New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

What is the recommended action before sampling a material?

1. Tap the material to check for stability

2. Spray it

3. Visual inspection only

4. Remove a small piece for testing

The correct answer is: Spray it

Before sampling a material suspected to contain asbestos, the recommended action is to spray it. This practice is crucial because it helps to minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the air during the sampling process. Wetting the material reduces the risk of inhalation and exposure to airborne asbestos particles, which can be harmful to health. This procedure usually involves using a mist of water or a wetting agent. It serves to control the dust and fibers, allowing for safer handling and collection of samples. By dampening the material prior to sampling, the investigator can significantly reduce the potential for fiber release during the collection. In contrast, there are other methods such as tap testing, visual inspection, and removing a small piece of the material, which may not effectively mitigate fiber release or could potentially expose the investigator to health hazards. Thus, spraying the material before any sampling is the best practice to ensure safety and accuracy in assessing asbestos content.