Services - Environmental

Asbestos

Buildings that were constructed before January 1, 1981, are assumed to have been constructed with asbestos containing materials.  Asbestos gained wide-spread use within the construction trades for several reasons:

  • Plentiful
  • Readily Available
  • Low in Cost
  • Fire Resistance
  • High Tensile Strength
  • Poor Heat and Electrical Conductivity
  • Generally Impervious to Chemical Attacks

Since it's a naturally occurring mineral, it has literally been used in thousands of products. Collectively these products are frequently referred to as "Asbestos-Containing Material" (ACM). There are essentially six types of asbestos minerals, only three of which were used commercially.

  1. Chrysotile - this is the most commonly used type of asbestos and accounts for approximately 95% of the asbestos found in buildings within the United States.
  2. Amosite – this is the second most common type of asbestos to be found within buildings.
  3. Crocidolite – most commonly used in high temperature insulation applications.

To relieve your asbestos concerns, contact Klingner & Associates, P.C. for a detailed and thorough inspection.  Our firm provides the necessary services to perform asbestos inspections prior to your renovation or demolition activities or as a management tool.  These services may include review of existing data, a building survey, asbestos sampling and analysis and report preparation summarizing the location and description of the identified asbestos, quantities, and a preliminary estimate of abatement costs.

Our licensed personnel have over forty years of combined experience and the firm provides a full range of licensed professional asbestos consulting and management services to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and educational clients.  We are licensed to perform asbestos services in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. Klingner & Associates, P.C. can assist in determining the best course of action based on laboratory results, materials condition, and budget.

Asbestos services we provide include:

  • Inspections, Assessments, and Abatement Strategies
  • Technical Specifications and Permits
  • Contractor Prequalification and Selection
  • Bid Documents, Bid Review, and Contract Administration
  • Air Monitoring and Air Sample Analysis
  • Project Monitoring and Site Supervision
  • Operations and Maintenance Programs
  • Asbestos Management Plans

 Our services are in compliance with the requirements and standards as set by:

  • The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
  • The Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA)
  • The National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

We are licensed to meet the requirements of The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

 

Common Suspected Asbestos Materials

Interior

  • Sprayed acoustical ceilings
  • Acoustical ceiling/wall tiles and glue
  • Textured coatings
  • Flooring: 9 inch and 12 inch tiles, sheet vinyl, vinyl backing, mastic, and linoleum
  • Walls, plaster and sheetrock / joint compound
  • Heating system insulation: includes duct, heater,  and heat register insulation
  • Piping and boil insulation
  • Electrical: knob and tube wiring insulation, electrical panel partitions

Exterior

  • Roofing shingles
  • Tar paper or roofing felt beneath shingles
  • Tar and gravel roofing components
  • Transite siding (cement-like shingles)
  • Putty and/or caulk

*The above list is not all-inclusive.

 

Regulations

The primary federal regulations include:

ASHARA
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA): applies to both public and commercial buildings

OSHA – 29 CFR 1926.1101
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): applies to employees of employers in the workforce

AHERA – 40 CFR 763
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA): applies to public and private schools

NESHAP – 40 CFR 61
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: apply to exposure or potential exposure to the general public.

  • This includes public, commercial and some residential buildings being demolished or renovated. These buildings must be inspected by a licensed inspector to determine the presence or absence of asbestos

*Specific regulations may apply on the state and local levels.