Building Surveys
Virtually all-commercial buildings constructed prior to 1980 contain some form
of asbestos. In order for building owners to assess
the status of asbestos-containing materials in their facilities, samples of all
suspect building materials are carefully analyzed to determine whether asbestos
is present. We then prepare a detailed report, which contains:
- Description of bulk samples taken
- Method of quality control
- List of all areas found to contain friable asbestos
- Corrective action alternatives
- Abatement Cost Estimates
- List non-friable materials suspected of containing asbestos
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Operations and Maintenance Plans
If asbestos-containing materials are found to
be present, an Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
Plan is highly recommended. The O&M Plan
should be continued until the asbestos material
is removed, since removal is the only
permanent means of eliminating the threat of
possible exposure to the occupants of the
building. An Operations and Maintenance Plan serves
two purposes:
- It provides assurance that prudent steps are being taken to minimize the exposure potential
- to the employees, public and maintenance workers in the building.
- It serves as documentation of the steps the owner has taken to reduce the exposure potential.
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Abatement Design
When asbestos-containing materials are present, one of several response actions
must be implemented. The Cole and Associates personnel are EPA Accredited as
Abatement Project Designers and are also either Professional Engineers or
Industrial Hygienists. Following are some of the key elements necessary for a
successful abatement project:
- Bid Advertisement - A large pool of qualified bidders will reduce costs to the
owner. We recommend pre-qualification of prospective bidders. A project walk
through and pre-bid conference are also highly recommended.
- Contract Administration - The project administration includes submittal review, work plan review, issuance of notices to proceed, issuance of addenda, change orders and final closeout. General project supervision is provided throughout the construction phase.
- Abatement Surveillance - Worker protection rules require full time air monitoring and final clearance sampling of the abatement work area. This work is crucial in protecting the abatement worker, building occupants and documenting that the work was done safely.
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