Packing an asbestos sample properly is an important part of the analysis process. A carefully packed sample survives the journey intact, does not contaminate other samples and is easy to handle in the laboratory. This article gives clear instructions on how to pack one.
What you need
To pack a sample you need a Minigrip bag (a sealable plastic bag), a marker pen for labelling and an envelope or small parcel to send it in. A Minigrip bag is the best choice because it seals tightly and keeps the sample from drying out or picking up contamination on the way.
If you do not have one, any plastic bag that seals tightly will do. What matters is that the sample is protected and cannot come into contact with other materials.
Putting the sample in the bag
Place the sample in the Minigrip bag gently, so that it does not crumble or break up. If it is fragile, wrap it in paper first. Seal the bag tightly and press out the excess air. Check that the bag is sound and has no holes in it.
The ideal sample is about 2-5 centimetres across - roughly the size of a matchbox. Too small a sample can make the analysis difficult, while an unnecessarily large one adds nothing and simply takes up space in the parcel.
Labelling the sample
Label every sample clearly. Write the following on the Minigrip bag or on a separate slip: the sample number or reference, where it came from (e.g. "bathroom, wall"), the material (e.g. "tile adhesive") and the date. Clear labelling is essential, especially if you are sending several samples in one parcel.
Simple numbering works well - "Sample 1", "Sample 2" and so on. Enclose a separate list saying, for each number, which material the sample is and where it came from.
Packing several samples
If you are sending several samples, pack each one in its own Minigrip bag. Never put more than one sample in a bag, as that makes it impossible to analyse the individual materials reliably. Label each bag separately and put them all in one parcel.
Sending several samples in one parcel is perfectly safe and saves on postage. Just make sure every sample is clearly labelled and in its own bag.
What to enclose with the sample
Enclose your contact details: name, email address and telephone number. Write a short note as well saying what the materials are and where they came from. This helps the laboratory process the samples quickly and report the results to the right person.
Some laboratories have their own order form you can fill in and enclose. Check before you post, so the process runs smoothly.
The most common packing mistakes
The most common mistake is not protecting the sample well enough, so that it crumbles in transit and only dust reaches the laboratory. Another familiar one is putting several samples in a single bag, which rules out a reliable analysis. The third is leaving out the labels - if the laboratory does not know which sample came from where, the results are hard to match to the right material.
The fourth common problem is forgetting the contact details. If the laboratory cannot identify the sender, the results are delayed. So always enclose at least your name and email address.
Packing checklist
Before you post, check: Is the sample big enough? Is it in its own sealed bag? Is the bag clearly labelled? Are your contact details enclosed? Will the parcel stand up to the journey? Once all of that is in order, the sample is ready to go.