Asbestos Survey

What is an Asbestos Survey?

•    An asbestos survey is an examination of a structure (commercial or private) to determine whether or not asbestos is present. Once widely used in all construction efforts, asbestos is now considered a hazardous and life-threating agent. As a result of the dangerous characteristics associated, an asbestos survey is a necessary procedure designed to identify asbestos materials within a structure.

•    An asbestos survey is administered during renovations and demolitions. A failure to conduct an asbestos survey during construction can result in a spread of asbestos fibers which can cause mesothelioma or other diseases associated with the lungs.

Why an Asbestos Survey is Mandatory:

•    The majority of laws associated with asbestos are regulated on a local level. In the majority of regions, an asbestos survey is required for all construction projects or major procedural changes to structures which contain asbestos. Such states require all construction companies or private contractors to conduct an asbestos survey for both remodeling and the demolition of a structure. A failure to administer an asbestos survey will impede the company from obtaining a building permit; this delay will effectively halt the construction process and result in numerous tangible and opportunity costs.
•    An asbestos survey is mandated by state law because of the potential dangers associated with removing or ripping asbestos-based materials during a construction process. When asbestos is inert and undisturbed, the products are not considered harmful; however, if ripped apart during a renovation or demolition, the asbestos will flake off. When these airborne fibers are inhaled, they attack the lungs and overtime can develop into cancerous tumors or cells. As a result of this process, an asbestos survey is a crucial step in a renovation or demolition project.

Asbestos Survey Process:

•    Qualified personnel will be hired by a Construction Company or private contractor to remove asbestos from a structure undergoing a renovation or demolition.  In cases where the asbestos survey is coordinated by an owner-occupied building, the individual doing the renovations may remove the asbestos him or herself so long as they follow the proper protocols for handling and disposal are adhered to. These protocols, which are issued by each state and jurisdiction, must be observed if the project is undertaken in a private manner. That being said, all removal efforts will require the inclusion of an asbestos team—these teams will include at least one asbestos professional.
•    When an asbestos survey professional is incorporated into the abatement process, the surveyor will evaluate all materials and components of the structure which may contain asbestos. The most extensive forms of asbestos surveys are found during pre-demolition and major refurbishment projects. These surveys will address concerns about disturbing wall insulation, under layers of floors, and other areas where asbestos may be present. The results of an asbestos survey will include a comprehensive discussion about all the areas where asbestos has been found, along with recommendations for remediation.