Cross section of a wall
Asbestos sampling requirements vary widely across regions due to differing rules and regulations. At LCS Laboratory Inc., based in London, Ontario, Canada, we follow the Ontario Asbestos Regulation 278/05, which outlines the requirements specific to Ontario.
Common Questions from Our Clients:
1. How many different construction materials should we test for asbestos to ensure nothing is missed?
To ensure comprehensive asbestos testing, every material that may be cut, broken, drilled, or removed during renovations should be tested individually, as each material may contain asbestos. In other words, you should test all materials that will be disturbed during the project.
Examples:
- Drywall Removal: Test a) drywall, b) joint compound, and c) plaster.
- Vinyl Tile Replacement: Test a) vinyl tile, b) tile adhesive, and c) any underlay present.
2. How many duplicates of the same material should we test to confirm it is asbestos-free?
For large-scale construction projects, a contractor working on the project in 1970s used multiple batches of the same material. Those products came from different suppliers and can have different asbestos content, this is why different rooms of the same building can have different asbestos contamination. Testing multiple samples helps confirm that all materials across the site are asbestos-free.
For industrial and commercial projects, follow Ontario Asbestos Regulation 278/05 Table1, which specifies sample requirements based on area size:
- For areas under 0.5 square meters, one sample is sufficient.
- For areas from 0.5 to 90 square meters, test three samples of the same material from various locations within the area.
- For areas from 90 to 450 square meters, test five samples of the same material.
- For areas over 450 square meters, test at least seven samples of the same material.
Why Test Multiple Samples?
Asbestos often forms in concentrated “hot” spots within materials. Testing only one sample could miss areas containing asbestos if a “cold” spot (without asbestos) is accidently sampled. To confidently confirm that an area is asbestos-free, all samples must test negative.
Testing Requirements for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner hiring a contractor, you are considered an “employer” under Ontario law and must comply with Ontario Asbestos Regulation 278/05. However, if you’re testing solely out of curiosity or planning to handle repairs yourself, sample collection frequency is up to you.
To learn more about how to take the samples and where to send them, please visit our instruction page. When you’re ready to test, you can place an order and prepay directly using the link below.
At LCS Laboratory, we’re here to support projects of all sizes. For more asbestos-related information, visit our Asbestos FAQ Page, or email us with any questions about your specific project.
