Packing the asbestos sample correctly is an important part of the analysis. A carefully packed sample stays intact in transit, does not contaminate other samples and is easy for the laboratory to handle. Here are clear instructions on how to pack the sample before sending it to the Semlab laboratory in Finland.
Which materials can be sent?
Only send firmly bound material, for example tiles, tile adhesive, floor adhesive, filler, joint compound, asbestos cement or floor covering. Dusty materials such as pipe insulation or sprayed insulation must not be sent by post.
What you need
To pack the sample you need a resealable plastic bag, a waterproof marker and a padded envelope or small box for posting. A resealable bag is the best choice because it closes tightly and prevents the sample from drying out or being contaminated in transit.
If you do not have a resealable bag, you can use another plastic bag that can be sealed tightly. The main thing is that the sample is protected and does not come into contact with other materials.
Putting the sample in the bag
Place the sample carefully in the resealable bag so that it does not crumble. If the sample is brittle, you can wrap it in paper first. Seal the bag tightly and press out any excess air. Check that the bag is undamaged and has no holes. Then put the bag inside a second bag.
The ideal sample size is about 2–5 centimetres, roughly the size of a matchbox. A sample that is too small can make the analysis difficult, while an unnecessarily large sample brings no extra benefit but takes up more space in the shipment.
Labelling the sample
Label each sample clearly by writing the following on the resealable bag or on a separate note: the sample number or name, the sampling location (e.g. "bathroom, wall"), the material (e.g. "tile adhesive") and the date. Clear labelling is very important, especially if you send several samples in one shipment.
You can use simple numbering such as "Sample 1", "Sample 2" and so on. Enclose a separate list stating which material and which location each number refers to.
Packing several samples
If you send several samples, pack each sample in its own resealable bag. Do not put several samples in the same bag, because then a single material can no longer be analysed reliably. Label each bag separately and put all the bags in the same shipment.
Sending several samples in the same envelope or parcel is perfectly fine and saves postage. Just make sure that each sample is clearly labelled and in its own bag.
What should go in the shipment?
Enclose your contact details: your name and email address. Also note briefly what materials the samples are and where they were taken. This information helps the laboratory process the samples quickly and send the result to the right person.
Order and pay for the analysis online by card before you post the sample, so that processing runs smoothly as soon as the sample arrives. Send the shipment as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service to Semlab / Innosus Oy, Ukkohauentie 11–13 A, 02170 Espoo, FINLAND. Some postal services do not accept goods in international letters; if yours does not, send it as a small parcel. You pay the postage yourself.
The most common mistakes
The most common mistake is a poorly protected sample that crumbles in transit, so that only dust arrives at the laboratory. Another typical mistake is putting several samples in the same bag, which makes a reliable analysis impossible. A third mistake is missing labels – if the laboratory does not know which sample comes from where, the result can hardly be matched to the right material.
A fourth common problem is forgotten contact details. If the laboratory cannot identify the sender, the result is delayed. So always enclose at least your name and email address.
Packing checklist
Check before sending: Is the material firmly bound and not dusty? Is the sample large enough? Is it in its own airtight bag, inside a second bag? Is the bag clearly labelled? Are your contact details enclosed? Will the packaging survive the journey? Does your postal service accept the shipment as a letter, or does it need to go as a small parcel? If all of this is in order, the sample is ready to be sent to the laboratory.