How to Sample for Asbestos

Asbestos sampling is a critical process in identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your home. While it might seem cost-effective to collect samples yourself, it’s important to understand the regulations and potential risks involved. This guide provides an overview of the process based on the WorksafeBC sampling guideline, sections 6.4 and 20.112, and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of self-testing versus hiring a professional.

Regulations and Guidelines

WorkSafeBC Section 6.4 and 20.112

Section 6.4:

• Qualified Person: Sampling for asbestos must be done by a “qualified person,” defined as someone with the appropriate training, knowledge, and experience.
• Sampling Methods: The sampling methods should minimize disturbance and exposure to asbestos. Protective clothing and a properly fitted, approved respirator are required.
• Number of Samples: The number of representative bulk samples collected should be consistent with recognized industry standards and principles of good occupational hygiene practice.

Section 20.112:

• Regulated Requirement: The regulation requires a qualified person to use their education, training, knowledge, and experience to determine which building materials should be sampled to identify hazardous materials.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sampling for Asbestos

Materials Needed

• Disposable gloves
• Face mask (preferably a respirator)
• Spray bottle with water and a few drops of detergent
• Plastic sheeting
• Sealable plastic bags
• Knife or chisel
• Duct tape
• Marker

Preparation

1. Safety First: Wear disposable gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from potential asbestos fibers.
2. Isolate the Area: Use plastic sheeting to isolate the sampling area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.

Sampling Process

1. Wet the Area: Lightly mist the area to be sampled with water containing a few drops of detergent. This helps to minimize the release of asbestos fibers.
2. Cut the Sample: Use a knife or chisel to cut a small piece of the material (about 1 to 2 square inches). Be gentle to avoid generating dust. If you are cutting drywall, mist the area between cuts.
3. Seal the Sample: Place the sample in a sealable plastic bag. Damp wipe the outside of the bag and then place in a second bag, damp wipe that bag. Use duct tape to seal the bag securely.
4. Label the Sample: Use a marker to label the bag with relevant information such as the location of the sample.
5. Using tuck tape or duct tape, seal the surface where the sample was taken from. This helps to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping the remaining material, until you receive results back from the lab.
6. Clean Up: Carefully clean up any debris using wet wipes or damp paper towels. Dispose of all waste, including gloves and plastic sheeting, in sealed plastic bags.

Number of Samples Required

The following table provides guidance on the minimum number of bulk samples and the quantity of material that should be collected to identify asbestos-containing materials that might be present in a building:

Type of Material	Area of Homogeneous Material	Minimum Number of Bulk Samples to be Collected	Minimum Recommended Quantity per Sample
Surfacing materials, including textured coatings, drywall mud, plasters, and stucco	Less than 90 m² (approximately 1,000 sq. ft.)	At least 3 samples of each type of surfacing material	50 cm³ (3 cu. in.); for drywall mud, sample the mud only — do not include the drywall or tape
	Between 90 and 450 m² (approx. 5,000 sq. ft.)	At least 5 samples of each type of surfacing material
	Greater than 450 m²	At least 7 samples of each type of surfacing material
Sprayed insulation and blown-in insulation, including sprayed fireproofing	Less than 90 m² (approx. 1,000 sq. ft.)	At least 3 samples	50 cm³ (3 cu. in.)
	Between 90 and 450 m² (approx. 5,000 sq. ft.)	At least 5 samples
	Greater than 450 m²	At least 7 samples
Loose vermiculite insulation (including vermiculite insulation within concrete masonry units, or CMUs)	Less than 90 m² (approx. 1,000 sq. ft.)	At least 3 samples	4 L (1 gal.); collect from the top to the bottom of the application to get a representative sample
	Between 90 and 450 m²	At least 5 samples
	Greater than 450 m²	At least 7 samples
Ceiling tiles	Less than 90 m² (approx. 1,000 sq. ft.)	At least 3 samples	5 cm × 5 cm (2 in. × 2 in.)
	Between 90 and 450 m² (approx. 5,000 sq. ft.)	At least 5 samples
	Greater than 450 m²	At least 7 samples
Flooring, including vinyl sheet flooring (and backing) and floor tiles	Any size	At least 1 sample per flooring type in each room (and 1 from each layer of flooring)	5 cm × 5 cm (2 in. × 2 in.)
Levelling compounds and mortars	Any size	At least 3 samples	50 cm³ (3 cu. in.)
Asbestos ropes, gaskets, wires, etc.	Any size	At least 1 sample	5 linear cm (2 linear in.) or 5 cm × 5 cm (2 in. × 2 in.)
Mechanical insulation, including duct taping, pipe insulation, elbows, and boiler/tank or vessel insulation	Any size	At least 3 samples	50 cm³ (3 cu. in.); all layers must be collected down to the pipe, tank, or vessel
Mastics and putties, including duct mastic (around penetrations) and window putty	Any size	At least 3 samples	15 cm³ (1 cu. in.)
Roofing materials, including felting and shingles	Less than 90 m² (approx. 1,000 sq. ft.)	At least 1 sample (each layer of material must be sampled)	5 cm × 5 cm (2 in. × 2 in.); collect all layers down to the sheathing
	Between 90 and 450 m² (approx. 5,000 sq. ft.)	At least 2 samples (each layer of material must be sampled)
	Greater than 450 m²	At least 3 samples (each layer of material must be sampled)
Asbestos cement (transite) board and pipe	Any size	At least 1 sample	5 cm × 5 cm (2 in. × 2 in.)
Other sprayed materials	Any size	At least 1 sample per type of material	1 full, small zip-lock bag
Other non-friable products	Any size	At least 1 sample per type of material	5 cm × 5 cm (2 in. × 2 in.)

Note: Homogeneous material is considered uniform in texture and appearance, was installed at one time, and is likely to be of only one type of material or formulation. The professional judgment of a qualified person can be used to reduce the number of bulk samples of homogeneous materials. If fewer samples than the minimum recommended number are collected, surveyors should document the rationale for their position in the survey report. Excerpt from WorksafeBC

Pros and Cons of Self-Testing vs. Hiring a Professional

Self-TestingPros:

• Cost-Effective Initially: The immediate cost of collecting samples yourself is lower than hiring a professional.
• Convenience: You can collect samples at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Cons:

• Not Accepted for Reports: Self-collected samples cannot be used in official hazardous materials reports. Regulations require samples to be collected by a qualified person. (For more information on the importance of hazardous materials reports, click the link in the conclusion)
• Risk of Exposure: Without proper training and equipment, you risk exposing yourself to asbestos.
• Potential for Double Costs: You might end up paying more in the long run if professional sampling is required afterward.

Hiring a ProfessionalPros:

• Compliance: Ensures compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.
• Safety: Professionals have the training and equipment to safely collect samples.
• Accuracy: Increased likelihood of accurate sampling and analysis.

Cons:

• Cost: Higher initial cost compared to self-testing, however overall cost may be lower if duplication is avoided

Conclusion

While taking your own samples might seem cost-effective at first, it often leads to higher overall costs due to regulatory requirements. Hiring a professional ensures compliance, safety, and accuracy, making it the smarter choice for asbestos sampling. For more information or to schedule a professional asbestos sampling, contact Winmar® Kootenay today. For further information on why asbestos abatement requires more than just lab results, refer to our blog here titled “Asbestos Abatement Steps – 6 Key Stages”.Sources: WorkSafeBC regulations sections 6.4 and 20.112, and “safe work practices for handling asbestos”.