scope:

This guideline describes a method of taking material samples and sample preparation for subsequent analytical detection of the forms of asbestos relevant to industry, that is to say chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos), in technical products, for example building materials, where asbestos has been specifically added at a content by mass greater than 1%, to achieve certain product properties. If required, notes are given in Parts 2 to 5 of VDI guideline 3866 on analysis of the other types of asbestos as well (actinolite, anthophyllite, tremolite).

This guideline and its constituent parts does not cover the detection or exclusion of trace levels of asbestos (for example contamination), although the microscopic methods of analysis are suitable in principle for the detection of traces. However, the confirmed detection of asbestos contents less than 1% requires considerably higher expenditure than the extent required for the analytical objectives defined in this guideline.

This guideline contains no instructions on taking a systematic inventory of asbestos-containing materials, for example as covered by the German asbestos guidelines [7]. The field of application is restricted to taking and preparing samples. The sampling sites must be established in advance during measurement planning.