NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
If any dust and/or debris was found in the apartment we collected a bulk sample and sent it to the
laboratory for analysis.
If no sample could be taken due to insufficient material present at the time we were in the
-mm-- apartment, the inspector documented this on the log.
4.2 Air Sampling Procedures
ALC's licensed technicians collected air samples using TEM Methodology. The technician
collected five (5) air samples on each floor. The samples were taken in three (3) apartments and at
two separate areas in the hallways on each floor. The technician identified the locations that
appeared to contain the most visible dust and debris to perform sampling.
The air samples were collected using high volume air sampling pumps. Once the pumps were in
place the air sampling technician recorded the location, time, date, sample numbers, pump number,
• flow rate, start and stop times and his initials.
The air cassette was independent of the pump motor. This is to prevent the vibrations of the motor
from affecting the fibers in the cassette. A separate stand or tripod was used to hold the cassette in
place. The cassette was angled 45 degrees downward from the horizontal stand. This is to insure
that no asbestos will drop into the cassette while sampling.
Using a rotameter, we calibrated each pump to the required flow rate, noting this rate on the
sample record. After calibrating the pumps, the end cap from the cassette was removed; the pump
was turned on and run for the required amount of time.
The sampling pumps were checked periodically to ensure they were still operating, the cassettes
were still in place, and no one has disturbed the equipment. If at any time the area being sampled
was suspected of having high fiber counts, the filter inside the cassettes were examined for
"overloading", or an excessive amount of fibers and/or debris on the filter.
When the pre-determined volume of air has been collected, the technician then calibrated the
sampling pump again to determine the current flow rate. This rate will often be different from the
flow rate measured at the beginning of the sampling period. That difference is usually due to the
clogging of the filter, thereby adding increased resistance to the flow of air.
Once the pre-determined volume of air has been reached, the time was recorded as well as on the
cassette. Before the pump was turned off, the cassette was angled upward and the cap replaced
and the end plug. The cassettes were placed in sealed containers, labeled with an identifying code
and a sample log was kept. The samples were then submitted to the laboratory to be analyzed for
asbestos content. A chain of custody record was prepared and accompanied the samples to the
laboratory.
4.3. Asbestos Analysis and Methodology
Each air sample is cross-referenced by field designation and lab internal code to ensure proper,
consistent handling through a chain of custody. Sample preparation takes place within a HEPA
Filter clean bench to avoid any possible contamination. Air sampling was conducted at a level
approximating the breathing zone of persons anticipated to be present in the area during normal
operations. Samples collected represent the typical airborne fiber concentration of the area.
NYC-WTC 000095213
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