The purpose of the Asbestos in Soils Scheme (AISS) is to assess the proficiency of laboratories undertaking qualitative and quantitative analysis of asbestos in soils (contaminated land).
The scheme is operated by HSE Testing and monitoring and is open to UK based and non-UK based soils laboratories.
There are 2 options available:
- qualitative, identification of asbestos types present
- quantitative, identification and quantification of asbestos types present
Important dates
AISS R38 samples will be despatched by week commencing 12 January 2026
Deadline for results is 6 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 document asbestos proficiency test schedule.
Group reports
Get the latest AISS group reports.
Previous reports are available on the National Archives website.
Analytes in the scheme
All samples used in the scheme will be prepared by HSE to ensure homogeneity. Samples may contain asbestos present in fragments of commercial asbestos containing materials (ACMs) or loose unbound fibres. Some samples may contain no asbestos and/or a range of other non-asbestos fibres.
Who should participate
There are a number of industry initiatives in this area and a number of new guidance documents are under development from a range of regulators and industry associations. This scheme is aimed solely at analytical laboratories involved in the identification and quantification of asbestos in contaminated land samples. In the UK all laboratories undertaking the identification of asbestos in soil and similar matrices must be accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 17025. The arrangements in other countries may be different. Any laboratory that is accredited to the ISO 17025 standard for this type of analysis is likely to be required to participate in an appropriate PT Scheme by their national accreditation body.
Recommended methods
There are no specific recommended methods for the analysis of asbestos in soil. However, identification of asbestos should be based on the PLM method described in Appendix 2 of HSG 248: Asbestos: The analyst's guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures. The method used for the quantification of asbestos should be able to assess asbestos contained within ACM's and loose unbound fibres. It should also be able to differentiate between asbestos and non-asbestos fibres.
How the scheme works
There are 3 sample distributions or rounds per year. Each round comprises 2 samples representing a range of asbestos types and concentrations. The samples are intended to be analysed once only and may be retained by the laboratory after the analysis has been completed.
Participants will normally have approximately 20 working days to analyse the samples and report the results. Upon submission of results, participants receive a brief round report and a group summary report. Initially participating laboratories will be given feedback on their performance but will not be formally scored. Performance criteria and a final classification will be produced as the scheme develops.
Detailed guidance
Detailed guidance, including how the scheme operates and hints and tips for participants is available in the Information book for participants.
Quality control samples
AISS 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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