Too Hot to Handle: How ECBC Keeps its Cool when Investigating an Unknown Sample - Part II

Too Hot to Handle: How ECBC Keeps its Cool when Investigating an Unknown Sample - Part II

ECBC is kicking off a week-long blog series that walks you through the process of how the Center’s Chemical Biological Application and Risk Reduction (CBARR) Business Unit safely handles and processes an unknown sample, from onsite recovery to laboratory sample analysis. Unidentified contents can pose great dangers to personnel supporting Department of Defense remediation efforts across the country. With a highly trained and experienced workforce that is certified, vaccinated, cleared and mobile, it is no wonder why ECBC is recognized as a leading entity that can safely determine unknown samples and recommend follow-up protocols to ensure proper handling.

Part II: How does ECBC determine how to handle an unknown sample?

Members of ECBC’s Chemical Operations Branch, Environmental Monitoring Laboratory (EML) and the Safety and Health Office meet and perform a table-top risk assessment for handling the unknown sample. Determining proper methods, the sample container is opened and the solid or liquid contents are assessed and analyzed by the appropriate methods in accordance with customer requirements.