Collecting & 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 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 a qualified individual trained in sample selection and packaging.
Please ship samples to BkA at the address below. If you require the fastest next day delivery service, use FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air. Do NOT use FedEx First Overnight or UPS Next Day Air Early as this may result in delayed delivery.
Berkeley Analytical
Attn: Sample Custodian
815 Harbour Way South, Unit 6
Richmond, CA 94804-3614
Ph: 510-236-2325
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 by the laboratory.
We recommend shipping small samples 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.
| STANDARD | SAMPLE COLLECTION, PACKAGING & SHIPMENT | |
| CDPH, Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, V1.2-2017 | Section 2 of the CDPH Standard Method covers collection, packaging, shipment and documentation of samples. See our sampling guide or download the full text of the standard here | |
| ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011(R2016), Standard Test Method for Determining VOC Emissions from Office Furniture Systems, Components and Seating | ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011(R2016), Section 9 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. See our sampling guide | |
| ASTM D6007, 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 or two layers of aluminum foil. See our info graphic on sample preparation and shipping | |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4. Applicable for the analysis of phthalate ester content in toys, child care items, and consumer products (CA Proposition 65) | 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 aluminum foil. | |