Abstract

Modifications to the Regulation Concerning the Quality of the Working Environment and the Construction Safety Code have lowered the limit of exposure to asbestos in Québec. The new fibre-counting technique (IRSST 243-1), in use since the introduction of the new regulation, requires a strict inter-laboratory quality control program. To date, such programs have not been available to private, public, and institutional laboratories in Québec. This project helped develop a quality control program for the counting of airborne fibres, establish standards for the accreditation of fibre counters, and implement quality control programs in laboratories engaged in fibre counting. These activities will ensure that the new regulation can be practically applied.