grant of accreditation to support this testing methodology.

This programme presents an opportunity for laboratories to demonstrate their testing capabilities under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation dependent on the material type in question.

To express an interest, organisations will need to respond by email to [email protected] by 30^th June 2025. Please title emails with “Expression of Interest – HSG 248 2 points NAD”.

Please note that participation in this initial extension to scope exercise is welcome from existing accredited organisations or those currently applying for identification of asbestos in bulk materials.

Organisations that wish to participate are asked to provide the following information:

• Name of organisation
• Status of any current accreditation
• Number of analysts currently authorised for identification of asbestos in bulk materials
• Number of sites currently authorised for identification of asbestos in bulk materials
• Any changes to the sites and analysts planned in the immediate future
• Laboratory throughput of samples – annual positive and negative sample numbers
• The sample tracking system in use for analysis e.g. TEAMS

To support this process UKAS will host a webinar for interested organisations on 6^th May 2025 at noon. This will include an introduction presentation and a Q&A session. It will also be recorded for viewing at a later date and Q&A published for public viewing. We will discuss the finalised category as set out below, assessment approach and review and expansions an organisation will need to make to quality systems.

Successful applicants will be accredited to undertake a deviating process on a selection of material types where applicable and suitable for that testing.  This extension to scope will make absolutely no change to the UKAS schedule of accreditation or any contract or report for the identification of asbestos in bulk materials and is purely an internal process. Any inappropriate marketing or misrepresentation of this scope would result in immediate sanctions being imposed on the organisation.

Technical Assessing support requirements are expanding as the asbestos industry evolves and accreditation requests are increasing, therefore UKAS welcomes applications from experienced analysts/surveyors with industry accepted qualifications and a commitment to upholding the ISO quality principles applicable. Please see our website for full details Technical Assessors – Asbestos.

UKAS is currently gauging the potential level of interest in this area to allow for suitable resource planning and confirmation of timelines. Please note that submitting an expression of interest does indicate a commitment to progress this extension to scope during 2025 and, on inclusion of this deviating methodology in HSG 248 Edition 2, an extension to scope will be submitted.  Any future application timeline would be subject to assessor availability and is dependent on the readiness of the organisation for an assessment.

Cost

Estimated costs for this extension to scope are:

AM – 0.5days office

TA – desktop review with extensive evidence of implementation 0.75days office

A site assessment soon after implementation will be required of a minimum of 0.5days office and 0.5days site additionally for the Technical Assessor. This level of effort is expected to be required annually after the grant of accreditation and will be dependent on the number of analysts and throughput of samples.

This proposal from the HSE was finalised and agreed at the UKAS Technical Advisory Committee on 19^th September 2024 for dissemination here for all interested parties:

NAD HSE proposal Bulk ID final draft May 24

Please also find a draft version of the UKAS declaration to support an organisation submitting the extension to scope