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- If this is a commercial location or a school, client supplied samples are not appropriate.
- If there is any potential for litigation, client supplied samples probably aren’t appropriate. This should be discussed with your attorney.
- If you are an experienced general contractor this may be appropriate.
You can always give us a call to discuss your specific needs.
If you are a homeowner doing a remodeling job, this may be a good, inexpensive preliminary step.
You may need to take multiple samples to be valid. The 3,5,7 rule applies to all ACM. For further, detailed information see Asbestos Testing Strategies page. Please, for your safety, follow all of these directions. The last thing you want to do is cause friable asbestos fibers to be floating around in your air and possibly throughout your HVAC system.
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Select an appropriate leak-proof container.
Use a standard Zip-loc type sandwich bag (not the “fold-top” kind). After you take your sample, leave the area and then place your closed zip lock bag inside a second zip lock back.
- If testing for asbestos is required by regulatory standard, then samples for asbestos are required to be collected by AHERA accredited persons. Call us at 415-337-2923 to schedule a licensed inspector.
- For friable materials, EPA would recommend a respirator, wetting the material with a water spray and carefully dislodging clumps directly into the sample container. The objective is to avoid creating dust which could be inhaled.
Include the following amounts:
- Acoustical ceiling type material: about a full tablespoon for each sample (usually a minimum of 3)
- Floor tile: a through-and-through piece about the size of a quarter. This means a core sample of all the material to the subfloor.
- Transite shingle siding and/or miscellaneous materials: as above; about 3/4 cubic inch.
- Heating system insulation: as above; about 1 square inch (usually a minimum of 3, depending on the area)
Label and/or number each sample. Each sample needs a separate container. This should be a labeled zip lock bag that is sealed.
Provide information on each sample to include:
- Date of Sampling
- Your Name
- Sample room name (example: living room ceiling)
- Sample Number (example: living room sample front #1, center#2, rear #3)
- Type of material (example: acoustical ceiling, duct wrap
Please print, complete and include the Chain of Custody with your samples.
YOUR SAMPLES CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT THIS FORM.
AsbestosCOC.fillable
