What is DOP Testing and Why Does It Matter?

If you work with asbestos in the UK, you'll know that using a properly certified Type-H vacuum isn't optional—it's a legal requirement. But what exactly is DOP testing, why does it need repeating every six months, and what happens during the test? This complete guide answers all your questions.

What is DOP Testing?

DOP stands for Dispersed Oil Particulate, a testing method used to verify that HEPA and ULPA filters in asbestos vacuums are working correctly. The test introduces microscopic oil particles into the vacuum and measures how many escape through the filter.

For a vacuum to pass:

• HEPA H13 filters must capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns
• ULPA H14 filters must capture 99.999% of particles at 0.12 microns

Any filter that fails to meet these standards cannot be used for asbestos work.

Why is DOP Testing Required?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and BS 8520-3:2009 require that all Type-H asbestos vacuums are DOP tested:

• Before first use (initial certification)
• Every 6 months during operation
• After any filter replacement

The reason is simple: asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye and extremely dangerous. A damaged or clogged filter could release fibres back into the air, exposing workers and contaminating clean areas. Regular testing ensures the filter is still providing adequate protection.

What Happens During a DOP Test?

The DOP testing process involves several critical steps:

1. Visual Inspection

The vacuum is inspected for physical damage, worn seals, or any defects that could compromise containment.

2. Filter Integrity Test

Microscopic oil particles (DOP aerosol) are introduced into the vacuum's intake. A photometer then measures particle concentration upstream (before the filter) and downstream (after the filter). Any leak or filter damage will show an increase in downstream particles.

3. Airflow Verification

The vacuum must maintain minimum airflow of 20 metres per second to ensure effective capture of asbestos fibres. This is why most Type-H vacuums include a built-in airflow indicator light.

4. Electrical Safety Testing

The vacuum is tested to BS EN 60335-2-69 standards to ensure it's electrically safe to operate.

5. Certification

If the vacuum passes all tests, a DOP test certificate is issued showing the test date, pass/fail result, next test due date (6 months), serial number of vacuum, and details of the testing company.

How Much Does DOP Re-Testing Cost?

Initial DOP certification is typically included when you purchase a new Type-H asbestos vacuum from a reputable supplier like Atrix Vacuums UK.

For re-testing every 6 months, expect to pay approximately £120 + VAT. This includes the DOP test, electrical safety test, filter replacement (if required), new certification, and return shipping.

Many suppliers offer automatic reminder services so you don't miss your re-test dates.

Can I Use My Vacuum Without Valid DOP Certification?

No. Using an asbestos vacuum without valid DOP certification is a breach of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. You could face:

• Prohibition notices from HSE
• Prosecution for safety violations
• Insurance claims being voided if an incident occurs
• Reputational damage to your business

If your DOP certificate has expired, the vacuum must be taken out of service immediately until re-tested.

What About Non-Licensed Asbestos Work?

Even for non-notifiable asbestos work (below HSE notification thresholds), you're still required to use properly certified Type-H vacuums. The regulations don't distinguish between licensed and non-licensed work when it comes to equipment standards.

This includes:

• Asbestos surveying (HSG264)
• Domestic asbestos removal
• Maintenance work on asbestos-containing materials
• Emergency response (Fire Services)

Common DOP Testing Questions

Q: Why can't I test the vacuum myself?

DOP testing requires specialized equipment (photometers, DOP aerosol generators) and trained technicians. The test must be performed by an accredited testing company in a controlled environment.

Q: Can I replace the filter myself between tests?

No. ULPA filters in asbestos vacuums must only be replaced by trained professionals in appropriate facilities. Attempting to change an asbestos vacuum filter yourself could expose you to contaminated material.

Q: What if I only use my vacuum occasionally?

The 6-month rule still applies regardless of usage frequency. A filter can degrade over time even if not in use, due to moisture absorption, material breakdown, and seal deterioration.

Q: Do battery-powered asbestos vacuums need DOP testing?

Yes. Battery-powered vacuums like the Battery Omega Plus still require 6-month DOP certification. The power source doesn't affect filtration requirements.

Ensuring Compliance

When purchasing a Type-H asbestos vacuum, ensure:

• Initial DOP certification is included
• Vacuum is registered for re-test reminders
• You have access to an accredited testing company
• You keep records of all DOP certificates

At Atrix Vacuums UK, every Type-H asbestos vacuum we supply includes a 6-month DOP test certificate dated and registered, electrical safety test certificate, automatic re-test reminder service registration, and contact details for accredited re-testing companies.

This ensures you're compliant from day one and have a clear path for ongoing certification.

Need a DOP-certified asbestos vacuum? Browse our Type-H Asbestos Vacuum range or call our technical team on 0800 756 1331 for expert advice.

All Atrix Type-H asbestos vacuums are supplied with 6-month DOP certification as standard.

We are excited to announce the arrival of a fantastic new product into our range of Asbestos Vacuums!

As our latest offering in the asbestos range of vacuums, we are pleased to now offer a battery version of our most popular best selling vacuum, the Omega Asbestos Vacuum. This much anticipated edition of the vac is great for use in remote areas, those working at height, and for locations where power is not readily available.

The Battery Omega Plus Type H Asbestos Vacuum features a high performance brushless digital motor with 30 minute run-time and a 1hr recharge time. It is powerful at 190 watts but quiet at only 67 decibels, and features 40cfm of suction. Built to the highest standards using high impact starex flame retardent polymer for durability and long life making it non-corrosive and chemically resistant. The vacuum comes complete with an EMI/RFI line noise filter and features overheat protection. Additionally, the vacuum features a permanently attached heavy duty retention plug to ensure safety when transporting and when not in use.

These vacs are now a stock item and can be seen at the following link:

https://www.atrixvacuums.co.uk/battery-omega-plus-type-h-asbestos-vacuum/

With several new products and some great winter offers coming up, keep an eye out for our next email newsletter to take advantage. If you're not already signed up to receive our offers, be sure to sign up for an account and opt in to the latest updates.

In a recent review of the best backpack vacuum cleaners our popular model has received a pretty good rating. The article in early September 2018 was by Expert Cleaners and a link to see the article for yourself can be found below:

https://cleanersexpert.com/best-backpack-vacuum/ (article now defunct)

The Atrix Backpack HEPA Vacuum is the most cost effective solution for quick and efficient cleaning. It comes as standard with a 8 Quart (7.5L) HEPA filter bag and features 4-stage high efficiency filtration.
Ideal for any situation that involves a lot of cleaning this comfortable and ergonomically designed vacuum quickly converts from a vacuum to a blower and from left to right hand operation and only weighs 10 pounds (4.5KG).
These vacs are a stock item and can be seen at the following link:

https://www.atrixvacuums.co.uk/backpack-hepa-vacuum/

With several new products and some great winter offers coming up, keep an eye out for our next email newsletter to take advantage.
If you're not already signed up to receive our offers, be sure to sign up for an account and opt in to the latest updates.

We are now back to a full compliment of stock of both our best-selling Omega Asbestos Vacuum and our High Capacity Asbestos Vacuum. With options available in either 110v or 230v depending on the application, there is an option to suit your requirements.

We will also shortly be introducing a new range of accessories for the asbestos industry including coveralls, facemasks and different waste bag sizes to compliment our vacuums. These will be available to purchase directly through the site as usual.

Finally, keep an eye out over the next few days as we will be launching an offer for our customers on our Asbestos vacs through our email updates. If you're not already signed up to receive our email updates please do so at the bottom of the website.

We are pleased to annouce that our latest shipment of vacuums from the U.S will be clearing customs this weekend and arriving this week.

Included this time around are plenty of the Omega Asbestos vacuums in 230v, some High Capacity 110v vacs and also some more filters etc to replenish our stock levels.

Those of you awaiting delivery of your recent orders - we are aiming to have these with you by the end of the week.

As the title suggests....Welcome to our new website!!

It's been quite a long time in the making but we are really pleased with how it has turned out. The old website has served us well for the last few years but we felt that it was time for an update to introduce a few new features and make it easier for you, our customer, to find your way around.

The new design is a bit more intuitive, allowing access to all areas of the site whichever page you are on. It is also optimised for browsing on mobile and tablet devices, as well as being integrated with social media so make sure you get sharing!

Going forward, we are going to have a few new products introduced to the site, and some old favourites that have been requested to return, and we will have a much greater flexibility in the promotions that we can offer so make sure you sign up to our regular newsletter to keep informed of what's going on.

For our returning customers who had an account set up on the old site, we are working on getting those login details transferred over but if you need to order in the meantime, please create a new account. For those that require VAT invoices for their orders, this functionality is now possible with this site. Simply log in to your account and print off the invoice for your order.

Please feel free to comment on the design here below and let us know what you think. Likewise, any questions that you have can be directed to us via the usual methods.
We hope you enjoy using the site.