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Sampling Instructions

General Guide Water Sampling

A general guide of minimal precautions – microbiological quality testing of bore water for drinking purposes

Drinking water should be safe to use and aesthetically pleasing. Sources of drinking water are typically mains supplied water (tap water), groundwater (bores, wells), surface water (dams, lakes, reservoirs) or rainwater tanks. Any water intended for consumption should be tested for microbial and chemical quality.

Water quality testing can provide valuable information about the condition of a particular body of water, and whether it may require special treatment before use. The best way to do that is to work with an experienced and accredited water testing laboratory. NATA Accredited, MLP Laboratories has many years of experience in water quality testing.

If collecting a water sample yourself, the accompanying instructions are generalised and provide minimum precautions for sampling bore and rain water for microbiological parameters. Different methods may additionally apply based on your requirements. That’s why we strongly recommend before getting started, you do drop us a line or call us during business hours to ensure that sampling equipment, preservatives, and procedures for sample collection are acceptable.

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1 Taps

When sampling from a tap open fully and let water run to waste for 2-3 minutes or for a time sufficient to permit clearing of the service line. Reduce the flow to permit filling the bottle without splashing.

If tap cleanliness is questionable apply a solution of Sodium Hypochlorite (5mL bleach + 1 cup water) or a flame to the faucet before sampling. Run water for an additional 2-3 minutes after treatment.

If sampling from a hot/cold tap, run hot water for 2 minutes then cold water for 2-3 minutes and collect samples as above.

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2 Reservoirs (eg: tanks, swimming pools, cooling towers, etc)

Hold the closed bottle near its base and plunge it below the surface.

Remove the cap and turn thebottle until Its neck points slightly upward and mouth is directed toward the current. If there is no current, create one by pushing the bottle forward away from the body.

Replace the cap while the bottle is still below the surface.

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General Guide Asbestos Sampling

A general guide of minimal precautions

Disturbing loose fibrous insulation material that contains asbestos can be extremely dangerous. It is highly recommended that sampling is carried out by by a qualified occupational hygienist or other suitably qualified professional because of the increased health risk of fibres being released during the process. If the sampling process is conducted incorrectly, it can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. All asbestos samples must be analysed by a NATA Accredited laboratory, like MPL Laboratories.

If collecting an asbestos sample yourself, the accompanying instructions are generalised and provide minimum precautions. This process is sourced from the Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, published by Safe Work Australia.

The jurisdiction that sampling takes place can further determine methods and other requirements of the asbestos professional who is to carry out the process. In some instances, these requirements may vary between states and territories. That’s why we strongly recommend before getting started, you do first check with your WHS regulator and other relevant authorities in your location. You can also drop us a line or call us during business hours so that we can assist you with sending samples and your testing requirements at our NATA Accredited laboratory.

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1 Getting started

Proper safety precautions should be always observed, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) when collecting a sample – this may include wearing protective gloves, coveralls and footwear. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must be worn, including a P2 respirator that complies with Australian Standards AS/NZ 1716. Ordinary dust masks will not protect you from inhaling asbestos fibres or dust.

Keep your respirator on until all work and clean-up is done and your contaminated clothing and other PPE is removed, bagged and sealed.
Make sure you have the Chain of Custody (COC), which can be downloaded on our website for completion.
Other precautions depending on circumstances may include wearing disposable coveralls and ensuring nobody is in the premises whilst sampling is being done. Any heating or cooling systems should be shut down to minimise spread of released fibres, especially friable asbestos, which as the most harmful form of asbestos, refers to any asbestos-containing materials easily powdered or broken by hand.
Collect the equipment needed for sampling, including pliers and resealable plastic bags.

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2 Sample collection

Wearing PPE, dampen or wet the material being tested.
Depending on the scenario, a plastic drop sheet may be required to catch any loose material that may fall off while collecting the sample.
Before using pliers or any other available tool, place a baby-wipe to protect the inside edges of the tool. If the inside of the pliers is “ribbed” or textured, this precaution helps limit the possibility of parts of the sample getting stuck in these textured areas.
Break off a small thumbnail sized sample.
For fibre cement sheeting, take the sample from a corner edge or along an existing hole or crack.
Place the sample into a sealable polythene bag, such as a sandwich bag.
Place the bagged sample into another sealable bag.

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3 Cleaning up

Seal the exposed edge of the sample being tested for asbestos with duct tape, paint or glue to avoid fibre release.
Clean any tools used with a wet paper towel or baby-wipes and place in a separate bag to the sampled material.
If a plastic drop sheet was used for sampling, carefully wrap this with adhesive (cloth or duct) tape and then place into a labelled heavy duty plastic asbestos waste disposal bag.
Place the disposable gloves and coveralls into the disposal bag.
Wash hands - additional decontamination steps may be required, including personal washing.
Keep your respirator on until all work and clean-up is done and your contaminated clothing and other PPE is removed, bagged and sealed.
Store non-disposable RPE in a sealed and labelled container or dispose of the RPE as asbestos waste.
Upon receipt, our team will organise the safe disposal of discarded consumables used in the sample collection.

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4 Sending samples for laboratory analysis

Samples must be labelled in conjunction with the sample identification on the COC.
A copy of the fully completed COC must accompany the asbestos samples to the laboratory so work can immediately commence upon receipt with the correct test requirements, sample identifications and other relevant details.
Send your double-bagged samples by courier or alternatively bring the sample to one of our office locations or laboratories.

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5 Receiving results

Results will be reported within two business days.
Faster turnarounds (TATs) available for the same day. Samples must be received by 11am for a 4-5 hour fast turnaround. Surcharges apply depending on timings.
Outstanding payments for testing services will receive an invoice and must be settled prior to the release of reporting.
If asbestos is present in the sample, your report will provided detail the type of asbestos identified in the testing.
Disposal of asbestos materials are subject to state or territory and local procedures.

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