Envirolab Group is pleased to announce Envirolab Services Sydney is now NATA accredited to AS 2985 – 2009 Workplace Atmospheres – Method for sampling and gravimetric determination of respirable dust and AS 3640 – 2004 Workplace Atmospheres – Method for sampling and gravimetric determination of inhalable dust (gravimetric parts only).

About Respirable Dust Particles and the Importance of Occupational Hygiene Testing

Extremely small in size, respirable dust particles (smaller than 10 µm) are not visible under normal lighting. These small particles can be easily breathed deep into the lungs and may lead to lung damage and numerous lung diseases. Some of these diseases include silicosis, talcosis and asbestosis as well as other potential complications.

Inhalable dust (smaller than 100 µm), to which respirable dust is a subset, are particles that can become trapped in the respiratory tract, which may then get into the digestive tract and hence be swallowed. If soluble, such particles can lead to gastrointestinal toxicity e.g., toxic metals that are ingested after entering the stomach. Envirolab Sydney is now accredited for the preparation and gravimetric measurement of the filters used to sample these categories of dust, typically sampled for occupational hygiene protection.

Given the low mass of the filters and the deposits, the standards have very strict criteria for the laboratory conditions and the analytical balances used to take these measurements with acceptable accuracy. Our Perth laboratory, MPL Laboratories has been accredited for these tests, having used these Australian Standards for many years. Their excellent long-standing reputation for Occupational Hygiene testing is what makes MPL Laboratories stand out as a partner of choice for independent laboratory testing services.

Significance of NATA Accreditation in Laboratory Testing Services

NATA Accreditation provides independent assurance of technical competence through a proven network of best practice industry experts. This accreditation is highly regarded as it formally recognises facilities across a range of industries that provide excellent standards of service in reliability, safety and efficiency in technical services.

The accreditation is granted to laboratories in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) and the service-specific criteria, which is determined via an on-site assessment of resources, procedures, and documentation. As part of gaining accreditation, Envirolab Sydney was required to demonstrate competency in performing all activities included within the concerned class or field of accreditation.

The detailed current scope of accreditation of Envirolab Sydney can be found in the NATA website directory.

About NATA 

NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities), Australia is an authority that provides independent assurance of technical competence through a proven network of best practice industry experts for customers who require confidence in the delivery of their products and services.

For more information about assessment and accreditation, visit the NATA website.