Unless it is blatantly labelled, there is no characteristic within asbestos that you can’t see in other materials. Whenever there is any doubt, the material should be treated as though it is asbestos. After contacting a professional, they should take a sample to have it tested as they will know exactly what to look for. However, this process needs to be completed by a trained professional because taking a sample can actually be more dangerous than simply leaving it alone. Therefore, you should never ‘cut off’ a sample if you suspect anything.
If you do choose to take a sample yourself, you are putting yourself and others at risk but you need to be aware of all the information you can regarding the topic. For example, material that is in good condition should not be sampled. Furthermore, we also have some other tips to guide you through the process;
Before you start, remove everyone from the room but yourself.
Always use disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly after finishing.
Only take a small sample and avoid any unnecessary cuts or movement.
Shut down any cooling or heating systems you have on as not to spread fibers around the house.
First, wet the material as this will keep a percentage of fibers from releasing; ensure that a few drops of detergent have been added to the water.
Make sure you are taking a sample over a plastic sheet or any other disposable surface.
Using a small knife, remove a piece that includes the entire depth of the material. Then, place this cutting into a sealable container or bag.
When the sample is inside, make sure the lid is tight or the bag has been sealed.
Remove the sheet from the floor and clean any material that may be on the outside of the container or sample bag according to your local laws.
Make sure you label the sample and include information on where the sample was taken and when.
Go back to the main bulk of material and patch the gap with duct tape so no further fibers can be released.
Take your sample and send it across to an analysis lab that has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). If you are unsure, contact your local health department and they should provide you with the relevant information.
If you do choose to take a sample yourself, you are putting yourself and others at risk but you need to be aware of all the information you can regarding the topic. For example, material that is in good condition should not be sampled. Furthermore, we also have some other tips to guide you through the process;
Before you start, remove everyone from the room but yourself.
Always use disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly after finishing.
Only take a small sample and avoid any unnecessary cuts or movement.
Shut down any cooling or heating systems you have on as not to spread fibers around the house.
First, wet the material as this will keep a percentage of fibers from releasing; ensure that a few drops of detergent have been added to the water.
Make sure you are taking a sample over a plastic sheet or any other disposable surface.
Using a small knife, remove a piece that includes the entire depth of the material. Then, place this cutting into a sealable container or bag.
When the sample is inside, make sure the lid is tight or the bag has been sealed.
Remove the sheet from the floor and clean any material that may be on the outside of the container or sample bag according to your local laws.
Make sure you label the sample and include information on where the sample was taken and when.
Go back to the main bulk of material and patch the gap with duct tape so no further fibers can be released.
Take your sample and send it across to an analysis lab that has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). If you are unsure, contact your local health department and they should provide you with the relevant information.
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