Can you take an asbestos sample yourself?

Yes, you can take an asbestos sample yourself and send it by post to a laboratory for analysis. This is an inexpensive option when you want to verify the asbestos content of an individual material. Analyzing the sample costs money 39,90€ + VAT per sample.

When is a self-taken sample enough?

A self-taken sample is suitable when:

• You want to make sure individual material asbestos content
• You already know which material to take the sample from
• It is an easily accessible material
• You don't need a comprehensive survey report

When do you need an expert?

An asbestos survey by an expert is a better choice when:

• You are planning a larger renovation and several materials need to be researched
• Not sure which materials to sample
• You need a comprehensive survey report for e.g. a housing association or the authorities
• The site is complex or difficult to investigate

Instructions for sampling

Supplies

• FFP3 respirator (available at hardware stores)
• Disposable gloves
• Small tool (chisel, knife or glue knife)
• Sealable plastic bag (e.g. minigrip)
• Spray bottle with water

This is how you take a sample

1. Take cover - Wear a respirator and gloves
2. Moisten the material - spray water over the sampling point to bind the dust
3. Remove the sample - cut or tear off a small piece of material (about 2x2 cm is enough)
4. Package the sample - put the sample in a resealable plastic bag
5. Label the sample - write in the bag from which material and from which space the sample was taken
6. Clean up - wipe the sampling point with a damp cloth

Safety instructions

• Use it always wear a respirator when taking the sample
• Moisten the material before sampling - this reduces dust significantly
• Do not grind, saw or drill the material - remove mechanically as much as possible without dusting
• Ventilate the room after sampling
• Take only one sample at a time and package it immediately

Sending the sample

Pack the sample tightly and mail it to our laboratory. You attach the order form to the envelope, which you fill out on our website. You will usually receive the results in your email on the same day that the sample arrives at the laboratory.

The laboratory analysis of the asbestos sample costs 39,90€ + VAT per sample.