On site analysis by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) during asbestos abatement projects is as essential as final clearance testing at the conclusion of the project. Basing response actions on samples rapidly analyzed on site is only as good as the quality of the analysis. All of our analysts are members of the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) Asbestos Analysts Registry (AAR), and meet all QA/QC criteria.
Compliance to the Lead in Construction Standard involves many different trades and multiple aspects of work conditions. Applied Environmental has experience in monitoring lead abatement and compliance for lead in construction. Progressive engineering methods and control options are utilized as necessary based upon each increased type of impact to the painted surfaces and potential of exposure to workers and surrounding environment. Applied Environmental has successfully managed and provided oversight in lead in construction environments since promulgation of the standard.
Since 1986, Applied Environmental has surveyed, developed remediation and abatement plans for governmental, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings for the following hazardous materials:
- Asbestos-containing materials,
- Lead-containing surface coatings,
- Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) articles,
- Mercury-containing articles,
- Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant, and
- Abandoned chemical inventories.
As part of the survey process, our inspectors provide approximate quantities for any identified hazardous materials, and create CADD drawings delineating locations thereof. We also develop remediation specifications, abatement project scopes of work, and competitive bid documents for the identified hazardous materials.
We conduct asbestos-containing material inspections in accordance with the US EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protocols. We document conditions including locations of the material; type, quantity, and condition of the material; and the friability and damage potential of the material. We can then recommend response actions and resulting cost estimates for abatement.
Our licensed lead inspectors/risk assessors conduct lead-containing surface coating screening inspections to determine the lead concentrations of suspect lead-coated materials. Contractors can utilize this information to implement appropriate safety precautions during demolition or renovation activities. We test lead concentrations utilizing a NITON XLP300A, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrum analyzer. The NITON XLP300A is a portable lead detector, designed to make accurate, nondestructive measurements of lead concentrations in lead coatings.