While often overlooked or misunderstood, it’s crucial to remember that asbestos inspections—and their more formal counterpart, the asbestos survey—are not just recommended—they’re a key requirement for compliance as a responsible commercial property owner.
Understanding this requirement is the first step in ensuring the health and safety of every person involved in the remodeling or demolition process, including yourself. It’s important to remember that asbestos, if disturbed, can pose serious health risks, making these inspections a critical part of any property work.
As a commercial property owner, your understanding of how asbestos inspections work, the regulations that apply, and the necessary steps if asbestos is found on your property is crucial. You play a significant role in ensuring the safety of your investment and the well-being of its occupants, any hired workers, and the overall community.
The Importance of Asbestos Inspections Before Remodeling
Asbestos is a material that was once widely used in construction due to its fire resistance and insulation properties. Although no longer used in new builds, it can still be present in older structures. When materials containing asbestos remain undisturbed and in good condition, they typically do not pose an issue. However, during remodeling or demolition work, these materials can be unintentionally disturbed.
If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or handled improperly, tiny fibers can be released into the air. Inhaling these fibers over extended periods—especially in occupational settings—has been linked to long-term health concerns, including:
- Chronic lung conditions
- Mesothelioma, a type of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen
- Asbestosis, a scarring of the lung tissue from prolonged exposure
These conditions are associated with repeated or prolonged exposure, which is why regulations exist to help prevent that kind of risk. By conducting an asbestos inspection before beginning your project, you’re simply taking a responsible step toward ensuring that any materials are identified and properly managed.
Regulatory Framework for Asbestos Inspections
An asbestos inspection is not just a necessary step; compliance is required by law in the state of Texas. According to Texas Senate Bill 509, before any permit can be issued for the remodeling or demolition of a public or commercial building, a licensed asbestos survey must be conducted, regardless of the building’s age. This means that whether your structure is fifty years old or brand new, you cannot legally proceed without documentation proving that an asbestos survey has been completed.
Key Regulations Property Owners Should Know
In the U.S., several federal and state agencies oversee asbestos management. Understanding who governs what cannot only help you avoid serious legal and financial setbacks, but also ensure the safety of your workers and the success of your project:
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets standards for worker safety regarding asbestos exposure.
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) enforces regulations related to environmental and public exposure, particularly under:
- NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) requires an asbestos inspection before remodeling or demolition begins.
- TDSHS (The Texas Department of State Health Services) also plays a crucial role in regulating asbestos activities in Texas. This includes overseeing licensing for inspectors and abatement contractors, providing specific information relevant to your location and project.
- TAHPR (Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules) Texas Administration Code Title 25, Part 1, Section 296 are the rules and regulations.
Non-compliance with asbestos regulations is not just a matter of inconvenience. It can result in fines, delays, or temporary project holds until compliance is achieved. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is therefore not just a matter of legality, but also a crucial aspect of successful project management.
Permitting and Compliance Requirements in Texas
Under Texas Senate Bill 509, cities and municipalities must verify that an asbestos survey has been conducted before issuing permits for any remodeling or demolitions of public or commercial buildings.
A few key points to remember:
- A licensed professional must conduct the asbestos survey.
- Documentation is required, even if the survey results show no asbestos present.
- If this step is missed, the permitting process may be delayed, and additional steps could be required to bring the project into compliance.
Conducting an Effective Asbestos Inspection
Choosing the Right Professionals for the Job
When it comes to asbestos inspections, experience and licensing matter. That’s why DCG Environmental is here. We’ve earned a reputation for thorough, compliant, and timely asbestos surveys for commercial, municipal and private projects across Texas. With DCG, property owners can rest assured that they are in safe hands.
What the Inspection Process With DCG Environmental Entails
Here’s what you can expect when you work with DCG Environmental for your asbestos inspection:
- Initial Consultation: A DCG representative will meet with you to understand the project’s scope. This includes:
- The size of the area to be surveyed.
- The number of homogeneous areas that need samples.
- The project timeline and any need for expedited reporting.
- Site Inspection and Sampling: Once the scope is determined, DCG will:
- Collect samples from suspect materials.
- Create a sample location map.
- Document the condition of each sampled material.
- Laboratory Analysis: Samples are sent to an accredited lab.
- Standard analysis time: 5 to 7 business days.
- Expedited options: 3 to 5 days or 24 hours, depending on sample volume.
- Results and Reporting: DCG sends results to the client the same day they’re received from the lab. If all results show “non-detect” for asbestos, DCG provides a formal report detailing the process, a document required to obtain your remodeling/demolition permit.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
Put your mind at ease. Finding asbestos doesn’t mean your project is doomed or your building is about to be condemned. It just means it’s time to take the appropriate next steps—safely and legally.
The first step is understanding how much asbestos is present, where it is, and how it might be affected by your planned remodeling. Depending on the project scope and ACM condition, you’ll have two main options:
- Encapsulation (Leave in Place)
- Encapsulating the material, if it is in good condition and will not be disturbed during remodeling, may be safer and more cost-effective.
- Full Removal (Abatement)
- If remodeling will disturb the ACMs or if the materials are already damaged, abatement is necessary.
Working with Licensed Abatement Contractors
In Texas, only licensed asbestos contractors can legally handle removal. Attempting DIY asbestos work in a commercial building is illegal and dangerous. When choosing an abatement contractor, it’s important to consider their experience, certifications, and reputation. DCG Environmental can help you navigate this process, ensuring you select a contractor who will safely and effectively remove the asbestos from your property. DCG will:
- Discuss remediation options with you.
- Assist in selecting qualified abatement contractors.
- Help with bid negotiations.
- Act as your representative, keeping costs low and liabilities minimal.
Post-Abatement Procedures
During the asbestos removal, air monitoring is required, and a final clearance is performed once the abatement has been completed. This step confirms that asbestos fibers have been successfully removed from the air. Once this final clearance is completed, you’ll be cleared to resume construction with confidence.
Conclusion: Inspections Protect More Than Permits
Whether you’re updating a retail space, renovating an old church, or demolishing a dated office complex, asbestos inspections are a non-negotiable step.
Inspections aren’t just a checkbox. They’re a smart, necessary step to protect your people, your property, and your project timeline:
- Prevents exposure to dangerous airborne fibers
- Meets Texas Senate Bill 509 and NESHAP requirements
- Avoids costly delays, fines, or permit denials
- Ensures a safe environment for workers and occupants
Ready to Renovate? Start With the Right Partner.
Don’t let asbestos catch you off guard. Contact DCG Environmental early to schedule your asbestos inspection and confidently move forward. Learn more here: dcgenvironmental.com.