ASBESTOS GASKET IDENTIFICATION

NON-FRIABLE MATERIAL

Asbestos gaskets were used on older high-temperature thermocouple leads, oven gaskets, and brake drums. It is the most flexible of the asbestos minerals and is the one typically used also in making asbestos cloth and asbestos paper.

Step by Step

It is important to follow the instruction provided and use safety gear for your safety.

Equipment

The following equipment is required:

1. Shaving Foam

2. Knife or Scissors

3. Ziplock-type plastic sandwich bag

4. Paper

5. Pen

Sample Site Selection

1. A sample can be collected from any location along the edge of the heat shield. If variations in the appearance of the heat shield are present, then each different area of shielding should be sampled.

Collecting the Sample

1. Score the ceramic shielding to provide a break line or cut the mat to provide at least a 1 square inch piece of the heat shield.

2. The shaving foam can be used to minimize dusting at the sample site. Simply deposit a small quantity of foam along the score lines or the cut-line for the sample before breaking or cutting the sample.

3. The ceramic material can be broken by setting the screwdriver blade in the scoreline and tapping it with the hammer.

4. Place the sample in the plastic bag.

5. Seal the plastic bag.

6. Write the location of the sample on a piece of paper and deposit the sample bag and the piece of paper in a second plastic bag.

The finished sample can be delivered to Microlab Northwest or mailed if well sealed and solidly packaged.