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The intent of the asbestos survey is to identify suspected Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)
at a specific project site. ENSPEC's initial step in any asbestos survey project is to first
perform a records review of available previous survey and analytical data for the project
location, to identify those locations containing known or presumed ACM, and develop our survey
and bulk sampling strategy based upon this review. Ascertaining which materials have been
previously identified as ACM or non-ACM can minimize the survey labor, analytical and design
costs. The survey itself is accomplished by a review of original construction plans and
specifications, building plans and any other available pertinent records.
This is followed by a visual examination of the project site to determine if suspected ACMs
are present and to determine the type, quantity, condition, and exposure potential of all
materials found to contain asbestos. Representative samples of a suspected ACM are collected,
its location documented, and quantity estimated. Samples are then submitted to an accredited
laboratory for testing.
ENSPEC's site inspections are performed to satisfy the US-EPA's requirements for conducting
a survey for suspect ACM prior to site demolition, alteration or renovation under the
November, 1990 NESHAP Rule (40 CFR Part 61, Asbestos). The sampling strategy followed is
consistent with the US-EPA "Purple Book", EPA document 560/5-85-024 for conducting a site
inspection. The suspect materials are assessed using the protocols described in the US-EPA
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulation (40 CFR Part 763). ENSPEC Inspectors
determine the material condition and potential for damage by the following means: physically
touching the material to determine friability (crushed, crumbled or pulverized by hand
pressure), observing the current condition for signs of delaminating or deterioration,
and determining the potential for damage due to vibrations, erosion or unplanned
disturbances.
ENSPEC prepares an asbestos survey report, which typically consists of a description of each
type of suspected ACM identified, its condition (friable or nonfriable), a summary of
laboratory results, and an estimation of the quantity of ACMs present at the project site.
ENSPEC will then evaluate all options available and will make asbestos abatement
recommendations that protect the health and environment while maintaining the long-term
goals of facilities operations.
ENSPEC's hazard evaluation considers issues such as the presence of friable versus
nonfriable ACMs, the location of friable ACMs, the potential for disturbance of ACMs,
indoor concentration levels of airborne asbestos fibers, programs to minimize the
potential for asbestos exposure, and facility activities.
Depending on the condition and location of ACMs within a building, it may be possible to
isolate an ACM (rather than removing it) at considerable savings to the client, while
still protecting human health.
Building Surveys include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Review of existing building blueprints and previous survey data
- Walk-through of facility to determine locations and quantities of suspect building materials (homogenous areas)
- Assess and document suspect material for physical condition, potential for damage and friability
- Collect and analyze representative bulk material samples from each previously determined homogenous sampling area
- Generation of comprehensive survey report with documentation necessary for compliance with federal, state and local regulations
- Evaluation of asbestos hazards and preparation of abatement recommendations that minimize the potential for asbestos exposure
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