Collecting and Shipping Samples

Before sending samples, please coordinate collection and shipment with BkA by emailing us. This way we can be sure to meet timeline requirements and other guidelines set forth in the applicable standard.

Each standard and testing program has its own validity requirements for collecting, packaging, handling, shipping, and documenting the test item. If you don’t see the standard listed below that applies to your test, email or call us at 510-236-2325. In all cases, sample collection must be carried out by an individual trained in sample selection and packaging.

Please ship samples to:

Sample Custodian
Berkeley Analytical
815 Harbour Way South, Unit 6
Richmond, CA 94804-3614
Phone: 510-236-2325

Standard Sample Collection, Packaging & Shipment
CDPH, Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, V1.1-2010 Section 2 of the CDPH Standard Method covers collection, packaging, shipment and documentation of samples. Download the full text of the standard here or from the CDPH site.
ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007, Standard Test Method for Determining VOC Emissions from Office Furniture Systems, Components and Seating ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007, Section 8 and Appendix 3. Workstations, components and seating must arrive at the lab within 15 days of manufacturing and tests must commence within 25 days of manufacturing. Items must be packaged in manufacturer’s most air tight system.
ASTM D 6007, Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air from Wood Products Using a Small-Scale Chamber Cut panels into squares approximately 12 by 12 inches. Dead stack 4 or 5 squares and wrap stack in poly sheeting >=6-mil thickness. For testing compliant with CARB ATCM, special procedures for collecting test specimens from board products apply as defined in the Final Order, Section 93120.9.2.A.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC-CH-C1001-09.2 for toys and child care items Details are being developed by the CPSC. Sample must be representative of group of identical products. Send sample in consumer package if applicable; otherwise, place in poly ‘zip’ bag or wrap in aluminium foil.

 

Many of the standards, or product certification programs based on these standards, provide guidance on:

  • Personnel requirements
  • Representative sampling guidelines
  • Collection criteria
  • Packaging requirements to preserve chemical integrity
  • Timelines on the allowable amount of time that may elapse between the manufacturing date and the commencement of laboratory testing.

When sending a sample, use the appropriate Berkeley Analytical Chain-of-Custody (COC) form. The COC form identifies the customer, the manufacturer (if different), and the product; provides information regarding collection and shipping of the sample; defines the test to be performed, and constitutes a record of the organizations that have been responsible for the sample from its collection through its receipt and handling by the laboratory.

For product samples, we recommend shipping by airfreight to minimize the time the sample is kept in a thermally uncontrolled environment. Furniture items may be shipped by the manufacturer’s standard carrier systems as long as delivery within the timeline can be assured.