An Introduction to the Association of Public Analysts
Who are we?
Public Analysts are the highly skilled scientists the public depends on to ensure the safety of its food and its environment. Public Analysts are the front line of the UK’s public protection service where chemical analysis and other scientific tests are needed. Like doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants, they have legally-defined entry qualifications and it takes at least four years after graduating in Chemistry to gain the experience needed to make the grade. Public Analyst laboratories provide scientific expertise to local authorities to enable them to enforce UK Government and EU regulations in technical areas.
  
What do we do?
Quite simply, Public Analysts help local authorities to ensure the health and safety of the public. Most of our work involves different kinds of chemical analysis, with some microbiological or bacteriological work as well. In general terms, our work covers:
- Food safety: testing samples of food and drinks (including animal feed)
- Consumer Safety Testing: household and industrial cleaning materials, cosmetics and even toys
- Safety at work and play: monitoring asbestos, lead fumes and industrial solvents or testing swimming pool and domestic water supplies
- Waste disposal and toxic waste analysis: testing to ensure that the appropriate processes have been carried out
- Emergency planning and advice: for chemical leaks, spillage or other emergencies
- Radiation: testing foodstuffs and building materials
  
Why are we important?
Public Analysts work to protect the public. Through our constant monitoring and expert sample testing, we help to ensure that food, water and air are safe, that labelling is accurate and that safety standards are maintained. We monitor developments in food processing, building materials and the environment internationally, identifying new or potential hazards to public health and safety. We help to develop new standards and provide expert advice in the legal enforcement of safety standards.
Where do we work?
Some of us work in local authority laboratories; others in the private sector for independent analytical companies. There is a network of 23 Public Analyst labs throughout the UK, with another seven across Eire, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and in Australia.
  
How do I find out more information?
To find out more on the important work of the Association of Public Analysts, write to us at:
The Honorary Secretary
The Association of Public Analysts
c/o Edinburgh Scientific Services
4 Marine Esplanade
Edinburgh
EH6 7LU
or contact the Honorary Secretary by e-mail
Download a copy of this leaflet.
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