ENVIRONET performs inspections and testing for asbestos containing materials (ACM) in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
We have completed assessment of several hundred structures targeted for demolition or renovation. Our NESHAPs report, provided to the demolition contractor or owner, includes the locations of materials tested, detailed description of location and condition, estimation as to linear feet or square feet of suspect material, photographs of the material, schematics of the structural lay-out of the building, laboratory results, chain-of-custody documentation, an assessor’s report for the building, and certifications of our licensed personnel.
The presence and condition of suspect ACM materials is documented in the ESA reports along with our recommendations to manage or remove the materials, as may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Structures targeted for demolition or significant remodeling require a full NESHAPS survey. EnviroNET‘s surveys follow the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements to identify and quantify materials that must be managed during property renovation or demolition projects.
Types of asbestos.
A distinction is made between building materials that would readily release asbestos fibers when damaged or disturbed and those materials that were unlikely to result in significant fiber release. The terms “friable” and “non-friable” are used to make this distinction.
FRIABLE
Friable asbestos-containing material, is defined by the Asbestos NESHAP, as any material containing more than one percent (1%) asbestos that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
NON-FRIABLE
Non-friable asbestos-containing material is any material containing more than one percent (1%) asbestos that, when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. EPA also defines two categories of nonfriable ACM, Category I and Category II nonfriable ACM
Category I
Non-friable asbestos containing material that has become friable when subjected to sanding, grinding, cutting or abrading.
Category II
Non-friable asbestos containing material that has a high probability of becoming or has become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the forces expected to act on the material in the course of demolition or renovation operations.
NESHAPs ACM Inspection
Do You Need a NESHAPs ACM Inspection?
Why NESHAPs might apply to YOU:
NESHAP regulations govern the inside and the outside of commercial buildings, with few exceptions. They were devised to protect human health from the exposure to asbestos fibers.
The US EPA established the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) under the Clean Air Act. The Asbestos NESHAP requires that commercial facilities and multi-family residential facilities with more than four units be inspected for asbestos-containing building materials (ACM) prior to renovation or demolition. Anything 1% or greater is “regulated” under State and Federal Law, therefore:
IF YOU ARE REMODELING OR DEMOLISHING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, NESHAPs applies to YOU.
EnviroNET has several certified and licensed inspectors to examine building materials and mechanical systems. Inspectors review building records/plans and perform interviews prior to the inspection to gain as much information about dates of constructions, additions, and renovations.
THE INSPECTION
Before mobilizing to the field, the inspector assembles the appropriate sampling tools, sample location repair materials, and personal protective equipment needed to complete the inspection of the interior and exterior materials. The inspector identifies suspect materials and homogeneous areas, areas that are uniform in color, texture, and age. Samples are collected consistent with OSHA and EPA regulations, assigned a unique identification number, packaged, preserved, and sent to the lab for analysis. The inspector documents sample names, locations, and homogeneous areas during the inspection and restores the area where the sample was collected to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. The samples are transported to an accredited laboratory under chain of custody for analysis of asbestos content.
YOUR REPORT
The inspector prepares a report documenting observations and sample collection events. Your report narrative includes building description; sample locations; materials and quantities tested; quantification and condition of materials testing positive; photographs; diagrams; laboratory report with chain of custody documentation; and inspector qualifications. The property owner may use the report to request bids to remove or abate the hazards associated with regulated ACM.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
In commercial settings, NESHAP ACM inspection reports are used to train workers as to the occurrence of ACM.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals specific to ACM are frequently required for janitorial staff / facilities maintenance personnel.
