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Asbestos Services Asbestos analysis of material samples should be performed by an independent laboratory accredited under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) ADD: lab code 200080-1. JRM performs all asbestos related consulting functions, including asbestos surveys (limited and/or comprehensive), asbestos project design specifications, air monitoring and abatement project oversight, training classes, and the development of Operations & Maintenance plans (O&M plans.) JRM approach to the asbestos issue is focused on understanding the needs and goals of our clients, while educating and advising them of current federal, state and local regulations. Effective, economical decisions are them developed balancing the client’s goals with applicable regulations. States mandate accreditation for asbestos related activities. JRM’s personnel are accredited in all states which we perform service. We have conducted asbestos surveys for clients throughout the United States and are cognizant of the variations in environmental regulations from state to state. Asbestos Investigations The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, 29 CFR 1926, 1101, requires building owners to identify the presence, location, and quantity of asbestos containing material (ACM) at a work site prior to the performance or any work on that site. This work includes custodial and maintenance activities. Asbestos analysis of material samples should be performed by an independent laboratory accredited under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). The results of the asbestos survey and analysis will then provide the baseline on which O&K plans, abatement specifications, tenant and employee notifications, and awareness training can be developed. Asbestos surveys may be comprehensive (performed for regulatory compliance purposes). As part of a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), an asbestos survey is frequently required. Generally, these surveys are very limited in scope, designed primarily to identify the most prominent or potential hazardous asbestos in a building. A limited survey will not obviate the need for a comprehensive OSHA asbestos survey. Once the information is compiled, the results are documented in customized reports detailing building description, asbestos locations, regulatory classification, quantity, condition, as well regulatory identification. Sample and material location maps, regulatory identification charts, abatement cost estimates, and photographs are frequently included. JRM will make recommendations as to how to best handle an asbestos issue based on cost, client goals, future renovation or demolition plans, if any, and the condition of asbestos materials. Asbestos Project Design When plans call for demolition and/or renovation that will affect asbestos containing materials (ACM), the asbestos must be abated prior to the commencement of the renovation and/or demolition activities. JRM will develop site specific specifications for such abatement which will include the following:
All project design specifications will also specify designated work periods, housekeeping requirements, security issues, unit pricing, insurance requirements, etc. Drawings of areas to be effected may also be included. For small scale projects, mini-specifications can be developed focusing on a limited scope of work. To provided maximum client protection, all project design work will be performed by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified Project Designer and all specifications must be written in strict accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Abatement Oversight Asbestos abatement oversight encompasses all components of asbestos projects, from contractor submittals to waste disposal and project close-out. Enforcement of the specifications in strict compliance with regulations protects the building owner/client from potential liability. Once an abatement project is completed, a close-out book detailing all aspects of the project, along with all required documentation, is forwarded to the client for their permanent records. Complex abatements of hi-rise buildings, schools, elevator shafts, ventilation systems, computer centers apartment complex, and hospitals, have been safety and economically completed by or staff. JRM personnel are EPA certified Contractor/Supervisors with a minimum of five (5) years experience. Most of our abetment oversight technicians are also NIOSH 582 certified, which qualifies them to set up on-site laboratories for the purpose of reading air monitoring cassettes on-site, which translates into faster results for our clients. Air Monitoring Generally, air monitoring is performed in conjunction with providing asbestos abetment oversight. Analysis of air samples, either by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), is necessary to provide and indication of how many fibers are contained in the air prior to starting a project, during the abatement project, and upon project completion. Re-occupancy of an area should not occur until clearance air monitoring samples have been taken, analyzed, and found to be within acceptable limits. In buildings with existing asbestos, ambient air monitoring should be performed periodically in random areas to control fiber content and to insure against potential liability. Accumulating air fiber data can be helpful in the event of a fiber release and can provide valuable baseline information during abatement projects. Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Plans A major component of successfully managing a residential or commercial building today is comprehensive, user friendly O&M Plan. To comply with the current OSHA regulations, an O&M Plan is a necessity. The O&M Plan should be designed to manage materials in place and should be specifically detailed to the affected site. The O&M Plan should highlight work practices and procedures directly relating to conditions in the building and should include the following: surveillance programs, notification programs, work controls, work permit systems, worker protection programs, work practices, record keeping, and training. JRM provides economic site specific O&M Plans, the objective of which is to create a practical management plan for the control of potential sources of airborne asbestos fibers in a building. The program objective is achieved by:
Conclusion Asbestos issues today are potential liability issues. JRM will confer with our clients on how to best comply with the regulations while meeting corporate goals and following their policies. Abatement of asbestos may not be the best option in some situations, but may be the only option under the circumstances. Methods of acceptable sampling and abatement practices vary from state to state and compliance issue decisions must be made with regard for local regulations. JRM assists its clients in developing appropriate environmental strategies and plans, including documentation, work practices, and emergency, to protect them from liability, thereby ensuring the safety of the building occupants. |
Asbestos
is one of the most common overlooked environmental issues encounters
on a property. How to most economically deal with asbestos issues,
while at the same time maintaining regulatory compliance without
the risk or liability, is frequently debated.
