Bulk Sampling

Bulk Sample Data

Historical building sampling data is kept in an Access database (by building). Bulk samples collected since 2002 have been kept by the Designated Safety Representative (DSR) in hard copy or electronic format. Beginning January 1, 2017, all new bulk samples shall be entered into the historical Access databases. DSRs should have a plan for adding samples taken between 2002 and 2017 into the system in a timely manner. The Access databases shall be maintained by EHS, and made accessible to all necessary parties via Sharepoint (or other appropriate means).

Information/Reports

Renovation/Demoliton Projects

Information regarding asbestos for renovation or demolition projects shall be provided by the DSR to the respective Project Manager upon request. This information shall be provided in writing, and in accordance with state and federal requirements. Asbestos Inspection Reports shall be provided to the Project Manager and Contractor in accordance with these requirements prior to the start of abatement activities.

For leased properties, third-party sampling to identify ACM is typically performed for construction and renovation projects. EHS should be copied on the analysis and report.

General Information

General information regarding ACM in buildings can be obtained by contacting the respective DSR or EHS.

Bulk Sample Collection

Unless presumed to contain asbestos, all suspect materials must be sampled prior to renovation, demolition, or maintenance projects where the suspect material has the potential to be disburbed. Suspect materials must be identified as ACM or non-ACM with the use of historic sampling data, written product certification, or sample collection and analysis. Historic sampling data should be supplemented with confirmatory sampling when in doubt.

Where the project will render previously inaccessible materials (e.g. located within a wall cavity or above a hard ceiling) accessible, it is recommended that every effort be made to access and sample suspect materials in advance of the project. Upon discovery of previously untested, inaccessible suspect materials, work must cease until further sampling is conducted. Locked rooms or spaces above drop ceiling tiles or below raised floors are not considered inaccessible and are required to be sampled.

Bulk samples collected for Virginia Tech shall be collected by a Virginia licensed/accredited Asbestos Inspector. Asbestos Inspectors shall conduct all asbestos inspections in accordance with 40 CFR 763.86, and are to include both building interior and exterior suspect materials, floor to roof, as applicable to the project scope. Each sample shall be assigned a unique identification number, using one of the following formats - work order number-sequential number, or building number-room number-sequential number.