Asbestos exposure becomes a health concern when people inhale high concentrations of asbestos fibers over a long time period. AMD Environmental has the experience and equipment to safely identify asbestos in your home or workplace. We also have our own accredited, cutting-edge asbestos testing lab, where our professionals can quickly and accurately determine the levels of asbestos exposure your family or employees are experiencing.
Asbestos
AMD Environmental has the experience and licensing to perform asbestos testing, surveys and inspections in any commercial or residential structure.
Asbestos and Indoor Air Quality
In 1980, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Standards (NESHAPS), under EPA guidance, outlawed the installation of all friable asbestos (“friable” = able to be crumbled by hand pressure). Non-friable asbestos–containing materials, such as floor tile and mastic, a type of resin, were installed in buildings until the early 1980s—and even later in some applications.
According to the standards, contractors could continue to install non-friable asbestos until their supplies were exhausted. Depending on when your building was constructed, the only definitive way to know if you have asbestos is to have the building surveyed for asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
What We Can Do
AMD Environmental’s team has the experience and licensing to perform asbestos testing, surveys and inspections in any commercial or residential structure. If you own a building constructed prior to 1980, it may contain asbestos.
Our surveys locate, identify, estimate quantities, and note the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and the levels of asbestos exposure. AMD Environmental staff is also practiced in providing preliminary estimates for remediation costs.
Our asbestos surveys are conducted in accordance with all applicable procedures in 40 CFR, Part 763 (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act [AHERA]), 40 CFR, Subpart M (NESHAPS) and all other applicable regulations.
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are the primary state agencies responsible for establishing and implementing regulations regarding asbestos abatement, worker training programs, worker protection, and disposal of asbestos waste materials in New York State.
OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1101 requires owners to know the condition of asbestos in their buildings if tenants and/or employees are being exposed. When considering a renovation or demolition, EPA regulations under NESHAPS, 40 CFR 61, Part M requires you to know the extent of asbestos in your building prior to the start of work.
Depending on when your building was constructed, the only definitive way to know if you have asbestos is to have the building surveyed for asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
Asbestos Sampling & Surveys
Many building components—such as insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, mastic/resin, roofing and siding—may contain asbestos. When disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibers can cause significant health threats. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, or simply want the peace of mind that knowledge provides, the professional AMD Environmental team can perform asbestos testing in our certified asbestos testing lab for you.
AMD Environmental’s asbestos-related services include pre-demolition and general building surveys, asbestos abatement air and/or project monitoring, bulk and air sampling to determine asbestos exposure, and laboratory analysis.
Building surveys are performed to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM) through inspection, sampling and analysis. At the completion of an asbestos survey, you receive a comprehensive project report with information about the type and quantity of ACM identified, the locations and condition of the materials, and options for appropriate or acceptable management of the identified ACM.
AMD Environmental’s survey and management plans for industrial and commercial clients meet or exceed regulatory guidelines; air sampling and project monitoring services are provided to ensure that asbestos abatement projects are completed in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
Project Monitoring Services
In New York State, building owners are required to utilize certified, licensed third-party project monitors and air sampling technicians on most asbestos abatement projects, per 12 NYCRR Part 56-4 and 56-9.
This service involves the use of New York State–certified project monitoring personnel on your asbestos abatement projects—a neutral party to act as your eyes and ears—to ensure that the abatement contractor strictly complies with all contract specifications and regulations.
Because of the potential for a conflict of interest, asbestos abatement contractors are not permitted to hire or provide required monitoring, clearance, and area air sampling services on their own projects. With AMD Environmental providing your project monitor, you can rest assured that any asbestos abatement projects are completed safely, efficiently and professionally.
Asbestos Project Design
Asbestos abatement project design involves coordination with the client and other stakeholders, like architects, construction managers and building management, to develop the project work plan and specifications.
Pre-planning is the key to developing successful, cost-effective, regulatory-compliant projects. Our work plans incorporate compliance requirements for any jurisdictions with authority over the work, including local, county, state and federal.
Our asbestos project designers develop specifications describing:
- Locations of ACM to be abated
- Work area boundaries
- Personal protective equipment
- Personnel and waste decontamination units location
- Temporary electrical
- Water/drain sources
- HVAC, electrical, and operating system isolation requirements
- Equipment staging areas
The air monitoring plans include descriptions of proposed sampling locations, types, methods, and frequencies.
The specification package also includes requirements for housekeeping and dust control measures, air sampling requirements, temporary sanitation facilities for contractor’s personnel, and waste characterization and disposal methods.