PTA is currently taking registrations for the seventh round of the Asbestos Identification Program, due to commence in October 2008. A letter of invitation was mailed to all currently enrolled facilities on 20th August 2008 outlining the details of the program and the proposed schedule for participating identifiers.
PTA would like to draw participants’ attention to a number of important changes being implemented for the upcoming round.
1) Synthetic Mineral Fibre & Organic Fibres: In view of NATA’s* mandatory requirement for identifiers’ to be accredited for the identification of synthetic mineral fibre (SMF) and organic fibres, PTA now requires participants to report the presence of SMF and organic fibres for all samples. Due to the fact that this is a new requirement, each identifier’s performance grading for Round 7 (i.e satisfactory or otherwise) will NOT include their ability to correctly identify these fibres. Instead, each participant will receive two scores, one based on the asbestos fibres only (as per previous rounds), and the second based on asbestos, SMF and organic fibres. Participants should note however that from Round 8 (in October 2009), only the latter score will be provided, and the formal performance evaluation will include their ability to correctly identify SMF and organic fibre types in generic terms†.
2) Scoring: Scores have been increased from 1 to 1.5 for ‘medium’ and from 0.5 to 1 for ‘difficult’ fibres, because a recent review of the samples used by PTA has shown them to be less ‘difficult’ than when rated at the inception of the program. The consequence is that overall scores will be higher if these fibres are incorrectly analysed.
3) Results Sheet: Results are to be reported to PTA using the supplied pro-forma ‘Results Sheet’. Worksheets are not to be returned to PTA, however these must be retained by the analyst in case they are required for review at a later stage. Even though Test Reports are no longer required, results submitted to PTA must still conform with AS 4694 reporting requirements.
4) Return of Samples: Previously, participants were requested to dispose of their samples at the conclusion of the round. From Round 7, participants will be required to return their samples to PTA at the same time results are submitted. Result notification will not be issued until samples are received by PTA. It is the participant’s responsibility to arrange for the return of the samples to PTA’s Brisbane Office by the due date.
5) Confidential Code No.: In order to maintain confidentiality, participants assigned code numbers will be changed at the start of each report cycle. Therefore, each identifier will be issued a new code number for Round 7, and this number will apply for Rounds 7 and 8 only.
*Note 1: NATA-accredited facilities will receive correspondence directly from NATA regarding this new requirement, or visit www.nata.asn.au for the specifications.
†Note 2: ‘Generic terms’ means that specific types of SMF or organic fibres such as glass fibres, ceramic fibres, cellulose fibres, wool fibres, cotton fibres, bio-soluble mineral fibres and so on, are NOT to be analysed or reported. If found, it is sufficient to report “synthetic mineral fibres detected” and/or “organic fibres detected”.
For further information on this program, please contact Christine Hirst (PTA, Brisbane) on +61 7 3721 7373, or email chirst@pta.asn.au.
