Privacy and Confidentiality Policy (GLE-ADMIN-01, Revision 00)

GLE Analytical Laboratory, LLC
Effective Date: January 1st, 2026

This Policy was prepared by and used solely by GLE Analytical Laboratory.

GLE Analytical Laboratory, LLC (“GLE,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information we collect in the course of providing environmental laboratory services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through our interactions with customers, partners, and visitors, whether through phone, text message (SMS), email, online communications, or in person, and in accordance with applicable consent and privacy laws.

1. Confidentiality Commitment

GLE maintains the confidentiality of all customer information and laboratory data, except where disclosure is:

• Authorized by the customer in writing
• Required by law, regulation, accreditation body, or court order
• Necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or regulatory reporting requirements

All laboratory personnel, including management, analysts, support staff and service providers are required to maintain confidentiality and are trained on confidentiality and data protection obligations as part of their employment and ongoing competency requirements.

2. Collection of Information

Information is collected directly from customers or their authorized representatives through:

• In-person interactions at GLE’s physical location
• Phone, fax, email, and SMS communications
• Sample submissions and chain-of-custody documentation
• Contracts, service agreements, and billing records

Only information necessary to perform analytical services, meet accreditation requirements, and conduct business operations is collected.

Information relating to employees is collected and used solely for employment, operational, and compliance purposes and is handled in accordance with applicable labor and privacy laws.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect personal and business information, including but not limited to:

• Contact Information: Name, company name, mailing address, email address, phone number, fax number
• Customer and Project Information: Sample submission and Chain-of-Custody documentation, project information, sample information, analytical results and reports
• Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, text messages (SMS), and in-person communications
• Billing Information: Invoices, payment information, records, and related financial information
• Website Information (if applicable): IP address, browser type, and basic usage data

4. How We Use Your Information

GLE uses collected information for legitimate business purposes, including:

• Providing environmental laboratory testing and analytical services
• Communicating about projects, reports, schedules, and results
• Responding to inquiries and customer support requests
• Ensuring traceability and data integrity of samples and results
• Supporting internal audits and external accreditation assessments
• Sending administrative, service-related, or transactional communications
• Billing, invoicing, and payment processing
• Maintaining records required by regulatory or accreditation bodies
• Complying with legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations

5. Data Integrity and Impartiality

GLE safeguards the integrity of laboratory data by:

• Implementing controlled access to laboratory information systems
• Preventing unauthorized alteration, deletion, or misuse of data
• Maintaining traceability of analytical results and records
• Ensuring impartiality and preventing conflicts of interest in testing activities

Laboratory data is reviewed, verified, and authorized in accordance with GLE’s Quality Management System.

6. In-Person, Electronic, Phone, and SMS Communications

6.1 In-Person Interactions

When you visit our facilities or interact with our staff in person, we may collect information necessary to provide services, ensure safety, and maintain accurate records. This may include visitor logs or sample intake documentation. Access to laboratory areas is restricted to authorized personnel and escorted visitors.

6.2 Phone and Email Communications

We may communicate with you via email or phone for operational, administrative, or service-related purposes. While we take reasonable measures to protect communications, no method of transmission is entirely secure. Please avoid sending sensitive personal or payment information via unsecured email.

6.3 Text Messaging (SMS) Communications

If you opt in to receive SMS messages using your mobile phone number, by providing express consent, you may receive messages related to:

• Sample receipt confirmations
• Project updates or status notifications
• Scheduling or logistical communications
• Administrative or service-related notices

We do not sell or share mobile phone numbers to third parties or use SMS messages for marketing or promotional purposes. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP or by contacting us directly. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of purchase. You may receive a final confirmation message after opting out. For help, reply HELP or contact us directly.

7. Information Sharing and Disclosure

GLE does not rent, sell or share personal information. We may share information only as necessary to:

• Perform contracted laboratory services
• Accreditation bodies and assessors for audit and assessment purposes
• Trusted service providers supporting laboratory operations, bound by confidentiality agreements
• Authorized subcontract laboratories under confidentiality obligations
• Comply with legal or regulatory requirements
• Respond to lawful requests from government authorities
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of GLE, our customers, or others

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal and confidential information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Access to information is limited to personnel with a legitimate business need. SMS communications and consent records may be retained as required for legal, regulatory, or compliance purposes.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal and project information including communication records for as long as necessary to fulfill business purposes, contractual obligations, regulatory requirements or applicable accreditation standards. Records are protected from loss, damage, unauthorized access, and premature destruction.

10. Customer Rights and Choices

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of information, subject to legal or contractual requirements
• Opt-out of non-essential communications

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below. These rights may vary depending on applicable state or federal law.

11. Third-Party Websites

If our communications or website contain links to third-party websites, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

GLE may update this Privacy and Confidentiality Policy as necessary to reflect changes in laws, accreditation standards, or laboratory operations. The effective date will be updated accordingly.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

GLE Analytical Laboratory, LLC
2201 W. Campbell Park Drive
Suite 222
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 224-7047
Email: info@glechicago.com