Montgomery County Asbestos Inspections
Keeping Buildings Safe in Lehigh County, Northampton County, Bucks County, Mercer County, Burlington County, Chester County, Norristown, & Philadelphia
Managing hazards associated with asbestos is one of our core services. Eagle has been a regional leader in servicing schools, commercial clients, churches, and homeowners for over 20 years.
Since there are over 3,000 commercial materials and building products that contain asbestos, it’s best to assume that if a building material isn’t wood, metal, or glass, then it could contain asbestos.
Construction materials newer than 1990 are less likely to contain asbestos; however, there are no guarantees. The only way to determine if a building material contains asbestos is to have a sample tested by a qualified AIHA-LAP, LLC-accredited laboratory.
For more information about Montgomery County asbestos inspections, contact us online or call (215) 268-7347.
Our Team has Decades of Experience With Asbestos
Several federal, state, and city or county regulations must be complied with to successfully manage asbestos projects. Knowing what rules apply and under what circumstances is essential to managing asbestos safely. When asbestos is in good condition and will not be disturbed, often the best practice is to leave it in place and avoid disturbing it.
Employers who are building and facility owners have certain responsibilities under OSHA regulations to identify asbestos and inform housekeeping or maintenance workers where it is located in their buildings.
When asbestos will be disturbed by renovation or demolition work, specific regulations apply. Briefly, the following is required:
- A “trained individual” must perform a thorough asbestos survey to sample and test all building materials that will be disturbed or removed. An existing asbestos survey may be used to provide background information.
- Certain types of asbestos materials that will be disturbed by the project must be removed by trained or licensed professionals prior to commencing any construction work.
- Other types of asbestos materials may be left in place if they won’t be disturbed or damaged.
- All removed asbestos materials must be handled, transported, and disposed as asbestos waste.
Our trained building inspectors, management planners, and project designers are experts in evaluating buildings and designing projects to safely remove asbestos. We provide complete project management to oversee contractor operations, as well as quality assurance inspection and air monitoring services.
Our focus is to ensure the protection of:
- Workers that remove asbestos
- The building environment and its occupants (during or after)
- The outdoor environment (proper procedures and disposal)
Eagle Industrial Hygiene can provide the trained professionals you need to handle your asbestos management needs.
Signs You Need an Asbestos Inspection
Asbestos is a hazardous mineral fiber that was extensively used in construction materials due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties.
However, it is now widely known that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, including:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- And asbestosis
Since asbestos was commonly used in buildings until the 1980s, it is important to be aware of the signs that may indicate the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your property.
If you notice any of the following signs, it is crucial to seek an asbestos inspection promptly:
Age of the Building
If your building was constructed before the 1980s, there is a higher likelihood of asbestos-containing materials being present.
This includes:
- Residential homes
- Commercial properties
- Schools
- And public buildings
Older structures often utilized ACMs in various applications, such as insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, and pipe insulation.
Deterioration or Damage
Asbestos-containing materials may deteriorate over time, particularly if they have been subjected to:
- Wear and tear
- Water damage
- Or physical disturbance
Crumbling drywall, damaged insulation, or frayed pipe insulation could potentially release asbestos fibers into the air, posing a significant health risk. If you notice signs of deterioration or damage to materials that could potentially contain asbestos, it is essential to have an inspection conducted.
Renovation or Demolition Plans
If you are planning any renovation or demolition work in a building constructed before the 1980s, it is crucial to assess the presence of asbestos before initiating any activities. Disturbing ACMs during construction or renovation can release asbestos fibers, endangering the health of occupants, workers, and the surrounding community.
An asbestos inspection will identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials and help develop appropriate management or removal strategies.
Previous Asbestos Materials
If you are aware that asbestos-containing materials were used in previous renovations or construction projects, it is important to conduct regular inspections to ensure the materials remain undisturbed and in good condition. Over time, disturbances or aging of these materials may occur, necessitating re-evaluation and appropriate action.
Suspected ACMs
If you have reason to believe that certain materials in your building might contain asbestos, such as:
- Textured ceiling coatings (popcorn ceilings)
- Pipe insulation
- Or vinyl floor tiles
If you have any of those mentioned above, it is prudent to have an asbestos inspection performed. Professional inspectors can collect samples of suspected materials for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers.
Occupant Complaints or Health Issues
If occupants of a building complain of respiratory problems, unexplained allergies, persistent coughing, or other respiratory symptoms that cannot be attributed to other causes, it is crucial to consider the possibility of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers can become airborne and circulate within a building, posing a health risk to occupants. In such cases, an asbestos inspection can help identify potential sources and guide appropriate remediation measures.
It is important to remember that visual inspection alone is insufficient to determine the presence of asbestos. Only certified asbestos inspectors can accurately assess the presence, condition, and risk associated with ACMs.
At Eagle Industrial Hygiene, we conduct a thorough inspection, sample collection, and provide expert guidance on managing asbestos hazards safely. Your health and the well-being of those in your building are paramount, and proactive asbestos inspections are a crucial step in maintaining a safe environment.
How to Handle Asbestos
There are many rules that determine how to handle asbestos:
- When in doubt, assume building materials contain asbestos (exceptions are wood, metal, and glass)
- Have materials tested by a qualified AIHA-LAP,LLC-accredited laboratory
- If you don't have to disturb it, leave it alone
- Renovation or demolition projects require specific procedures and testing
- Only trained personnel are permitted to test, remove, or handle asbestos
For more information, contact us online or call (215) 268-7347.
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“We have worked with this company many times and are happy to say that they are very good and thoughrough in what they do”
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“Would highly recommend Eagle Industrial Hygiene Associates. They are prompt and very knowledgeable.”
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“Their professional staff and industrial hygienists are skilled and very well trained. I would highly recommend Eagle Industrial Hygiene for all your environmental needs.”
- Rick R.