New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following is an exception to the main sampling rule for TSI?

1. When the section is over 10 square feet

2. When the section is less than 6 linear or square feet

3. When the material is painted

4. When you suspect it is not ACM

The correct answer is: When the section is less than 6 linear or square feet

The correct answer relates to the specific guidelines regarding the sampling of Thermal System Insulation (TSI) materials. In the context of asbestos investigation, the main sampling rule generally requires that for materials that are classified as suspect asbestos-containing material (ACM), certain minimum sizes are to be adhered to for sampling purposes. When the section of TSI material is less than 6 linear or square feet, it is often considered to be an insignificant amount of material from a regulatory standpoint. This means that for such small sections, it's permissible to forego the standard practice of collecting samples. The rationale behind this exception is based on the understanding that the risk of exposure or the likelihood of the material containing measurable amounts of asbestos is lower in smaller quantities. In contrast, larger sections of TSI, those above 10 square feet, or when the material is painted, would still require sampling, as they could pose a higher risk or indicate actual ACM presence. The same idea applies to materials where there is a suspicion regarding the absence of ACM, wherein investigative protocols often dictate further examination regardless of size. By adhering to these exceptions, investigators can streamline their process while still maintaining safety protocols and regulatory compliance when assessing potential asbestos risks.