|
|
Advice to Home Owners
Collecting Samples for Asbestos Analysis
(If you wish to test Vermiculite Insulation, please click here.)
When taking samples of bulk materials for the purpose of asbestos analysis, there are certain precautions that should be taken by the sampler in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to fibres which may prove to be asbestos.
The following is the EPA recommended procedure for the safe handling of potentially hazardous bulk samples:
- Material should be sampled when areas are not in use or not occupied, if possible.
- If multiple samples are to be taken, wear a NIOSH approved respirator. If only a single sample is to be collected and a respirator is not available, avoid creating or breathing dust by using very careful sampling practices.
- Preferably use a small “zip-lock” bag to contain the sample. The container should be clean and dry.
- Using a clean knife, cut out a small piece of material about 2 square inches or 2 tablespoons and put in it the "zip-lock" bag. Be sure to penetrate any paint or protective coating and to sample all layers of the material.
- Tightly close the sample bag and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any material which may have adhered to it during sampling.
- Label the sample bag identifying the structure, the date the sample was taken, the specific location of the sample in the room or structure, and who took the sample.
- Enclose all samples in a large “zip-lock” bag along with an itemized list of the samples.
- Deliver by courier or by hand to a NVLAP accredited laboratory for asbestos analysis.
Submitting to Pinchin Environmental
Provide the following information on the "zip-lock" bag or fastened to the bag:
- name
- address
- phone number
- (Fax or email address if you wish to receive the result in this manner).
Have samples brought, mailed or couriered with payment to:
Office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. There is a sample drop box beside the main doors of the Mississauga building. |
|
|
|
