Collecting Samples

Instructions and Safety Precautions

Kit Contents 

• N100 Mask (fitting instructions listed on last page) 
• Black Nilex gloves, 
• Large Ziploc bag to hold all the samples
• Small Ziploc bags for each sample
• 1 Black Garbage Bag 

​Tools and supplies you need to gather sample(s)

• 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
• Black Marker/Pen
• Duct 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. 

Create 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 page 1.
2. Put on your single use N95 Mask that was supplied in your kit. 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 that were supplied in your kit.
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 the empty garbage bag that was supplied in your kit easily accessible and open for waste clean up.

Gathering Samples
Pro Tip: Please follow these instructions for each sample you are collecting. Store each sample in separate small Ziploc bags that were provided.
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1. On the large Ziploc bag, fill out the information label. Please include testing site address, date, and time the sample(s) were collected.
2. On the small Ziploc bag that was supplied in your kit, locate the label, and mark the location where the sample will be taken. (Be specific if you are testing different materials in the same room/location. Example: Bedroom, Popcorn Ceiling).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Place the sample in the small Ziploc bag that you already prepared. Seal the Ziploc bag.
6. Wipe down the small Ziploc bag with a damp paper towel. Place the damp paper towel in the garbage bag.
7. Place the sealed small Ziploc bag into the large Ziploc bag that was supplied in your kit.
8. Wipe off your knife or hand tool with the wet paper towel. Place the paper towel in the garbage bag.
9. 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.
10. Repeat each step for each sample.
11. 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 Collect 1-liter bags full of vermiculite. 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