Sampling

Only persons certified by the Department as asbestos investigators or by the New York State Department of Labor as asbestos inspectors may select and collect bulk samples for analysis.

The investigator must assume that some or all of the areas investigated contain ACM, and for each area that is not assumed to contain ACM, collect and submit bulk samples for analysis. Collection and submittal of samples must be in compliance with Title 15, Chapter 1 of the Rules of the City of New York §1-36, §1-37, and §1-44, and EPA publications 560/5-85-024 and/or 560/5-85-030A.

Bulk sample analysis (PLM) must be performed by laboratories within the Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) administered by the New York State Department of Health.

Bulk samples must be taken by whatever method minimizes the potential for fiber release. Any material that remains exposed as a result of the sampling procedure must be sealed.

Sampling results/reports must be submitted directly to the Department upon request within five calendar days.

Note: When samples cannot be obtained because surfacing material is not present (e.g., bare boiler, pipe, etc.), photographs should be taken and included in the records.