Saturday, March 9, 2013

Asbestos Abatement Sampling and Analysis Before Demolition

March 9 2013

Prior to doing any demolition, an asbestos survey must be conducted and sampling and analysis conducted.

Where asbestos may be found?  According to the USEPA:

  • Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite
  • Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives
  • Roofing and siding shingles
  • Textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceilings
  • Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets
  • Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape
  • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation
  • Heat-resistant fabrics
  • Automobile clutches and brakes
Here is a video of about asbestos testing. Two types of air sampling are conducted on an asbestos abatement project: - Personnel Sampling required by OSHA - Area sampling required by EPA (AHERA), NYSDOL and NYCDEP