Laboratory Services
Asbestos Bulk Sample Analysis
Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 different types of building materials from the 1950s to 1990s. If your home was built before the 1990s and you are planning to do renovation(s), it is important to determine if any of the building materials contain asbestos. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, asbestos fibres are released into the air. The release of asbestos fibres into the air is a health risk for workers working on the property and the people living in the home.
Bulk sample analysis of potential asbestos-containing building materials needs to be conducted by a staff of highly trained and experienced laboratory analysts. Astech’s current roster of asbestos laboratory analysts has a combined experience of 20 years in locating and identifying the differing asbestiform minerals present in older fibrated building materials.
Astech’s laboratory utilizes analytical method NIOSH 9002 Issue 2 ‘Asbestos (bulk) by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)’ which is an accepted method of asbestos bulk sample analysis by WCB.
Astech participates in the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing (BAPAT) Program as one method to ensure that proper quality control methods are in place.
For a copy of our chain of custody, click here.
How to Take Asbestos Samples
Follow these helpful instructions to collect samples for asbestos testing and analysis
1.
Spray
Spray the building material with a mixture of soap and water to prevent fibre from being released during sample collection.
2.
Sample
While using a HEPA-filtered respirator, take a representative sample from within the materials suspected of containing asbestos by penetrating the entire depth of the material.
3.
Seal
Place the sample in a sealable freezer bag and attach a label with material description and location.
4.
Separate
For multiple samples, please enclose each sample in separate sealed bags. This avoids cross-contamination.
If you have any questions about sampling procedures or quantities, please call our lab.
Our Rates
Turnaround Times &
Cost per Asbestos Bulk Sample
01
Standard
- 3-5 Days
- 30 per sample plus GST
02
Rush 24-Hour
- 24 Hours
- 45 per sample plus GST
03
Rush 4-Hour
- 4 Hours
- 60 per sample plus GST
04
Super Rush
- 1-2 Hours
- 90 per sample plus GST
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing (BAPAT) Astech Laboratory Participant ID# 200542
More Information
Asbestos Samples Guide
| Materials | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) |
| Roofing felt | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) – all layers must be collected, down to the sheathing |
| Cement board | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) |
| Floor tile, linoleum, asphalt flooring | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) |
| Ceiling tiles | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) |
| Mechanical insulation (piping) | 50 cm3 (3 cu. in.) – all layers must be collected, down to the pipe |
| Ropes, gaskets, wires, etc. | 5 linear cm (2 linear in.) or 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) |
| Levelling compounds and mortars | 50 cm3 (3 cu. in.) |
| Mastics and putties | 15 cm3 (1 cu. in.) |
| Texture coats and stuccos | 50 cm3 (3 cu. in.) |
| Drywall mud | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) – mud only, do not include gypsum board or drywall tape |
| Vermiculite insulation | 4 L (1 gal.) – collect from the top to the bottom of the application to get a representative sample |
| Sprayed insulation (for example, sprayed fireproofing) | 50 cm3 (3 cu. in.) |
| Other sprayed materials | 1 full, small zip-lock bag |
| Other non-friable products | 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in. x 2 in.) |
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing (BAPAT) Astech Laboratory Participant ID# 200542
Safe & Reliable Asbestos Testing
About Us
With over 30 years of experience, our lab is managed by a team of qualified key personnel. Since our establishment, Astech Labs has been a major stakeholder in the construction and hazardous materials abatement industry for commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings and structures, in both the private and public sectors.
- Expert testing for both asbestos and lead in one service
- Fully accredited to ensure safety and compliance
- Quick, accurate results with minimal disruption
Accuracy
We provide precise and reliable asbestos test results using advanced techniques.
Expertise
Our highly trained professionals ensure thorough testing and compliance with safety standards.
Speed
Fast turnaround times to meet urgent deadlines and reduce waiting periods.
Compliance
Fully certified to meet all local and national asbestos regulations.
Why Choose Us?
With over 30 years of experience, our lab is managed by a team of qualified key personnel. Since our establishment, Astech Labs has been a major stakeholder in the construction and hazardous materials abatement industry for commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings and structures, in both the private and public sectors.