UKAS and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) hosted a joint webinar on 6 May 2025, to discuss the proposed deviation from the 2-point “No Asbestos Detected” (NAD) methodology outlined in the second edition of HSG 248.
Background
The current 2-point NAD method in HSG 248 (Edition 2) was introduced to improve accuracy following concerns around false negatives during asbestos analysis. However, feedback from the asbestos industry indicated that these changes were not sufficiently discussed prior to publication. In response, HSE developed an alternative approach, discussed in consultation with UKAS and stakeholders, and refined through the UKAS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and a dedicated workshop.
Proposed deviation
The alternative approach allows for certain non-asbestos materials to be counted as 1-point samples instead of 2, based on prior knowledge of the material type. This aims to better reflect the analytical effort required, particularly for materials that are demonstrably non-asbestos. This deviation remains under HSE trial approval and must be implemented through a formal amendment to HSG 248.
Extension to scope process
UKAS outlined the process for laboratories seeking accreditation for this deviating methodology:
- Laboratories must undertake a gap analysis, develop new procedures, and justify how analyst judgement will be controlled.
- An Expression of Interest is required, to gauge the drive in the industry to implement this change
- An Extension to Scope application will be alongside a UKAS declaration and AC4 form.
- A desktop assessment will be conducted, followed by a post-grant site visit.
- UKAS will issue additional guidance documents and templates to assist applicants.
- This deviation is optional and must not be marketed or reported as a separate or any difference in service.
- Ongoing monitoring and increased assessment effort will be required for participating laboratories.
Implementation and timeline
- HSE confirmed that the revised methodology will be included in an update to HSG 248, but this is unlikely to be published before mid-to-late 2026 due to internal scheduling constraints.
- UKAS can assist in progressing to assessments in advance but cannot grant formal accreditation until the updated guidance is published.
- Laboratories may begin preparatory work now to be ready once the amendment is released.
Key clarifications
- Participation in the deviating methodology is entirely optional.
- Laboratories currently operating effectively under the existing 2-point system are not required to change.
- Timings for sample analysis under the proposed method are specified as a minimum of 5 minutes for 1-point samples and 10 minutes for 2-point samples.
- The revised method will not result in changes to UKAS schedules or public reporting—customers will see no outward difference and any marketing of this methodology would result in the removal of that accreditation
- UKAS will be internally tracking who holds this accreditation for assessing purposes only
Resources
- The Expression of Interest form, the finalised detailed proposed methodology, and the UKAS outline for the declaration that will be required are available on the UKAS website.
- A full webinar recording and Q&A summary have just been published.
- Expressions of interest must be submitted by 30 June 2025.