How to take a Sample

Written by Tom Yates . Edited

Fact Checked by William Wright, NEBOSH

Before taking a sample please ensure that you have the necessary equipment. To safely take a sample you will require the following:

• FFP3 Rated Mask
• Cat 3 category 5/6 Coveralls
• Nitrile powder free gloves
• Eye protection - not essential

These can be purchased from most reputable DIY Stores, we also offer a small range of items in our shop here

It is also recommend to have the following equipment:

• Sharp knife, chisel or pliers
• Spray bottle
• Touch up paint/Tape
• Polythene dust sheet

Step 1: Preparing the area

1. Start by ventilating the room - open any windows/external doors.
2. Decide where the sample is to be taken from, making sure that you move any furniture away from the immediate area. (It may help to sample a partially damaged area of the material, edge or joint)
3. Place a plastic dust sheet immediately under the area to be sampled. Ask everyone to leave the room during sampling.

Step 2: Personal Protective Equipment

1. Pull on Coveralls first, ensuring zipped up.
2. Put on Respirator, adjust straps to ensure a tight fit. Pinch nose seal to ensure a good seal around nose and face.
3. Pull hood of Coveralls over head and fully zip.
4. Put on gloves, you may want to tape around cuffs to ensure seal.
5. Remember to wear eye protection. Recommended but not essential.

Step 3: Dampen the area

1. Fill the Spray bottle with water, apply a couple of drops of detergent (any standard dish soap will suffice) in a 8:1 ratio.
2. Set to fine mist.
3. Lightly spray the area.

Step 4: Taking the sample

Before taking the sample, complete the information requested on the Inner Sample and Outer sample Bag. Once labeled open and hold the Inner Sample Bag directly below the sampling point.

For flat corrugated sheets, use the pliers.

For all other materials use a chisel or sharp knife.

Avoid drilling or sawing the material.

Carefully remove a small piece of material (approx 2cm2) be sure to take the sample deep enough to contain all layers of material, even the material to which the sample material is bonded to.

When completed, seal and place the Inner Sample Bag in the Outer Sample Bag. When sampling textured coatings* it is essential to take material from 3-4 different locations, of the same surface to ensure the sample is representative of the area. This is due to the nature in which artex was mixed and applied. *When recording on the sample submission form this must be recorded as a single location, as this is classed as 1 sample in total.

Please do not mix samples from different surfaces in the sample bags. If you require additional samples please contact us, or purchase here