Asbestos Survey Requirements in California

California’s regulations for asbestos survey requirements have their foundation in the Clean Air Act (CAA). The CAA requires the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and enforce laws to protect the public from contact with airborne contaminants that present a danger to human health. Owners and managers must have an asbestos survey conducted before demolishing any residential or commercial structure. A survey is also necessary before performing some renovation projects to determine if a possibility exists that asbestos containing material (ACM) is present and may be disturbed.

Significance

• Asbestos surveys refer to the inspection and test protocol used for identifying the microscopic fibrous mineral used in many residential and commercial buildings materials installed in structures throughout California and the nation until about 1979. The material comes in a variety of forms, including chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Up to 95 percent of the asbestos containing material (ACM) has chrysotile. The fibers are lightweight and fire-resistant. The durability of the material makes it difficult to annihilate using natural processes. Asbestos becomes airborne when crushed or broken and presents a significant health hazard.

  An asbestos survey detects the presence and quantity of asbestos if present. The law requires a licensed technician to conduct the survey in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and EPA protocols.

Regulations

• The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Asbestos deals specifically with the regulations for procedures to lessen the chances of releasing asbestos fibers. This law gives authorization to California and other states for air quality. California passes the responsibility on to 39 counties, including asbestos overseeing demolition and renovation procedures.

  Building owners or homeowners seeking to obtain a demolition permit must have an asbestos survey performed. A licensed contractor must remove asbestos before the start of any demolition project. If ACM is disturbed during a renovation project, the owner must have an asbestos survey completed. Most counties require a written notification of demolition or remodeling work at least 10 days before the start of the project.

Asbestos Inspector

• Anyone who collects a sample or conducts an asbestos survey in California must successfully complete the AHERA training requirements for asbestos inspectors. These individuals must possess knowledge and understanding of California and EPA laws and regulations. In addition, they must become familiar with the types of asbestos as well as materials that might contain asbestos minerals. The inspector sends the asbestos sample to an EPA-approved laboratory for analysis. The lab uses a procedure called “polarized light microscopy” (PLM) to determine the presence of asbestos. The PLM assessment shows the type of asbestos contained in the sample and the percentage, which ranges between 1 and 100 percent. Material containing more than 1 percent asbestos is categorized as hazardous.

Report

• The survey inspector produces a comprehensive report of his or her findings. The account must include information concerning the locations inspected, such as the interior plaster, window putty or roofing covering. In addition, the report lists the number of samples taken and the lab results. The document may also contain information on the cost estimates for asbestos removal and assessment of materials with asbestos content. Usually, the report has the name of the inspector, his or her license number and the signature of a certified asbestos consultant. A “chain of custody” record accompanies the assessment.