Are you aware that any time a building is renovated or demolished, there is a risk of asbestos or lead exposure? Federal and state laws and regulations require building owners to properly assess and manage the potential presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and lead-containing paints (LCP) prior to renovation or demolition. With more than 400 inspectors working in all 50 states, Terracon helps protect the safety of building tenants and the environment while reducing risk for building owners by providing collaborative, professional asbestos and lead consulting services.
Failure to account for the proper removal of ACM or LCP can result in significant fines and project delays. Without proper planning, asbestos removal can significantly increase project schedules and budgets. Terracon helps organizations determine the potential impacts of ACM or LCP prior to renovations, demolitions, or property purchases.
Terracon also helps building owners better understand applicable laws and regulations including:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) regulations including but not limited to:
- Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the renovation or demolition of buildings and disposal of asbestos waste
- Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) for schools
- Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) for training and accreditation
- Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA) – commercial/public buildings
- Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations including but not limited to:
- Asbestos in Construction and General Industry
- Lead in Construction and General Industry
- State and local regulations for asbestos and lead
Asbestos Surveys
Terracon’s inspectors perform surveys and collect samples of suspect ACM in schools, hospitals, commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings. Terracon’s services are utilized by a wide variety of national and local clients, and government entities who own diverse properties and structures such as railroads, airports, cell towers, roads, bridges and dams, power plants, pipelines, refineries, malls, apartment complexes, offices buildings, restaurants, and national chains. Our asbestos surveys follow the guidelines established under the USEPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) program, and as required by USEPA regulation 40 CFR Part 61, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessments and Inspections
Our risk assessors and inspectors perform lead-based paint (LBP) risk assessments and inspections in accordance with state, the USEPA, and/or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations and for OSHA purposes. Inspections are performed in buildings using either an X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF) or the collection of bulk paint samples to test painted surfaces for lead in each sample location. XRF technology is a non-invasive, non-destructive means to determine the presence of lead in paint, even in painted surfaces several layers below the surface. In some instances, bulk sample collection of lead paint may be necessary. These samples are sent to accredited laboratories for analysis. Terracon also has the expertise to test surface dust, water, and bare soil for lead content.
Management Plans
Terracon prepares management plans that provide specific procedures for operating and working safely around ACM and LBP. Management plans include operations and maintenance (O&M) programs that explain how to protect a building’s maintenance and housekeeping personnel, tenants, and other occupants from exposure. O&M programs also help maintain asbestos and lead materials in good condition. In addition, management plans provide the basis for making informed decisions regarding potential long‑term economic liabilities associated with asbestos and LBP.
Abatement Design, Oversight, and Air Monitoring
Our professionals have extensive experience in preparing project design and specifications for remedial actions such as partial or complete removal of ACM. The design provides the locations of asbestos material, project conditions and scope of work, and the specifications detail the general methods required for removal and disposal of asbestos. Together, the design and specifications provide the bidding documents for abatement contractors who will perform the actual removal work. Terracon also provides trained and certified technicians for project oversight and air monitoring during the abatement process and final visual inspections with final air clearances once the removal is complete.