PROJECT DESIGN THROUGH REMOVAL

An asbestos abatement project starts with project design, continues through site preparation and includes close surveillance of ACM removal work. The Project Design Survey as described in ASTM E2356 Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys provides information needed to prepare the plans and specifications for the project. It includes a thorough inspection of concealed spaces to determine if ACM might become exposed during renovation or demolition.

Construction of enclosures and protection of items left inside must be monitored to avoid problems later in the project. The advantages of removing fixtures instead of trying to protect them from contamination are explained.

The operation of negative pressure enclosures is explained, including the effect of wind and air infiltration. A simple method of measuring the on-site performance of "negative air machines" is explained.

The project monitor cannot depend on "viewing ports" to observe activities inside the enclosure. He must go inside to be able to help the contractor’s supervisor address problems in a timely manner. The integrity of critical barriers and the negative pressure enclosure must be carefully watched.
The importance of prompt clean-up and bagging removed ACM is stressed. ASTM E1368 emphasizes the need to maintain cleanliness on a daily basis instead of attempting a massive clean-up at the end of the project.
The collection of air samples, both personal and area, by the project monitor inside and outside the enclosure while removal is being conducted is explained.

As removal progresses, the project monitor should give the supervisor an idea of how clean abated surfaces must be to pass the first of the visual inspections by showing him examples of surfaces that would pass and would not.
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