A survey before work starts protects workers, occupants and your company.
In this article
Asbestos is still in older buildings
Many buildings constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos in flooring, insulation, roofing, drywall compound and other materials. Disturbing it during renovation or demolition can release fibers that cause serious disease. A survey before work starts protects workers, occupants and your company.
Regulations
EPA's asbestos NESHAP rules generally require an inspection before renovation or demolition of many buildings, and OSHA has rules for worker exposure. States and cities often add their own requirements.
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Who does the survey
Surveys are done by accredited asbestos inspectors who take samples and send them to a lab.
When to survey
Before demolition, gut renovations and any work that disturbs suspect materials in older buildings.
Read the report
The report lists materials that contain asbestos and their location. Plan the work around it.
Abatement first
If asbestos will be disturbed, a licensed abatement contractor removes it before your work.
Schedule and budget
Surveys and abatement take time and money. Include them in the plan from the start.
Contract language
Define who pays for surveys and abatement, and what happens if hidden asbestos is found.
Stop if you find suspect material
If crews uncover material not in the report, stop and test.
Keep records
Keep survey reports and abatement documents with project records.
Common mistakes
Assuming a building is too new, skipping the survey on small jobs and letting crews demo first and ask later.
An example
Before a tenant improvement in a 1970s office, the GC orders a survey. Old floor tile and mastic test positive. Abatement is scheduled first, the schedule absorbs one week, and the owner is informed before the contract is signed.
Where to start
Add an asbestos question to your pre-bid checklist for every building older than about 1980: has a survey been done, and where is the report? Asking before you price protects the schedule and the budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Is an asbestos survey required before demolition?
EPA rules generally require an inspection before renovation or demolition of many buildings, and state and local rules often add requirements.