Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys
AMO performs asbestos a
nd hazardous materials surveys of buildings and properties. Buildings constructed prior to 1990 might contain asbestos. OSHA regulations require owners of buildings to know the condition of asbestos in their buildings and if tenants and/or employees are being exposed. If renovations or demolition are planned for any part of the building, USEPA regulations under National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) require the owner to know the extent of asbestos in the building prior to work starting.
In addition to asbestos, other materials are required to be tested and/or removed prior to renovation or demolition activities. Examples of such material are refrigeration units (chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs)); capacitors, ballasts, transformers (polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs)); thermo
stats, thermometers, Bailey meters (mercury); fluorescent light tubes and metal halide lighting (mercury vapor), emergency exit batteries (lead and acid), elevator reservoirs (oils, PCBs), product piping (chemicals and oils), paints (chemicals), and other miscellaneous materials.
Lead containing paint does not need to be removed prior to building demolition under current federal and most state regulations. The owner is required to notify the renovation/demolition contractor that lead-containing paint may be present in the buildings if painted surfaces are not surveyed and sampled. Additional notification is also required by the facility receiving potential lead-containing paint waste.
AMO’s reports for these types of surveys include identification of the location, measured or estimated quantity, and condition of the materials. Textual descriptions of our findings are supported by tables and GIS/CAD-based drawings.
Brief: HazMat Survey
Performed a full hazardous material survey of a former athletic/entertainment stadium and supporting structures for pre-demolition specifications. Project tasks included conducting a full Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)-based asbestos survey, lead-based paint survey, identification and quantification of CFC-containing equipment, PCB-containing equipment, fluorescent and metal halide light tubes, oil-containing equipment, mercury switches, and other miscellaneous materials needed to be addressed prior to the stadium being demolished.
Brief: Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Surveys
Performed full AHERA-based asbestos surveys and lead-based paint surveys of more than 25 postal facilities in the Philadelphia region. Project tasks included the identification and sampling of suspect asbestos-containing materials and painted surfaces for lead content. The results of the surveys enabled client to determine risks associated with potential worker exposures.
Brief: HazMat Survey
Performed full hazardous material surveys of two high-rise buildings. Project tasks included conducting a full AHERA-based asbestos survey, lead-based paint survey, identification and quantification of CFC-containing equipment, PCB-containing equipment, fluorescent and metal halide light tubes, oil-containing equipment, mercury switches, and other miscellaneous materials. Results of the surveys were used by client to determine potential redevelopment budgets.