Environmental Technician how-to
How to Complete a Chain-of-Custody Form
A broken chain of custody can make sample results unusable. Document every handoff.
A broken chain of custody can make sample results unusable. Document every handoff. In short: fill; list; note, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Fill in project name, site, sampler names and contact information.
List each sample ID, date, time, matrix (water, soil, air) and number of containers.
Note preservatives and requested analyses for each sample.
Sign and date when you relinquish samples to the courier or lab.
Have the receiver sign, date and note the time and sample temperature.
Keep a copy for project records.
Safety reminders for environmental technicians
- Follow the site health and safety plan and wear required PPE
- Monitor air for VOCs and hazardous gases when required
- Use traffic and weather precautions for field work
- Handle sample preservatives (acids) with gloves and eye protection
Key terms
Chain of custody · Grab sample · Composite sample · Low-flow purging · PID · VOCs: see the full environmental technician glossary.