Instructions
Instructions for asbestos samples
Here we show you step by step how to take an asbestos sample safely, pack it properly and send it to the Semlab laboratory in Finland. A correctly taken, well-packed sample gives reliable results.
incl. VAT / sample · PDF report by email on the day the sample arrives
Overview
Three steps – it's that simple
Prepare
Get protective gloves and a resealable bag. A respirator (e.g. FFP3) is not required but is recommended. Place your order before you take the sample.
Take the sample
Remove a piece of about 2–3 cm. Avoid crushing the material and avoid creating dust. Wear protective gloves.
Pack and label
Put the sample in the bag and seal it well. Write the material and where it was taken from on the bag. One sample per bag.
Safety
Safety advice for sampling
Wear protective equipment
A respirator is not required, but we recommend disposable gloves and an FFP3 respirator mask while you take the sample. An FFP3 mask filters out small particles effectively. Protective equipment is available from DIY stores or online.
Avoid dust
Remove the sample carefully, without hammering or drilling. The aim is one whole piece of material, not crumbs or dust. Only firmly bound materials may be sent by post. If the material crumbles easily, such as pipe insulation, do not take a sample yourself – contact us instead.
Clean up afterwards
Wipe the sampling spot with a damp cloth. Do not vacuum, because an ordinary vacuum cleaner spreads asbestos fibres into the air. Put used gloves and cloths in a plastic bag and dispose of them properly.
Sampling
Detailed sampling instructions
Which materials can you sample?
Asbestos may be found in many building materials, especially in buildings built or renovated before the EU-wide ban in 2005 (many countries banned it earlier). Common firmly bound materials you can send samples of include:
The right sample size
A good sample is a piece about the size of a matchbox (2–3 cm). The sample doesn't need to be large – a small, whole piece is enough for JEOL SEM-EDS analysis. If the material has several layers (e.g. tile + adhesive), include all layers in the sample. We can then analyse each layer separately.
Several samples
If you want several materials tested, take a separate sample of each material. Pack each sample in its own bag and clearly write which material and which spot it came from. Order one analysis per sample.
Packing
Packing instructions
- 1
Put the sample in a bag
Place the material sample in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag well.
- 2
Label the sample
Write the material and where it was taken from on the bag (e.g. "Kitchen, wall board").
- 3
Pack for posting
Put the sample bags in a padded envelope or a small box. Several samples can go in the same envelope or box.
- 4
Write the address
Send to: Semlab / Innosus Oy, Ukkohauentie 11–13 A, 02170 Espoo, FINLAND. The address is also in your order confirmation.
- 5
Hand it in at the post office
Send it as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service – check which option your postal service accepts for small items going abroad. A firmly bound material sample is not classed as dangerous goods.
Posting
How to post your sample
Letter or small parcel
The easiest way is to send the sample as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service. A small sample fits in a padded envelope. The analysis is usually finished on the day the sample arrives. Postage is not included in the analysis price.
Parcel
Pack larger samples or several samples at once in a small box and send it as a parcel. Hand it in at a post office or parcel point of your national postal service.
Important
- Write the material and sampling spot on every sample bag
- Only send firmly bound materials – no crumbly materials
- You will receive the exact address in your order confirmation email
- If the sample is damaged in transit, contact our customer service
Ready to order an asbestos analysis?
Order online and you will receive clear instructions for posting your sample.