The asbestos in materials scheme (AIMS) helps assess the performance of laboratories carrying out the identification of asbestos in bulk materials.
Important dates
AIMS R87 samples will be despatched by week commencing 5 January 2026
Deadline for results is 27 February 2026
Full schedule
You can find all the dates for the dispatch of samples, deadlines for receiving results, and when reports are available in the Asbestos proficiency test schedule.
Group reports
Get the latest AIMS group reports.
Previous reports are available on the National Archives website
Analytes in the scheme
Amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite in various matrices such as lagging materials, insulation board, flooring materials and cemented products. The scheme has the advantage that it includes both common and less common forms of asbestos.
Who should participate
UK laboratories are required to be accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 17025 to undertake this particular analysis as part of assessing whether materials contain asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations.
Participation in AIMS is recommended in the guidance document HSG 248: Asbestos: The analyst's guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures, and is a precondition for accreditation of this analysis to ISO 17025.
Participation in the scheme is also open to non-UK laboratories.
How the scheme works
The scheme distributes 4 samples to participants 3 times a fiscal year. No specific test method is required, although in the UK it is recommended that the method used in a laboratory be based on procedures set out in HSG 248: Asbestos: The analyst's guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures. The AIMS scheme also supplies test samples specifically for participants that undertake TEM analysis.
Laboratories typically have 20 working days to analyse the samples and report the results. The scheme requires participants to qualitatively assess the supplied samples and to report, if present, the type of asbestos found.
When each round is completed, participants receive a performance report and a round summary report.
Performance is classified as 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' (labs that have not completed 3 consecutive rounds of the scheme, are categorised as 'unclassified').
Detailed guidance
Detailed guidance, including how the scheme operates and hints and tips for participants is available in the guidance document, Information book for participants.
Quality control samples
AIMS sample types, prices and how to order.
Login to enter data
Participating laboratories, login to enter your data online.
Get in touch
For more information or to make an enquiry about HSE’s testing and monitoring services get in touch on GOV.UK.
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