Advanced asbestos identification

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

High-resolution asbestos fibre identification for samples requiring greater analytical certainty.

WHY TEM?

See and identify fibres at a much smaller scale

TEM uses a high-energy electron beam to produce highly magnified images of individual fibres. It is particularly useful where conventional microscopy is inconclusive or fibres are extremely fine.

Investigate very fine suspected asbestos fibres

Confirm uncertain or inconclusive conventional results

Identify fibres collected during air monitoring

Distinguish asbestos from other mineral or non-asbestos fibres

How asbestos is identified

Three lines of evidence

TEM can combine fibre appearance, elemental composition and crystal structure to provide a highly specific identification.

1

Morphology

Shape, size, fibrillation and other structural characteristics are examined at very high magnification.

2

Chemical composition

Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) determines the elemental composition of an individual fibre.

3

Crystal structure

Electron diffraction provides crystallographic information that can help distinguish asbestos minerals from similar materials.

Applications

When TEM analysis may be appropriate

Air monitoring & clearance

Identify whether fibres collected on an air filter are asbestos where fibre identity is uncertain.

Bulk materials

Further investigate difficult matrices such as vinyl, mastics, coatings, bituminous materials, gaskets and composites.

Naturally occurring asbestos

Characterise fibrous minerals in soil, rock, aggregate and geological materials.

High-consequence decisions

Provide additional analytical certainty where results may affect removal, remediation or exposure-control decisions.

Method comparison

TEM compared with conventional microscopy

PLM
PCM
SEM
TEM
Typical role
Bulk asbestos identification
Airborne fibre counting
High-resolution surface imaging
Advanced fibre identification
Key limitation / advantage
Well suited to many bulk materials, but limited for extremely fine fibres.
Counts fibres but does not reliably identify every fibre as asbestos.
Provides strong imaging capability, but TEM offers additional crystallographic identification.
Combines high-resolution imaging, EDS and electron diffraction for very fine fibres.

Identifibre expertise

Integrated asbestos testing and occupational hygiene support

Identifibre provides asbestos testing, air monitoring, clearance inspections and hazardous-materials assessments. Our team can help determine whether TEM or another analytical method is most appropriate for your sample and project.

Need advanced asbestos fibre identification?

 

Contact Identifibre to discuss your sample, analytical requirements and the most appropriate testing approach.

 

(03) 9563 2957 | contact@identifibre.com.au
67 Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166

SERVICES

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Asbestos Testing

Identifibre is a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) endorsed laboratory for analysis of bulk samples of building materials and soil samples for the presence of asbestos. With an experienced team of analysts, we offer a variety of turnaround times to suit budget and time restraints.

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Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates

Identifibre provides all hygiene services required for asbestos removal works including air monitoring, visual inspections, clearance certificates and other services to ensure adequate control measures are in place before, during and after removal works.

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Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Plans

Identifibre can provide a complete asbestos management solution, incorporating the asbestos assessment and management plan framework adapted to your particular organisation structure.

Asbestos Sample Testing

Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Plans

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Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Risk Assessments

Identifibre’s Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Surveys and Risk Assessments (Division 6) detail the location and condition of asbestos and other hazardous materials that may be disturbed during demolition or refurbishment works on a building, structure, ship or plant where asbestos is fixed or installed.

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Asbestos in the Workplace Surveys & Risk Assessments

Identifibre can assist your workplace to comply with the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations by carrying out a Division 5 Asbestos in the Workplace Survey and Risk Assessment in a timely, accurate and cost effective manner.

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Asbestos Awareness Training

Identifibre’s asbestos awareness training course provides guidance on identifying asbestos containing materials and how to work safely where asbestos may be suspected or confirmed.

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Risk Assessments

Asbestos in the Workplace Surveys & Risk Assessments

Asbestos Awareness Training

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Project Management & Supervision

Identifibre can provide management assistance in all phases of asbestos abatement activities, from preparation of specifications through to project completion, including supervision and final clearance certification.

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Asbestos Contaminated Land Assessments

Asbestos is commonly found within soil and fill material associated with commercial or residential construction. Contact Identifibre for expert advice to investigate and assess the site, including soil, and develop appropriate risk management strategies.

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Respiratory Protection Fit Testing

All personnel who are required to remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials must use adequate respiratory protection for the task. Identifibre offer respiratory mask fit tests with all Identifibre fit testers RESP-Fit accredited.

Project Management & Supervision

Asbestos Contaminated Land Assessments

Respiratory Protection Fit Testing

Contact us