Cavendish Laboratories Ltd. services

Microbiological samples are tested in the permanent laboratory in Chelmsford, Essex. Samples are taken from a variety of sites from private swimming pools to large leisure centres, hospitals, schools and offices. Wherever there is stored water in the built environment there is a possible risk from Legionella colonisation and appropriate risk assessment and monitoring are required. Water samples from a variety of sources are analysed for Legionella pneumophila, Escherichia coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Total Viable Counts (TVC). With a fast turnaround of results and with results in an easy to read format, reports detail any recommendations where necessary and give advise on coherence to the relevant water quality guidelines.

To comply with their legal duties, employers and those with responsibilities for the control of premises should; identify and assess the sources of risk (e.g. water temperatures between 20-45ûC, means of creating aerosols and susceptibility of exposed persons), prepare a scheme for preventing or controlling these risks, implement and manage these precautions, keep records of precautions and monitor their effectiveness and appoint a person to be managerial responsible. Legionnaires’ Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, which can effect anybody but principally effects those persons susceptible because of age, illness, immunosupression, smoking etc. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. On average there are approximately 200-250 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease each year in the UK.

Analysis of stored water, hot and cold down-services, drinking water, spring waters and vending machines for the presence of indicator organisms and to determine compliance with the relevant industry standards for water quality. Testing includes: Escherichia coli, Coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total Viable Counts (TVC).

Analysis of swimming pools, Jacuzzis’ and spa pools to ensure water hygiene. Escherichia coli, Coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total Viable Counts (TVC). Additionally spa pools are tested for the presence of Legionella due to the risks associated with the aerosol production.

Microbiological monitoring of airborne bacterial and fungal levels gives invaluable information regarding the indoor environment. Microbiological testing combined with tests for carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity give insight into the adequacy and cleanliness of fresh air supply to office areas. This includes looking at air conditioning units, the amount of fresh air coming in to the building and the number of people present, plus the process of air within the building. Air samples are taken using the laboratories accredited in-house method and returned to the laboratory where levels of bacterial and fungal contamination are assessed. Combined with measurements for carbon dioxide levels, temperature and humidity these bacterial and fungal counts, it gives vital information about a building’s indoor environment and its users well being.

Surface hygiene swabs provide a flexible method for collecting samples. Taken from large or immovable items, where laboratory testing is difficult, swabs can be used on any surface. Samples can be collected from air conditioning units, kitchen equipment, hospital wards and even carcass surfaces from abattoirs. In fact any area where hygiene is important. Utilised by a variety of industries including ductwork specialists, samples are checked for Total Viable Counts or specific food spoilage or sewage indicator organisms. Recommendations are then suggested based on the levels or type of bacteria or fungi found. It has proved a popular testing method with flood damage insurance claims, where there may be sewage contamination. Extensive experience in this area makes it easy to detect sewage and also aid insurance application claim forms.

Cavendish Laboratories Ltd has held UKAS accreditation for its asbestos testing services since 1995. The asbestos testing services help clients meet their obligations under the Control Of Asbestos At Work Regulations 2002. These regulations place a duty of care upon the property owner or employer to prevent exposure of employees, occupants and visitors to asbestos hazards. The latest amendments to the Control Of Asbestos At Work Regulations also place a legal duty on property owners to record and control all asbestos materials within non-domestic properties. Whenever asbestos removal work is undertaken it is essential that asbestos air monitoring is conducted by a specialist UKAS accredited laboratory.

Due to the severe heath risks associated with asbestos, it is vital that its removal from an existing construction site or building is carried out in line with stringent regulations. Be it working alongside local authorities or directly for the asbestos removal companies, Cavendish Laboratories are on-site to ensure a professional service is carried out at all times. Background, Reassurance, Personal and Clearance airtests are carried out along with enclosure integrity testing and testing of decontamination units. Detailed visual examinations are also completed to identify any issues that remain on-site. Customers are supported by an analyst from the start of the job right through to the end, when the enclosure is taken down. This makes it possible to guarantee complete and safe removal of all asbestos. Clearance tests are completed to ensure no airborne fibres remain and guarantee safe reoccupation of the work area.

Asbestos is still found in a wide number of materials from obvious sources such as ceiling and roof panels and pipe lagging to bitumen products used on floors, artex ceiling coatings and even toilet cisterns. The laboratory in Chelmsford, Essex, is on hand to provide testing and advice. The laboratory will test suspect items of asbestos and provide a next day response. Emergency samples are tested within a few hours. Bulk samples can be taken by the laboratories’ technical staff or delivered by courier. All tests are undertaken in a controlled way and items are tested to identify what type of asbestos is present, if any at all. If asbestos is identified Cavendish Laboratories will recommend a reputable licenced removal contractor who will give advice on remedial action and removal.