When asbestos is discovered in a facility, it is important to find the right consultant to assess the situation and determine what remediation steps are needed. Look for a firm with highly-trained and experienced professionals. Choose a company that can provide a complete visual examination of the material along with careful collection and laboratory analysis of samples. Various regulations stipulate that a certain number of samples should be taken from each type of material, and a firm with the proper experience will know how many are required.
Look for a firm that has a long track record of satisfied customers. It is also helpful if the company has a nationwide footprint, as this can save time and money by eliminating travel costs and ensuring that the same high standards are met throughout the country. Check to see if the firm has had any safety violations in the past and read reviews posted online by other customers.
Before choosing a company, get price quotes from several firms. Make sure the quotes include the cost of an on-site inspection, sampling and laboratory analysis. Also, ask if the company will provide a written evaluation of the condition of the material and any recommendations for correction or prevention. The ideal firm will be fully certified to perform any remediation in compliance with federal and state guidelines. This includes an abatement worker certification, asbestos management planner certification and asbestos project designer certification. The company should also be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to do asbestos abatement in a commercial or public building.
While the majority of asbestos-containing asbestos specialists materials (ACM) are not dangerous if they remain intact, it is best to leave them alone unless there is a risk that they will be damaged or disturbed, such as during remodeling. The most hazardous ACM are friable, meaning that they crumble easily and can release asbestos fibers into the air. Non-friable ACM, such as floor tiles and sidings, and thermal insulation are tightly bound together and do not release fibers unless subjected to force.
There are a number of ways that asbestos can be released into the air, including through improper handling, improper removal, or disturbance. These releases can cause health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, which are both linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Those working with asbestos must wear protective clothing and masks. They must also seal all work areas and turn off the heating and air conditioning system.
The most common way that asbestos is released into the environment is through airborne fibers. This can occur when the ACM is ripped, cut or sanded. It is also possible for the fibers to be released when the ACM becomes wet or when it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow.