Collecting an asbestos bulk sample, step by step

Follow these steps so your sample arrives intact and the result holds up. If the material is friable or heavily contaminated, have a licensed professional collect it instead.

Before you start

Fill in the chain of custody (COC) first, so each sample ID is ready to write on its bag. Start the asbestos bulk COC, or download the bulk COC (PDF).

Collect and pack

1. Shut down any heating or cooling system so released fibres do not spread, and disturb the material as little as you can.
2. Mist the material lightly with water containing a few drops of dish detergent.
3. Use a clean, sharp tool to cut through the full depth, so every layer is in the sample.
4. Take about a teaspoon of friable material, or a one-inch square of non-friable material. Keep each material in its own bag and never mix materials.
5. Seal the sample in a zip-seal bag, then seal that bag inside a second one. Wipe the outside of both bags with a damp cloth.
6. Label each bag with the sample ID and where it came from, for example "S1, basement pipe wrap". The label must match the COC exactly.
7. On the COC, list every sample ID, the material type, the location and the analysis you need (PLM, point count or TEM). Note your turnaround, then sign and date it.

Special cases

• Large areas (over 1,000 sq ft): sample several representative locations, not a single spot, so the result reflects the whole area.
• Mastic and adhesives: submit them as a separate sample from the material bonded above. The two layers are analysed independently.
• Vermiculite: collect about three cup-sized samples from different areas.
• Floor tile, mastic, roofing and caulk (NOB materials): a "none detected" PLM result should be confirmed by TEM.

Send it and get results

Drop off at 2333 US-22 West, Union, NJ 07083, Monday to Friday before 4 PM ET, or ship overnight with the COC inside the package. Bulk samples travel at ambient temperature, with no refrigeration.

Standard PLM results come back in 24 to 48 hours. The bulk COC offers 6, 24, 48 and 72-hour rush options. Results are emailed as a PDF with the signed chain of custody attached.