Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 216 - Department of health
Chapter 50 - Environmental health
Subchapter 15 - HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Part 1 - Asbestos Control
Section 216-RICR-50-15-1.23 - Sampling Protocol for Hazard Assessment

Universal Citation: 216 RI Code of Rules 50 15 1.23

Current through September 18, 2024

A. Number of Samples. Samples of suspect asbestos containing materials must be taken for laboratory analysis. The number of samples to be taken is dependent upon the type of material to be sampled.

1. Friable or Potentially Friable Surfacing Material A consultant certified for Asbestos Inspection Services in accordance with §1.21.2(B)(2) of this Part or a Competent Person certified in accordance with § 1.19 of this Part shall collect bulk samples, in a statistically random manner that is representative of each homogeneous area, as follows:
a. At least three (3) bulk samples from each homogeneous area that is one thousand (1000) square feet or less, except as provided in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

b. At least five (5) bulk samples from each homogeneous area that is greater than one thousand (1000) square feet but less than five thousand (5000) square feet, except as provided in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

c. At least seven (7) bulk samples from each homogeneous area that is greater than five thousand (5000) square feet, except as provided in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

d. A homogeneous area shall be determined to contain ACM based on a finding that the results of at least one (1) sample collected from that area shows that asbestos is present in an amount greater than one percent (1%).

e. A homogeneous area is considered not to contain ACM only if the results of all samples required to be collected from that area show asbestos in amounts of one percent (1%) or less.

2. Thermal System Insulation. A consultant certified for Asbestos Inspection Services in accordance with §1.21.2(B)(2) of this Part or a Competent Person certified in accordance with § 1.19 of this Part shall collect bulk samples, in a statistically random manner that is representative of each homogeneous area, as follows:
a. At least three (3) bulk samples from each homogeneous area that is damaged, except as provided in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

b. At least one (1) bulk sample from each homogeneous area of patched thermal system insulation if the patched section is less than six (6) linear or square feet, except as provided in in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

c. In a manner sufficient to determine whether the material is ACM or not ACM, collect bulk samples from each insulated mechanical system where cement is used on tees, elbows or valves, except as provided in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

3. Miscellaneous and Non-Friable Material

A consultant certified for Asbestos Inspection Services in accordance with § 1.21(B)(2) of this Part or a Competent Person certified in accordance with § 1.19 of this Part shall collect bulk samples from each homogeneous area in a manner sufficient to determine whether the material is ACM or not ACM, except as provided in in §§ 1.23(A)(1)(d) and (e) of this Part.

4. Homogeneous Areas Assumed to Contain ACM

Notwithstanding the requirements of §§ 1.23(A)(1), (2), and (3) of this Part above, any homogeneous area that is assumed to be ACM in accordance with 40 C.F.R. §§ 763.85(a)(4)(iii) and (iv) incorporated by reference at § 1.2(K) of this Part does not have to be sampled if the remaining elements of the assessment required by 40 C.F.R. § 763.85(a)(4)(v) incorporated by reference at § 1.2(K) of this Part and/or § 1.22 of this Part are completed.

B. Sampling Procedures

1. Materials
a. Clean, dry small jar (35 mm film canister or small, wide-mouthed glass jar) with screw-on lid

b. Knife (optional)

c. Core borer (optional)

d. Half-face cartridge respirator with two screw-in canisters; NIOSH approval number TC- 23C-153 (Mine Safety Appliance chemical cartridge: approved for organic volatiles, chlorine, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride; with dust, fume, mist (high efficiency) filter.

2. Sampling Methods
a. The material should be sampled when the area is not in use.

b. Only those persons needed for sampling should be present.

c. The sampler should wear an approved respirator.

d. The material to be sampled should be lightly misted with water to minimize fiber release.

e. Gently twist the open end of the container into the material, penetrating the depth of the material until material falls into the container. Use a knife or core borer to take the sample of cementitious materials and then empty the material into the container.

f. Close the container tightly and wipe off the exterior with a damp cloth. Tape the lid to prevent accidental opening during shipment or handling.

g. Label the sample container with a unique identification number, the name of the building, initials of the person who sampled, and the date of sample collection.

h. Make a record of each sample by noting the date the sample was taken, location of material sampled (including room or area), and the sample ID number.

i. Wet mop or wipe-up with a wet cloth any material which may have fallen on the floor.

j. Spray the area sampled with a clear shellac, varnish or similar material to minimize the potential for fiber release.

k. Clean the knife or core borer, if used, with water.

l. Submit samples to a laboratory certified by the Department to analyze asbestos.

m. Request that results be reported as type and percent asbestos by a method capable of determining asbestos content with a minimum detection level of 1% by weight.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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