Collecting Samples Instructions 

Note: These instructions are for collecting Asbestos Samples when you have provided your own PPE. 

Recommended Supplies and Tools

• At least an N95 , N100 Mask or a respirator (follow fitting instructions for the mask that you are using)
• 1 Pair of rubber or black Nilex gloves (1 pair per sample you are collecting)
• 1 Large Clear Ziploc bag
• 1 Small Ziploc bag (1 small bag per sample you are collecting)
• 1 Black Garbage Bag
• Create and Print your Lab Labels (Go to Labels) 
• Knife or Hand Tool to take sample (DO NOT use power tools)
• Disposable plastic drop sheet or garbage bag
• Spray bottle, fill it with 2 drops of dish detergent mixed with 250 ml of water
• Damp paper towels for wiping
• Duct Tape
• Packing Tape
• If samples are from pipe/boiler/duct insulation you will need adhesive aluminum foil tape 

Please read each step before you begin collecting your sample.

Print Your Sample Labels

1. Click here to: Build Sample Labels

Prepare and Set Up Collection Site

1. Gather your tools and supplies that were listed on the supply list.
2. Put on your single use N95 Mask. Please follow the instructions at the end of this document for proper fit and wearing of the mask. Keep your mask on until you have collected all of your samples and clean up is completed.
3. Put on your disposable gloves.
4. Close all windows/doors. Turn off all air circulating systems. This includes heating/cooling systems and fans. You want to limit any air circulation while you are removing your sample.
5. Seal off the area to anyone not wearing PPE. Keep children and pets away from your collection site.
6. Clear the area where you will collect your sample. Lay out a disposable plastic sheet or garbage bag underneath the sample collection site.
7. Have an empty garbage bag easily accessible and open for waste clean up.

Gathering Samples
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Pro Tip: Please follow these instructions for each sample you are collecting. Store each sample in separate small Ziploc bags. There is a maximum of 6 sample labels.​

1. Cut out labels being used. Fill out missing details if spaces were left blank.
2. Place large label with the contact details inside the large Ziploc bag. Ensure the details on the label are facing out.
3. Tape one small sample label to one small Ziploc bag. Only one sample per small Ziploc bag.
4. Spray the sample area with the water and soap solution that you previously prepared. Having a wet surface will reduce the amount of Asbestos dust being released into the air while you remove the sample.
5. Using your clean Knife or Hand Tool, cut out a small piece of the material. You will need about 2 square inches or approximately 2 tablespoons of the material for accurate testing. You must ensure that all layers of the material are included in the sample. This includes paint or protective coatings on the material.
6. Place the sample in the small Ziploc bag that you already prepared. Seal the Ziploc bag.
7. Wipe down the small Ziploc bag with a damp paper towel. Place the damp paper towel in the garbage bag.
8. Place the sealed small Ziploc bag into the large Ziploc bag.
9. Wipe off your knife or hand tool with the wet paper towel. Place the paper towel in the garbage bag.
10. If you collected a sample from either a Pipe, Boiler, or Duct insulation, please carefully cover the piece you removed with a generous amount of adhesive aluminum foil tape.
11. Repeat each step for each sample.
12. When all sample(s) are completed. Seal the large Ziploc bag. When you are done collecting your samples, ensure that the large Ziploc bag only contains the materials you just collected. Wipe down the large Ziploc bag, dispose of wipes in the garbage bag. DO NOT open the bag once it is sealed.

Clean Up

Pro Tip: DO NOT use a vacuum or a broom to clean up.

1. Spray the sample area with the solution you prepared and wipe clean with a paper towel. Do not reuse wipes. Dispose of wipes in the garbage bag that was supplied in your kit.
2. Ensure all tools used have been wiped down and place wet towels in the garbage bag.
3. Wipe down the plastic spray bottle that you used.
4. Spray the plastic sheet or the garbage bag you had laying on the ground. Carefully fold the plastic sheet or garbage bag in on itself, trapping possible Asbestos dust inside.
5. Remove gloves and dispose of them in the garbage bag.
6. Lightly mist face mask, carefully remove mask, and dispose mask in garbage bag. Tie black garbage bag closed. Seal the garbage bag with duct tape, ensuring that no particles escape the bag.
7. Remove and wash clothing separately.
8. Please shower, ensuring to thoroughly wash your whole body.
9. Please check with your local municipality on how you can dispose of this plastic bag that contains your clean up materials and discarded PPE. Alternatively, you can contact EZbestos.ca to arrange for Asbestos disposal.

The above procedure was developed following recommendations from the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) for the safe handling of potentially hazardous bulk samples.

For Vermiculite usually found in Attic Insulation, please collect 1-liter bag full of the material. For more information on Vermiculite sample collection, please refer to the US Environmental Protection Agency page.

Additional Resources:
Health Canada (2017) – Asbestos in the Home Infographic
US Environmental Protection Agency (2022) – Learn About Asbestos