Constructing commercial buildings involves many safety precautions. These structures are often much wider and taller than typical houses and must follow certain regulations to ensure they're safe to occupy. Despite that, many buildings today still harbor a hazardous substance: asbestos.
This naturally occurring, carcinogenic mineral fiber was used in some structures due to its fire-resistant properties. However, exposure to it increases the risk of lung diseases and cancer, leading to 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. If your commercial building might have asbestos lurking within its walls, time is of the essence. You'll want to detect and eliminate these hazardous materials safely and quickly. (1)
This guide will teach you how to manage asbestos risks, helping you stay compliant and protect everyone inside.
Conducting an Asbestos Survey
Your first step in managing asbestos risks is conducting a thorough survey. This involves a professional inspection of the buildings to establish the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
An asbestos survey helps determine the extent of asbestos contamination in a building. The survey provides critical insights into the types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), their current state, and their potential for fiber release.
There are three types of surveys performed:
- Pre-Purchase Survey: Before buying a commercial building, have it surveyed for ACMs. This step becomes your safety checkpoint when you're eyeing a building constructed or renovated before 1990.
- Management Survey: This routine assessment monitors the condition of ACMs in operational buildings and helps prioritize maintenance tasks.
- Refurbishment or Demolition Survey: If you're planning significant renovations or demolition, this detailed inspection identifies materials that could be disturbed.
You'll need a licensed asbestos removalist to perform these surveys. Professionals like Sydney Asbestos have over a decade of experience managing asbestos materials. They can identify ACMs and remove them from commercial buildings. Discover our commercial service options and how asbestos experts can help make your building safer and up to standards.
Risk Assessment and Management Plan
Research finds that ACMs are still responsible for severe diseases in humans, especially in places with a lack of coordinated asbestos management plans. This information makes it necessary to check structures for asbestos thoroughly. (2)
After pinpointing the ACMs, your next move is to assess their condition and potential exposure risks for people in the building. Intact materials pose minimal risk, but damaged or deteriorating ACMs require immediate attention.
Formulating an asbestos management plan will be your roadmap. It should include steps for monitoring ACMs, scheduling maintenance, and outlining emergency procedures. Review and update the plan considering changes such as new construction or damages to existing materials.
Implementing Control Measures
To effectively manage asbestos risks, you must implement appropriate control measures. These measures may differ according to the types and conditions of ACMs.
There are three types of ACM control measures, namely:
- Encapsulation: Seal ACMs with a protective coating to prevent fiber release.
- Enclosure: Create physical barriers around ACMs to limit access and reduce exposure.
- Removal: When removal becomes necessary, follow strict procedures to keep those dangerous fibers locked down.
Asbestos removal can be costly. Expect to spend USD$5 to USD$20 per square foot for interior work and USD$50 to USD$150 per square foot for exterior removal. So, expect the cost to rise if asbestos is found in a significant commercial building area. (3)
Not all ACMs need immediate intervention. A thorough risk assessment helps you prioritize actions. Damaged or high-risk materials get immediate attention, while lower-risk items follow a strategic timeline.
Ensuring Compliance with Regulations
Staying compliant involves understanding and adhering to regulations, such as those set by OSHA or the EPA. These guidelines provide a framework for managing asbestos risks and outline specific survey, removal, and documentation requirements.
Keep thorough records of asbestos surveys, risk assessments, and management activities. Documentation supports regulatory compliance and provides a reference during audits or incidents involving ACMs.
Training and Awareness Programs
Educating everyone who uses or works in the building about asbestos risks reduces accidents and exposure. Proper Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures are your first line of defense. Training helps building occupants spot ACMs and understand how to handle them safely.
Encourage open communication about potential asbestos risks. A safety-first culture encourages people to report suspected asbestos issues promptly and helps everyone follow the management plan.
Establishing an Emergency Response Plan
Sometimes, even with professional help, you can't avoid asbestos-related emergencies. So, it helps to have an emergency response plan ready. An effective plan addresses accidental disturbances of ACMs. It should clearly define who does what, how to contain potential hazards, and who to call for professional help.
Promptly inform local health authorities about incidents and clearly inform building occupants about the situation and safety measures being taken. Transparent communication cuts through confusion and builds trust as you manage asbestos risks.
Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
Routine inspections are critical to managing asbestos risks. They reveal the true condition of asbestos-containing materials and catch any new damage or emerging risks.
Inspection frequency depends on your building's unique profile—its age, usage, and the risk level outlined in your management plan. High-traffic areas or buildings with older construction materials might require more frequent checks to catch issues early.
Consistent maintenance is key for sealed or enclosed ACMs. Consistent maintenance prevents damage and keeps protective measures effective. Meanwhile, detailed records showcase your commitment to safety and compliance.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Provide clear, regular updates to tenants, building owners, and community members on the dangers of asbestos and your efforts to mitigate the substance. Transparency promotes confidence in your commitment to safety and lets people know you're taking the necessary steps to manage asbestos risks properly.
Work closely with health departments and environmental agencies for guidance on best practices and regulatory requirements. They can also assist with community outreach efforts.
Consider hosting informational sessions or distributing materials to educate the community about asbestos risks and safe management practices. Engaged stakeholders support a safer environment for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Managing asbestos risks demands sharp attention, careful planning, and crystal-clear communication. Staying ahead of hazards protects your people and keeps your business running smoothly.
Asbestos regulations may change, so staying informed and proactive is your best defense against potential risks. Finally, contact asbestos removal experts to manage the issue. Your goal is to eliminate this hazardous substance from a commercial building while preventing harm from falling on yourself or your team.
References
- "EPA bans asbestos, a deadly carcinogen still in use decades after a partial ban was enacted," Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/epa-bans-asbestos-where-is-it-used-rcna143910
- "Is asbestos still a problem in the world? A current review," Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479722012890
- "How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost In 2024?" Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/asbestos-removal-cost/
