Resources

Asbestos

• Asbestos samples should be approximately 2" x 2". Samples that are too large to fit into our fumehood will not be accepted.
• Samples must be sealed in a “ziplock” style, polyethylene bag. Unsealed samples will not be accepted.
• Samples should include all layers of the material down to the substrate.
• Many waste haulers and disposal sites require representative sampling in line with WorkSafeBC guidelines for non-homogeneous materials (drywall joint compound, plaster, stucco, texture and other surfacing materials). At least three (3) samples for each material type should be collected up to 1,000 sq ft; best practice is five (5) samples up to 5,000 sq ft, and seven (7) beyond 5,000 sq ft. Different types or styles of non-homogeneous material each require a minimum of three samples. Fewer samples may result in a false negative — consult the hauler or disposal facility for their specific requirements. For best analytical representation, Alliance Analytical Labs recommends individual bulk samples of non-homogeneous materials be approximately the size of an adult palm whenever practical. Larger samples increase the likelihood of capturing all material layers and reduce the risk of false negatives.
• For drywall testing, the joint compound (mud or filler) is the suspect material, which is most plentiful at a corner bead.
• Vermiculite insulation should fill a large (26cm x 27cm) ziplock bag and should be taken from distinct areas of the space to create a proper composite sample. We encourage clients to have one of our technologists collect the samples, as proper personal protective equipment and sampling methodologies are required.

Handling asbestos-containing materials safely protects workers, occupants and the public. WorkSafeBC’s Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos manual describes safe methods for the removal, enclosure and encapsulation of friable asbestos materials, and covers:

• Regulatory requirements under the OHS Regulation
• Who is qualified to work with asbestos
• Building an asbestos inventory
• Inspection and testing of equipment (e.g. HEPA / DOP)
• Record keeping
• Notice of Project (NOP) for asbestos
• Monitoring the work environment

Key practices include properly fitted respirators and disposable coveralls, wet methods to control fibre release, sealed and labelled waste bags, HEPA vacuums with negative-air containment, and thorough decontamination. For full details, see WorkSafeBC’s guide below.