Envirotest provides Certified Asbestos Inspectors,
Project Monitors, Management Planners and Project Designers
Asbestos testing consists of taking samples
in accordance with Federal, State and
local authority from a building and performing bulk sample testing by a certified
laboratory.
Why is Asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos
is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne
when distributed. These fibers get into the air
and may become inhaled into the lungs,
where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers still have not
determined a "safe level" of exposure but we know the greater and the longer the exposure,
the greater
the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these health problems
include:
Asbestosis
- a lung disease first found in naval shipyard
workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become
trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers
by producing an acid. This acid, due to the chemical
resistance
of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but may scar the
surrounding tissue. Eventually, this
scarring may become so
severe that the lungs cannot function. The latency period (
meaning the time it takes for
the disease to become developed)
is often 25-40 years.
Mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura
( the outer lining of the
lung and chest cavity) and/ or the peritoneum ( the lining of the
abdominal wall). This
form of cancer is peculiar because the only
known cause is from asbestos exposure. The latency period for
mesothelioma
is often 15-30 years.
Lung Cancer - caused by asbestos. The effects of lung cancer
are often
greatly increased by cigarette smoking ( by about
50%). Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by
asbestos. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years.
Asbestos
Do's And Don'ts For The Homeowner
Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material
that may contain asbestos.
Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do have
removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in
handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling
and minor
repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may
contain asbestos.
Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
Don't use abrasive
pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from
asbestos flooring.
Never use a power stripper on a dry
floor.
Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When
asbestos flooring needs replacing,
install new floor covering over it, if
possible.
Don't track material that could contain asbestos through
the house. If
you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet
mop. If the material is from
a damaged area, or if a large area must be
cleaned, call an asbestos professional.
ASBESTOS INSPECTION
AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT
In order
to determine the location, quantity and condition of any suspect materials containing environmental hazards in a facility,
a comprehensive survey must be performed. Inspectors must first visually examine all spaces in the facility. Next, surfaces
are tested and samples taken to determine the presence of hazards on the given surface. Once the physical survey is complete,
a report is issued which details the location, quantity and condition of each material and also includes initial recommendations
and cost estimates for the abatement action.
PROJECT
DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONSOnce
materials containing hazards have been identified, remedial or maintenance strategies can then become activated. Project specifications
for abatement are developed based on the potential for disturbance, condition of material and other client needs. Project-specific
design and abatement specifications prepared by Envirotest ensures our clients that the work is performed in an efficient
and effective manner. Elements of the Design/Specification process include:
Prioritization of material for abatement
Abatement specifications
Project drawings
Bid documents
Project phasing and scheduling
PROJECT MONITORING AND SAMPLING
Envirotest can provide on-site personnel to monitor contractor activities and collect samples during
each phase of the abatement project. Air samples are collected continuously in and around the work area to determine current
asbestos concentrations. Contractor compliance and progress are noted for each work shift on daily log sheets for further
documentation of the project. Once the abatement is complete, Envirotest visually inspects the work area for any remaining
hazard. Samples of representative areas can then be collected and analyzed to confirm the work area status.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
An experienced Project Manager is assigned to each project
and is involved in every step of the abatement process. The purpose of the Project Manager is to assist the client in any
manner possible to ensure an efficient and effectively managed abatement project. The Project Manager also makes visits to
the site to assist in solving problems or conflicts that may arise, conducts project progress meetings, coordinates all necessary
paperwork, manages correspondence and provides guidance and supervision relevant to the overall project.
TECHNICAL REPORT
Once the abatement is complete, Envirotest will organize
the necessary project data and issue a technical report. The final report is the last step in ensuring completion of a well-documented
abatement project. The final report includes information pertaining to each step of the abatement project. The report also
includes copies of the original field and laboratory data to complete the project documentation.
