KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

Asbestos testing is crucial before performing demolition in water-damaged properties. Many older buildings contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that, when disturbed, release hazardous fibers into the air. Following these step-by-step procedures ensures compliance with EPA regulations, IICRC S550 guidelines, and local authorities while maintaining worker safety.

Collect Asbestos Samples

<ul>
<li data-start="589" data-end="679">If ACMs are suspected, stop work immediately until samples are collected and tested.</li>
<li data-start="682" data-end="745">Follow your company&rsquo;s asbestos risk recognition protocol.
<ul>
<li>Follow this process on <a href="https://public-templates.tryknowhow.com/d/process/9556?ref=share" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Recognize Asbestos Risk</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="748" data-end="789">Do not disturb materials unnecessarily.</li>
</ul>

Stop Work and Recognize the Risk

Only trained and certified individuals may collect asbestos samples:
<ol>
<li>Certified Asbestos Inspectors: Individuals who hold certifications as asbestos inspectors, which typically require training and passing an exam. They are qualified to collect samples from buildings, industrial settings, or other locations suspected of having asbestos.</li>
<li>Licensed Abatement Contractors: Professionals who are licensed and certified in asbestos abatement (removal and handling). These contractors can collect samples as part of their initial inspections before performing abatement or removal services.</li>
<li>Certified Environmental Consultants:&nbsp;Specialized environmental consultants, often employed by environmental firms, may also be authorized to collect asbestos samples if they have the proper certification and training.</li>
<li>Government Health and Safety Agencies: Government regulators, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), or local health and safety agencies, can collect samples as part of regulatory compliance or investigations.</li>
</ol>
NOTE: Always comply with state, local and federal laws.
There are also specific legal requirements that must be followed prior to and during asbestos sample collection. Here are a few:
<ol>
<li>Training and Certification: To handle or collect asbestos samples safely, individuals must undergo specific training programs that meet state or federal regulations, like those set by the EPA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).</li>
<li>Safety Protocols: Asbestos sampling and testing involve handling hazardous materials. Special care must be taken to avoid disturbing the asbestos and causing airborne particles, which could be harmful to health. Thus, individuals obtaining the samples must use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), containment procedures, and disposal methods.</li>
</ol>
In summary, while anyone can potentially obtain an asbestos sample, it is generally restricted to certified and trained professionals to ensure that it is done safely and legally.

Understand Legal & Regulatory Requirements

<ul>
<li data-start="1181" data-end="1237">Review the work area and identify suspect materials.</li>
<li data-start="1240" data-end="1287">Shut down HVAC systems to prevent fiber spread.</li>
<li data-start="1290" data-end="1324">Restrict foot traffic in the area.</li>
<li data-start="1327" data-end="1423">Set up containment barriers using 6 mil (or greater) plastic sheeting and preservation tape.</li>
<li data-start="1426" data-end="1468">Install an air scrubber in the area.</li>
</ul>

Prepare for Sample Collection

<ul>
<li>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
<ul>
<li>Disposable coveralls</li>
<li>Respirator with P100 filters</li>
<li>Safety goggles</li>
<li>Disposable nitrile or latex gloves</li>
<li>Boot covers or designated work boots</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Sampling Equipment:
<ul>
<li>Sharp knife, corer, or scraper</li>
<li>Spray bottle with water and detergent mix</li>
<li>Ziploc bags or airtight sample containers</li>
<li>Permanent marker for labeling</li>
<li>Disposable wipes for cleanup</li>
<li>Sealable waste bag for contaminated materials</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Gather Required Equipment

Set up Seal tight containment in the area where samples are to be collected
<ul>
<li>Use 6 mil or greater Polyurethane</li>
<li>Use Preservation tape to seal the Poly</li>
<li>Install Air scrubber in the area</li>
</ul>
<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/902d74b9-484e-4542-860d-67018015677f.c937e40e-4238-4660-95de-179bb160b72c.c937e40e-4238-4660-95de-179bb160b72c" alt="902d74b9-484e-4542-860d-67018015677f.c937e40e-4238-4660-95de-179bb160b72c.c937e40e-4238-4660-95de-179bb160b72c">

Contain the area where samples were removed

<ul>
<li data-start="1914" data-end="1980">Lightly mist the material with water &amp; detergent to reduce dust.</li>
<li data-start="1983" data-end="2066">Avoid over-wetting, but ensure the area is damp enough to minimize fiber release</li>
</ul>

Wet the Sample Area

<ul>
<li data-start="2109" data-end="2201">Use a knife, corer, or scraper to cut a small, representative portion of the material.</li>
<li data-start="2204" data-end="2245">Include the full depth of the material.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Sample Sizes:
<ul>
<li data-start="2267" data-end="2352">Friable (e.g., popcorn ceiling): ~1 teaspoon, from multiple spots if &gt;1,000 sq. ft.</li>
<li data-start="2355" data-end="2430">Non-friable (e.g., tile): ~1 square inch, include adhesive if applicable.</li>
<li data-start="2433" data-end="2492">Vermiculite: ~1 cup, sampled from at least two locations.</li>
</ul>

Collect the Sample

<ul>
<li data-start="2544" data-end="2588">Place sample in an airtight bag/container.</li>
<li data-start="2591" data-end="2629">Seal tightly to avoid contamination.</li>
<li data-start="2632" data-end="2687">Label clearly with a unique ID (e.g., Sample #1).</li>
</ul>

Secure and Label the Sample

<ul>
<li data-start="2729" data-end="2778">Wipe down surfaces with damp disposable cloths.</li>
<li data-start="2781" data-end="2841">Place wipes and other disposables into a sealed waste bag.</li>
</ul>

Clean Up the Area

<ul>
<li data-start="2887" data-end="2908">Record the following:
<ul>
<li data-start="2911" data-end="2920">Sample ID</li>
<li data-start="2923" data-end="2927">Date</li>
<li data-start="2930" data-end="2966">Location (room, ceiling, wall, etc.)</li>
<li data-start="2969" data-end="2982">Material type</li>
<li data-start="2985" data-end="3017">Inspector name &amp; accreditation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Document the Collection

<ul>
<li data-start="3068" data-end="3117">Send to an accredited asbestos testing lab.</li>
<li data-start="3120" data-end="3163">Complete the lab&rsquo;s chain of custody form.</li>
<li data-start="3166" data-end="3223">Follow any specific packaging or handling requirements.</li>
</ul>

Submit the Sample for Testing

<ul>
<li data-start="3281" data-end="3317">Carefully remove &amp; dispose of PPE.</li>
<li data-start="3320" data-end="3342">Decontaminate tools.</li>
<li data-start="3345" data-end="3369">Wash hands thoroughly.</li>
<li data-start="3372" data-end="3448">Submit findings and recommendations to your project manager or supervisor.</li>
</ul>
Final Checklist:
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Area secured &amp; HVAC shut down
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> PPE worn correctly
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Sample area misted
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Sample collected, labeled &amp; sealed
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Area cleaned &amp; waste bagged
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Documentation complete
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Sample submitted to accredited lab
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Supervisor notified