Standard Practices for Bulk Sample Collection and Swab Sample Collection of Visible Powders Suspected of Being Biological Agents and Toxins from Nonporous Surfaces

Importancia y uso:

4.1 These practices should be used only to collect visible samples that are suspected biological agents and toxins and have been field screened as defined by the FBI-DHS-HHS/CDC Coordinated Document for explosive hazard, radiological hazard, and other acute chemical hazards.

4.2 These practices provide standardized methods for collecting, packaging, and transporting suspicious visible powder samples that are suspected biological agents and toxins. Collection of a bulk powder material from a nonporous surface using a sterile swab and laminated card as the collection devices to move the material into a container will depend on several factors, including (but not limited to): (1) amount of visible powder present; (2) sample composition; (3) choice of collection device; (4) size and shape of the collection container; (5) ability of the powder to become aerosolized; (6) texture and porosity of the surface; (7) humidity; (8) air movement; and (9) electrostatic properties of powders and collection tools/containers.

4.3 Similarly, these practices standardize methods for sampling suspicious visible powders for on-site analysis, although wipe and swab sampling is often employed in the field for subsequent LRN reference laboratory analysis. The ability to collect suitable samples from nonporous surfaces using a sterile moistened swab will depend on the following factors: (1) swabbing procedure; (2) swab material; (3) sample composition; and (4) texture of the surface.

4.4 These practices standardize suspicious powder collection and packaging procedures and swab sampling procedures in order to reduce exposure risk, to reduce variability associated with sample handling and sample analysis, and to increase reliability of sampling visible powder samples from nonporous surfaces.

4.5 The bulk sample collection practice and the swab sampling practice are recommended for collecting amassed or dispersed powder samples from all nonporous surfaces on which the suspicious powder sample is clearly visible.

4.6 These practices are not recommended for samples on porous materials such as upholstery, carpeting, air filters, or ceiling tiles.

4.7 These practices are recommended for collecting visible powders where the bulk of the powder sample is amassed or dispersed over a limited area (optimally, area should be less than 20 by 20 cm (approximately 8 by 8 in.) or 400 cm² (approximately 64 in.²).

4.8 These practices are to be performed by personnel who are adequately trained to work with hazardous materials in the hot zone (see NFPA 472, or OSHA - 29 CFR 1910.120). Personnel performing collection or screening under these practices shall be adequately trained in the use of sampling equipment, materials, and procedures. This includes personnel performing the prior initial chemical and radiological screening. Personnel should use the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate hazards during collection and screening. Personnel performing collection or screening under these practices shall be aware of evidence preservation and sampling procedures (NFPA 472 section 6.5).

4.9 These standard practices should be used in accordance with Guide E2770 for best practices for planning, training and evaluation of competency.

Subcomité:

E54.01

Referida por:

E2771-11R19E01, E3395-23, E3095-17R24, E2852-13R21, E2805-18, E2770-17, E3394-23

Volúmen:

15.08

Número ICS:

13.300 (Protection against dangerous goods), 71.040.40 (Chemical analysis), 87.040 (Paints and varnishes)

Palabras clave:

packaging; sample collection; suspicious powders; swab;