If you’re planning some renovations for your home or commercial building, you’re sure to have a lot of different things on your mind regarding the project. You may be considering how to stay within your budget, if the project will interfere with your daily operations or activities, and what you want the end results to look like. While these things are all important, we at Coastal Air Assessments want to encourage you to include scheduling an asbestos inspection on your pre-renovation task list.
Asbestos inspections are the best way to protect yourself and others from exposure to this harmful carcinogen, but unfortunately, many people don’t understand why they are so essential.
In this article, we’ll review three major reasons why asbestos inspections are essential prior to renovation work.
- Identification of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) – It’s a common misconception that asbestos is only a risk in older buildings. Although there was a partial ban placed on some asbestos materials in the late 1980s, it is still commonly used in building and construction materials today. Knowing whether it is present and where it is located, if it is, will allow you to plan for how you are going to handle and work in those areas safely.
- Legal Compliance – Many places require property owners to schedule asbestos inspections before any renovation work. There are often specific rules in place for how to handle and dispose of ACMs, and getting your inspection is the first step in ensuring your compliance with those regulations.
- Peace of Mind – Asbestos exposure can have serious health consequences, so property owners concerned for their health and those who work in or around the area should invest in an inspection before starting any renovation work. It’s always better to be safe and make absolutely sure you are not putting yourself or others at risk.