Perhaps your building is outdated and not up to regulatory snuff. Conversely, perhaps there’s nothing wrong with your building, per se, though it is in need of a fresh coat of paint.
In that case, you just might be working on putting a renovation on the books. And if so, it won’t just be a fresh coat of paint you need to take into consideration, but a fresh breath of clean, asbestos-free air.
Specifically, here’s what you need to know about scheduling an asbestos test before you get started:
Regulations & Responsibilities
The reason a commercial renovation necessitates an asbestos test is that, as the property owner, you have a legal obligation to ensure your employees are protected from asbestos exposure.
Otherwise, you might be vulnerable to litigation and/or fees/fines.
“The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations … require the owner of the building or the operator to notify the appropriate state agency before any demolition, or before any renovations of buildings that could contain a certain threshold amount of asbestos or asbestos-containing material, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
But how do you know if what you’re planning to do constitutes a renovation as specified by the government? Simple: if you plan on altering, stripping, or removing any part of the property that might have asbestos-containing materials (ACM), it counts.
More specifically, “a renovation could be, but is not limited to, any interior renovation or remodel not affecting load-supporting structural members or a roof replacement,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FLDEP) explains.
Locations & Likelihood
So you know that a potential renovation is on the horizon, but where can asbestos even be found in a given property? The short answer is, unfortunately, just about anywhere.
This is because, “until the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in the construction, shipbuilding, and automotive industries, among others,” as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What’s more, asbestos is not banned and is still used in a variety of construction materials today. Consequently, a commercial building may contain asbestos in a wide variety of areas, including but not limited to:
- Roofing products
- Ceiling tiles
- Vinyl flooring
- Sealants and caulk
- Insulation materials
- And more
Consequently, you can see how it would be extremely hazardous not to schedule an asbestos test prior to your renovation.
Professionals & Peace of Mind
Once you know you’re ready to get the ball moving on your upcoming renovation — don’t wait, and don’t go DIY. Instead, call a local indoor environmental team you can trust.
And if you don’t know who to call? Luce Air Quality has got you covered!
When we perform an expert asbestos survey, you can rest easy knowing we’ll provide you with answers you can trust. Specifically, our team will…
- Inspect the property thoroughly
- Identify areas of concern
- Report back in a timely manner
We will also provide you with actionable recommendations that adhere to regional regulations and standards! Put simply, our team will be there to help you breathe easy before you move forward. To learn more, contact us today by calling 904-803-1014!