Interpretation of AHERA Sampling (40 CFR 763.86) On a Construction Site Question: Under 763.86 (c), we determined that the standard for bulk sampling of miscellaneous materials was to collect 3 samples per homogeneous area (“in a manner sufficient to determine whether material is ACM or not…”) and that an accredited inspector shall collect these bulk samples. The materials that we work with (concrete, conduit and other non-friable, fibrous or cementitious material) are not typically considered ACBM, nor are they typically friable unless disturbed, so 763.86(c) does not seem to apply. Howev ..read more

Question: In the power utility business, we have line, station apparatus, and construction personnel that may be called out to inspect equipment or conduct emergency trouble work/investigations associated with an equipment failure or fault. These employees regularly encounter underground electrical cable encased in conduit (i.e., inspecting/evaluating electrical faults or responding to customer/contractor dig-ins, etc.). On Monday, one of our employees asked me to grab samples from a run of suspected ACM fibrous/paper-like conduit that was exposed during a construction project. The conduit wa ..read more

A QUESTION ON SAMPLING CONCRETE / CEMENT MATERIALS IN A POWER COMPANY SETTING Question: Starting on page 157 of the AHERA course book (APPENDIX A, 100 Commonly Asked Q’s), question #38 addresses what suspect ACMs are and provides a partial list of materials classified as either “suspected ACBM” or as “not covered by AHERA rule.” Concrete is listed first with an “X” indicating that it’s not covered by the AHERA rule. As discussed in class, though, concrete may still contain asbestos and require asbestos sampling/analysis (or the presumption that it’s ACM) in order to properly characterize it ..read more

Read on to learn more about Asbestos Testing Costs in 2024 Average Costs: Range: $200 to $1,000+ Typical residential inspection: $225 to $600 Airborne asbestos testing: $500 to $1,000+ Factors Affecting Cost: Type of test: Simple air clearance tests are typically cheaper than bulk sample analysis or comprehensive inspections. Number of samples: More samples naturally mean higher costs. Size of the area: Larger areas require more samples and potentially more labor, increasing the price. Location: Costs tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural ..read more

Read on to learn more about Asbestos Siding Removal Costs Average Costs: Per square foot: The typical range falls between $5 and $15 per square foot, with an average of $8 per square foot. Total project cost: For a typical 1,500-square-foot house, expect to pay around $7,500 to $22,500, with an average of $12,000. Asbestos Siding Removal Costs Per Sq. Ft & Per Hour Per Square Foot: Range: $5 to $15 per square foot Average: $8 per square foot This means removing 100 square feet of asbestos siding could cost anywhere from $500 to $1 ..read more

According to EPA.gov, OSHA now requires employers to establish and continue participation in an asbestos training program for employees that might be exposed to fiber levels that are either anticipated or measured at/above permissible exposure limits. OSHA training programs consist of initial classroom training and annual online refresher courses. Permissible exposure limits are 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) as an 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA) and/or the excursion limit of 1.0 f/cc as a 30-minute time-weighted average (TWA). See the full list of OSHA Asbestos Training Requiremen ..read more

Asbestos is often found in older buildings and represents a serious hazard to health for those who encounter it. At one time because of its low cost and high resistance factors, it was a common material used in many kinds of buildings from the 1940s until 1990. Boiler and pipe insulation may also contain asbestos resulting in diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Local and Federal government have asbestos abatement laws and building requirement codes in place for dealing with asbestos-containing materials, known as ACM’s. Any independent contractor or business involved in a project involv ..read more

Determining if your home contains asbestos can be challenging because asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye. Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials until it was largely banned for residential use due to health concerns. To assess the presence of asbestos in your home, consider the following steps: Know the Age of Your Home: Asbestos was widely used in building materials until the 1970s, and its use significantly decreased afterward. If your home was constructed before the 1980s, there is a higher likelihood of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Check Building ..read more

10/19/2003 Our current federal asbestos regulations that you are all familiar with (NESHAP, AHERA, MAP and OSHA) have been with us in some form since about 1970 and have not changed since about 1994 (about 30 years). The EPA asbestos NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulates the generation through disposal of regulated asbestos waste from construction projects, for the protection of the public. EPA AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) protects the “public” that occupies the interior portions of K-12 schools from friable Asbestos Containing Building ..read more

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once commonly used in various construction and industrial applications due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, asbestos is now known to be highly hazardous to human health. Here are some reasons why you should not touch or disturb asbestos: Health Risks: Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Inhalation of these airborne fibers is the primary route of exposure. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious ..read more