The EU has stated its intent to move towards an electron microscopy (EM) fibre count analysis to replace the current recommended / mandated WHO (1997) method based on counting visible fibres longer than 5 um length by light (phase contrast) microscopy (PCM).

The aim of this webinar is to illuminate and discuss the long UK experience with transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of asbestos fibre counts and to determine what advantages and disadvantages it could bring to the protection of UK asbestos removal and maintenance workers.

Speakers:

Garry Burdett

(phase contrast) microscopy (PCM).

The aim of this webinar is to illuminate and discuss the long UK experience with transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of asbestos fibre counts and to determine what advantages and disadvantages it could bring to the protection of UK asbestos removal and maintenance workers.

Speakers:

Garry Burdett

Dr Garry Burdett (MFAAM) has some 50 years of experience of asbestos fibre analysis by light and electron microscopy. He has worked in the UK, USA and Europe on science led issues for worker and environmental exposures to asbestos and other particles.

James Staff

James Staff is an analytical scientist working for the Fibres and Minerals Team at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton, Derbyshire. The main focus of his work is using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for asbestos analyses across a wide variety of sample types. James’s work has included looking at sensitivity improvements for asbestos analysis in lung tissue, analysis of lung tissue from unexposed young people to improve knowledge of background levels, and projects investigating asbestos exposures during removal work and the potential contamination of talc products. James is also part of ongoing work looking at methods to effectively measure respirable crystalline silica. He is the technical manager for the SEMS Proficiency Testing scheme and the service manager for the Fibres and Minerals Team.