HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMA2024-001592 -asbestos survey
LIMITED ASBESTOS SURVEY
For the
NUC MED SPECT-CT RENOVATON
At
BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE
1650 WEST COLLEGE STREET
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS 76051
Prepared for
BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTHCARE
301 N. WASHINGTON
DALLAS, TEXAS 75051
Prepared by
Arkose Environmental, Inc.
5200 S. Colony Blvd #560975
The Colony, Texas 75056
Telephone (214) 682-4582
www.arkoseinc.com
AEI PROJECT NO. 24-127
Sample Collection Date: 04/29/24
May 4, 2024
Charles Baugh
DSHS Asbestos Individual Consultant
License No. 10-5121
___________________________
Lui Barkkume, P.G., CESCO
DSHS Asbestos Individual Consultant
License No. 105665
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
SURVEY SUMMARY .......................................................................................................... 1
SCOPE OF SERVICES ....................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. ...3
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................... 4
METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 5
Appendices:
A. ANALYTICAL RESULTS
B. FIGURES
C. CERTIFICATES & LICENSES
D. PHOTOGRAPHS
E. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
1
SECTION 1
SURVEY SUMMARY
ACM SURVEY RESULTS
Arkose Environmental, Inc. (AEI) was retained by Baylor Scott & White Healthcare to
conduct a limited asbestos survey for suspect materials in the Nuc Med Spect-CT renovation
area at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. Mr. Charles Baugh, a Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) licensed Asbestos Consultant conducted the
asbestos survey on April 29, 2024.
AEI understands portions of the Imaging and Radiology Department at Baylor Scott & White
Medical Center – Grapevine located at 1650 West College Street in Grapevine, Texas will
be disturbed during the scheduled Nuc Med Spect-CT renovation. This survey was
conducted in accordance with AHERA guidelines.
On April 29, 2024, suspect materials sampled within the Nuc Med Spect-CT renovation area
included wood pattern vinyl floor tile and mastic, vinyl cove base & mastic, wall panel,
sheetrock texture/joint compound, sheetrock, FRP (wall panel) and mastic, lay-in ceiling tile
and un-textured sheetrock. These materials are located within areas of potential
disturbance during scheduled renovation activities and included the following:
Suspect Material EPA & DSHS Material Category
Wood Vinyl Floor Tile & Mastic Miscellaneous
Vinyl Cove Base & Mastic Miscellaneous
Sheetrock Texture/Joint Compound Surfacing
Sheetrock Miscellaneous
FRP & Mastic Miscellaneous
Lay-in Ceiling Tile Miscellaneous
Un-Textured Sheetrock Miscellaneous
The materials included in the table above are located within areas of potential disturbance
during scheduled renovation activities. A total of 18 samples were collected and submitted
for laboratory analysis by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). Results from the findings
are discussed below.
No asbestos containing materials were identified in the samples collected and
submitted for PLM analysis.
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
2
SECTION 2
SCOPE OF SERVICES
AUTHORIZATION
Authorization to perform this assessment was given by Ms. Christine Davis with Baylor Scott
& White Healthcare on April 22, 2024.
AEI was to conduct a visual inspection for suspected asbestos-containing materials within
the Nuc Med Spect-CT renovation area at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Grapevine,
Texas. The inspection included collection of bulk samples of the suspect ACBMs and
transmittal of the collected samples to a NVLAP accredited and DSHS licensed asbestos
laboratory for analysis.
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
3
SECTION 3
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
The purpose of the asbestos assessment study is to determine the presence and current
condition of exposed and/or accessible materials that commonly contain asbestos in those
areas, designated by the client representative, which are currently scheduled for
renovation/demolition.
The Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR) require that an asbestos survey be
performed prior to issuance of a city construction permit (Senate Bill 509) and prior to any
renovation within or demolition of a building. EPA regulation 40 CFR 61, Subpart M,
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), prohibits the release
of asbestos fibers to the atmosphere during renovation or demolition activities. The
asbestos NESHAP requires that potentially regulated asbestos-containing building
materials be identified, classified, and quantified prior to planned disturbances or demolition
activities.
WARRANTY
AEI warrants that the findings contained herein have been promulgated in general
accordance with accepted professional practices at the time of its preparation as applied by
professionals in the community. Changes in the state of the art or in applicable regulations
cannot be anticipated and have not been addressed in this report.
The field and laboratory results reported herein are considered sufficient in detail and scope
to determine the presence, condition, and hazard potential of accessible and/or exposed
suspect ACBMs in the facility at the time of inspection. Test results are valid only for the
material tested.
There is a possibility that conditions may exist which could not be identified within the scope
of the survey, or which were not apparent during the site visit.
This inspection covered only those areas which were exposed and/or physically accessible
to the inspector as outlined by the scope of work. The study is also limited to the information
available from the client at the time it was conducted. This report is not a bidding document.
Contractors or consultants reviewing this report must draw their own conclusions regarding
further investigation or remediation deemed necessary. No other warranties are implied or
expressed.
USE BY THIRD PARTIES
This report was prepared pursuant to the contract AEI has with Baylor Scott & White
Healthcare. That contractual relationship included an exchange of information about the
property that was unique and between AEI and its client and serves as the basis upon
which this report was prepared. Because of the importance of the communication
between AEI and its client, reliance or any use of this report by anyone other than Baylor
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
4
Scott & White Healthcare and its subsidiaries, affiliates and successors, for whom it was
prepared, is prohibited and therefore not foreseeable to AEI.
Reliance or use by any such third party without explicit authorization in the report does not
make said third party a third-party beneficiary to AEI's contract with Baylor Scott & White
Healthcare. Any such unauthorized reliance on or use of this report, including any of its
information or conclusions, will be at the third party's risk. For the same reasons, no
warranties or representations, expressed or implied in this report, are made to any such third
party.
Third party reliance letters may be issued on request and upon payment of the, then current
fee for such letters. All third parties relying on AEI’s reports, by such reliance, agree to be
bound by the proposal and AEI’s General Conditions. No reliance by any party is permitted
without such agreement, regardless of the content of the reliance letter itself.
This asbestos survey does not constitute an asbestos abatement project design. Any
person or organization that solicitates bids or provides a bid for asbestos removal work
based solely on this limited asbestos survey is in violation of the Texas Asbestos Health
Protection Rules (25 TAC Part 1, Chapter 296). Only a TDSHS licensed Asbestos
Individual Consultant is allowed by TAHPR to prepare an asbestos project design.
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
5
SECTION 4
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
This assessment was performed in the Nuc Med Spect-CT renovation area at Baylor Scott
& White Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. The inspection was conducted as a limited survey
and included the assessment of friable and non-friable building materials.
Asbestos Survey Findings
AEI was retained by Baylor Scott & White Healthcare to conduct a limited asbestos survey
of suspected asbestos-containing building materials within the Nuc Med Spect-CT
renovation area at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. Mr. Charles Baugh,
a DSHS licensed Asbestos Individual Consultant conducted the asbestos survey on April
29, 2024. The survey was conducted in accordance with AHERA guidelines.
A material is considered by the DSHS to be asbestos containing if at least one sample
collected from the homogeneous area shows asbestos present in any amount by polarized
light microscopy (PLM) analysis or an amount equal to or greater than one (1) percent by
point count analysis.
No asbestos containing materials were identified in the samples collected and
submitted for PLM analysis.
Recommendations
A limited asbestos assessment was made to identify accessible, friable, and non-friable,
suspect ACM in those areas of the subject building that were identified by the client
representative at the time of the assessment as being scheduled for renovation. Should
additional suspect ACM be identified in areas not screened, those areas should be treated
as asbestos containing until further evaluation and analysis can be performed during
maintenance renovation, demolition, or other activities. AEI performed this limited survey
only on materials in readily accessible and visible areas. Hidden materials such as inside
walls, inaccessible attics, crawl spaces, inside duct work, etc., were not evaluated.
No asbestos containing materials were identified in the samples collected and submitted for
PLM analysis; therefore, no further action is recommended at this time.
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
6
SECTION 5
METHODOLOGY
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
GENERAL REFERENCES
Inspection, sampling, and assessment procedures were performed in accordance with EPA
and Texas DSHS protocol.
ASSESSMENT STUDY GENERAL ORGANIZATION
Prior to beginning the actual inspection, the inspector spoke with Ms. Christine Davis with
Baylor Scott & White to discuss the facility inspection and gain access.
Inspection Procedures
Mr. Charles Baugh, a State of Texas licensed Asbestos Individual Consultant, performed
the asbestos survey (Texas DSHS Licenses are presented in Appendix C). An initial
walkthrough was conducted to determine the presence of suspect materials, which were
accessible and/or exposed in the areas currently scheduled for renovation. Materials, which
were similar in general appearance, were grouped into homogeneous sampling areas.
Homogeneous Material Classifications
A preliminary walkthrough of the test area was conducted to determine areas of materials,
which were visually similar in color, texture, general appearance, and which appeared to
have been installed at the same time. Such materials are termed "homogeneous materials"
by the EPA. During this walkthrough, the approximate locations of these homogeneous
materials were also noted. Only materials which were accessible and/or exposed,
suspected of containing asbestos and specified as potentially being disturbed during
renovation as indicated by Mr. James Nelson were sampled and submitted for PLM
analysis.
Following the EPA and DSHS protocol, each identified suspect homogeneous material may
be placed in one of the following EPA classifications:
Surfacing Materials - materials that have been sprayed on, troweled on, or otherwise
applied to surfaces (structural members, walls, ceilings, etc.) for acoustical, decorative,
fireproofing, or other purposes. This includes acoustical plaster, hard plasters (wall or
ceiling), fireproofing insulation, spray-applied or blown-in thermal material, joint or
patching compound (wall or ceiling), and textured paints or plasters.
Thermal System Insulation - materials applied to various mechanical systems;
insulation used to control heat transfer or prevent condensation on pipes and pipe
fittings, boilers, breeching, tanks, ducts, and other parts of hot and cold-water systems;
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; or other mechanical
systems. These insulation materials include pipe lagging, pipe wrap, HVAC duct
insulation, block insulation, cements and muds, and a variety of other products such
as gaskets and ropes.
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
7
Miscellaneous Materials - any material which do not fit either of the above categories;
mostly nonfriable products and materials found on structural components, structural
members, or fixtures, such as floor tile, ceiling tile, construction mastic for floor and
ceiling materials, sheet flooring, fire doors, asbestos cement pipe and board, wallboard,
acoustical wall tile, and vibration damping cloth, etc.
Sampling Procedures
EPA and DSHS guidelines were used to determine the sampling protocol. Sampling
locations were chosen to be representative of the homogeneous sampling area. While an
effort was made to collect samples randomly, samples were taken from components
scheduled for renovation/demolition and preferentially from damaged areas or areas that
were the least visible to minimize disturbance of the material.
LABORATORY METHODOLOGY
Method of Analysis
Using the bulk sample for visual observation and slide preparation(s) for microscopic
examination and identification performed analysis. The samples were mounted on slides
and then analyzed for asbestos (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, and
actinolite/tremolite), fibrous non-asbestos constituents (mineral wool, paper, etc.) and non-
fibrous constituents. Refractive indices, morphology, color, pleochroism, birefringence,
extinction characteristics, and signs of elongation are used to identify asbestos. The same
characteristics were used to identify the non-asbestos constituents.
The microscopist visually estimated relative amounts of each constituent by determining the
volume of each constituent in proportion to the total volume of the sample, using a
stereoscope.
Laboratory Quality Control Program
Quest MicroAnalytics, Inc., a DSHS licensed (License No. 300218) and NVLAP accredited
laboratory (NVLAP Lab Code 200249-0), maintains an in-house quality control program,
which consists of blind reanalysis of ten percent of all samples. There is also voluntary
quality control reanalysis and mandatory source material dependent quality control
reanalysis for sample types that are particularly difficult to analyze.
REPORT FORMAT
The field data and the laboratory results were analyzed using the AEI management program.
Since the results are oriented to data only, a short explanation of each element contained
therein is given below. It explains the content of each data column and its relationship with
other items on the page.
PLM Report: This is the reporting method utilized in analysis of the submitted samples.
Laboratory ID Number: This column represents the assigned laboratory number (if used).
Baylor Scott & White Grapevine
AEI Project Number: 24-127
8
Sample Number: This number is the field sample number.
Sample Description /Location: This column provides the general location of the suspect
material and the suspect material that was sampled.
Asbestos Content: This column provides the specific type of asbestos found in each sample
and the total quantity of asbestos present in the sample, if asbestos is detected.
A P P E N D I C E S
APPENDIX A
ANALYTICAL RESULTS
11052 Shady Trail, Suite 217, Dallas, Texas 75229
214-351-4441 questmicro@gmail.com
PLM REPORT
Testing
TDSHS License No. 30-0218
Project:BSWI Women's Imaging Lobby
Project No.: 24-123
Identification: Polarized Light Microscopy/Dispersion Staining (PLM/DS)
Test Method: 40 CFR, Part 763, Appendix E to Subpart E
Request No.:36175
Sample Date: 4/26/24
The results are outlined below:
On 4/26/24, 12 bulk material Lui Barkkume of Arkose Environmental Inc.
for PLM/DS analysis.
Report Date:4/29/24
Client: Arkose Environmental Inc.
samples were submitted by
Client No. Sample Description Fibrous Components Asbestos Content
Lab No. 200249-0
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
B) 40% Fiberglass
30% Cellulose
20% Perlite
1 White Paint (A) on 2'x2' Gray Lay-in Ceiling
Tile (B)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
B) 40% Fiberglass
30% Cellulose
20% Perlite
2 White Paint (A) on 2'x2' Gray Lay-in Ceiling
Tile (B)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
B) 40% Fiberglass
30% Cellulose
20% Perlite
3 White Paint (A) on 2'x2' Gray Lay-in Ceiling
Tile (B)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
C) None Detected
B) 10% Fiberglass4Brown Wood Pattern Vinyl Sheet Flooring
(A) with White Foam Backing (B) and
Yellow Mastic (C)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
C) None Detected
B) 10% Fiberglass5Brown Wood Pattern Vinyl Sheet Flooring
(A) with White Foam Backing (B) and
Yellow Mastic (C)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
C) None Detected
B) 10% Fiberglass6Brown Wood Pattern Vinyl Sheet Flooring
(A) with White Foam Backing (B) and
Yellow Mastic (C)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
C) None Detected
D) None Detected
E) None Detected
F) None Detected
C) 98% Cellulose
E) 98% Cellulose
F) 35% Gypsum
15% Fiberglass
7 Wall System: Taupe Paint (A), White
Texture (B), White Tape (C), White Joint
Compound (D), Tan Paper (E) and White
Drywall (F)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
C) None Detected
D) None Detected
E) None Detected
F) None Detected
C) 98% Cellulose
E) 98% Cellulose
F) 35% Gypsum
15% Fiberglass
8 Wall System: Taupe Paint (A), White
Texture (B), White Tape (C), White Joint
Compound (D), Tan Paper (E) and White
Drywall (F)
A) None Detected
B) None Detected
C) None Detected
C) 98% Cellulose
E) 98% Cellulose
F) 35% Gypsum
9 Wall System: Taupe Paint (A), White
Texture (B), White Tape (C), White Joint
Compound (D), Tan Paper (E) and White
Page 1 of 2 36175Lab Request No
D) None Detected
E) None Detected
F) None Detected
15% FiberglassDrywall (F)
None DetectedNone10Black Sink Undercoating
None DetectedNone11Black Sink Undercoating
None DetectedNone12Black Sink Undercoating
Lab Director: Jennifer D. Jaber
Analyst:Jennifer Jaber
Approved Signatory :
Samples are analyzed by layers, and percentages estimated visually during microscopic examination. Individual analysis
sheets available upon request. Results may not be reproduced except in full. This test report relates only to the samples
tested, and results must not be used to claim product endorsement by NVLAP or any agency of the U.S. Government.
The EPA test method for bulk analysis (EPA/600/R-93/116) states in paragraph 2.2.2. that "the detection limit for
visual estimation is a function of the quantity of the sample analyzed, the nature of matrix interference, sample
preparation, and fiber size and distribution. Asbestos may be detected in concentrations of less than one percent
by area if sufficient material is analyzed. Samples may contain fibers too small to be resolved by PLM (<0.25
micrometers in diameter) so detection of those fibers by this method may not be possible."
Materials containing >1% asbestos are considered by the EPA to be asbestos containing materials, and must be handled as
such.
Page 2 of 2 36175Lab Request No
---------------;-----,, ----------------
Client Name and Address:
Arkose Environmental, Inc.
P.O. Box 560975, The Colony, TX 75056
I agree to be responsible for payment of all charges
a~sociated with the analyses of the samples listed.
Sample Sample
11052 Shady Trail, Suite 217
Dallas, TX 75229
(214) 351-4441
Tel:
(214) 682-4582
Fax:
(972) 668-3373
Number Date Sample Description/Location
Date: Time:
1/J~/2
Date: Time:
PAGE I OF
.,
-----------
Chain of Custody
Project Number:
~~~sis Requested
~CM/TEM/Mold
Time:
Time:
Required Turnaround
RUSH, 24 hrs,~3-5 days
Request Number:
'3C 17S
. I
APPENDIX B
SAMPLE LOCATION FIGURE
SAMPLE DRAWINGS NOT TO SCALE
NOTE: Should additional suspect asbestos
containing materials (ACM) be identified in areas
not screened, including hidden materials
encountered during renovation/demolition
activities, those areas should be treated as asbestos
containing until further evaluation and analysis can
be performed during maintenance renovation,
demolition, or other activities.
SAMPLE KEY
Sample Location (Non-ACM)
Sample Number (Non-ACM)
Sample Location (ACM)
Sample Number (ACM)
3
3
N-10
N-3
N-2
W-11
N-17
N-13
N-14
N-15
N-18
N-1
N-5
N-8
N-16
W-8
N-12
N-4
N-7
N-6
N-9
APPENDIX C
CERTIFICATES & LICENSES
APPENDIX D
PHOTOGRAPHS
1. View of wood pattern vinyl flooring 2. View of vinyl cove base and textured sheetrock
3. View of damaged FRP on west wall. 4. View of lay-in ceiling tile
5. View of current CT scan area 6. View of south adjoining unfinished area.
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
Baylor Grapevine, Nuc Med Spect-CT
1650 West College Street
Grapevine, Texas 76051
Project No: 24-127
APPENDIX E
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Accredited Person – A person who has attended and passed, within the last year, the appropriate asbestos course offered
by an asbestos training provider licensed by the department or one that has been approved by another state, which has the
authority from the U.S. EPA to approve courses, or that has been approved directly by the U.S. EPA.
Abatement – Procedures to control fiber release from asbestos-containing materials. Includes removal, encapsulation,
enclosure, repair, demolition, and renovation activities.
ACGIN – American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 6500 Glenway Avenue, Building C-5, Cincinnati, OH
45211.
Act – The Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4477-3a, as amended.
Adequately wet – Sufficiently mixed or penetrated with liquid clear through with no dry material to prevent the release of
particulate. If visible emissions are observed coming from asbestos-containing material, then that material has not been
adequately wetted. However, the absence of visible emissions is not sufficient evidence of being adequately wet.
AHERA – Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986, Public Law 99-519. The act amends the Federal Toxic
Substances Control Act, 18 United States Code, *2641, et seq., by requiring an inspection of all school buildings (Grades
K-12), all school administrations to develop plans for controlling asbestos in or removing asbestos from school buildings
and providing penalties for non-compliance.
AIHA – American Industrial Hygiene Association, 4676 Columbia Parkway (R-8) Cincinnati, OH 45226.
Airlock – A system for permitting ingress and egress with minimum air movement between a contaminated area and an
uncontaminated area, typically consisting of two curtained doorways separated by distance of at least 3 feet such that one
passes through one doorway into the airlock, allowing the doorway sheeting to overlap and close off the opening before
proceeding through the second doorway, thereby preventing flow-through contamination.
Air Monitoring – The process of measuring the fiber content of a known volume of air collected during a specific period of
time. The procedure normally utilized for asbestos follows the NIOSH 582 Standard Analytical Method for Asbestos in Air
P&CAM 239 or Method 7400. For clearance air monitoring, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods may be
utilized for higher detection and specific fiber identification.
Amended Water – Water to which a surfactant has been added.
ANSI – American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 1006.
Asbestos – The asbestiform varieties of chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite and all
materials containing one percent or more of any of those substances.
Asbestos Abatement – The removal, the encapsulation or the enclosure of asbestos for the purpose of, that has the effect
of, reducing or eliminating airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers or amounts of ACM.
Asbestos Abatement Activity – Asbestos abatement, any on-site preparations or clean up related to the abatement.
Asbestos Abatement Contractor – A person who undertakes to perform asbestos removal, enclosure, or encapsulation for
others under Contract or other agreement, or who bids to undertake asbestos activities.
Asbestos Abatement Supervisor – An individual who is in the direct and responsible charge of the personnel, practices, and
procedures of an asbestos abatement operation or project.
Asbestos Consulting Activities – Consulting activities in public buildings include: the designing of asbestos abatement
projects; the inspection for asbestos-containing materials (ACM); the evaluation and selection of appropriate asbestos
abatement methods and project layout; the preparation of plans, specifications and contract documents; the review of
environmental controls, abatement procedures for personal protection employed during the project; the design of area and
clearance air monitoring of the project; any inspection management planning, air monitoring, or project management
performed by or for the consultant or consulting agency; consultation regarding compliance with various regulations and
standards; recommending abatement options; and representing the consultant agency or consultant in obtaining consulting
work.
Asbestos-Containing Building Material (ACBM) – Surfacing ACM, thermal system insulation ACM, or miscellaneous ACM
that is found in or on interior structural members or other parts of a public or commercial building.
Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) – Materials or products that contain more than one percent (1%) of any kind or
combination of asbestos, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended methods as listed
in EPA/600/R-93/116, July 1993 “Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials”. This means any one
material component of a structure or any layer of a material sample. Composite sample analysis is not allowed.
Asbestos-Containing Waste Material – Includes mill tailings or any waste that contains commercial asbestos and is
generated by a source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M. This term includes filters from control devices,
friable asbestos waste material, and bags or other similar packaging contaminated with asbestos. As applied to demolition
and renovation operations, this term also includes regulated asbestos-containing materials, and materials contaminated
with asbestos including disposable equipment and clothing.
Asbestos Exposure – Airborne asbestos fiber concentrations resulting from disturbance or deterioration of asbestos or ACM.
Asbestos Project Design – Asbestos abatement project design includes the inspection of public buildings for ACM, the
evaluation and selection of appropriate asbestos abatement methods, project layout, the preparation of plans, specifications
and contract documents, and the review of environmental controls, abatement procedures and personal protection
equipment employed during the project.
Asbestos-Related Activity – The disturbance (whether intentional or unintentional), removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of
asbestos, including preparations or final clearance, the performance of asbestos surveys, the development of management
plans and response actions, asbestos project design, the collection or analysis of asbestos samples, monitoring for airborne
asbestos, bidding for a contract for any of these activities, or any other activity required to be licensed under the Texas
Asbestos Health Protection Act.
Asbestos Removal – Any action that dislodges, strips, or otherwise takes away ACM.
Asbestos Reporting Unit (ARU) – An asbestos reporting unit is 160 square feet or 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet of ACBM
in public buildings or RACM in facilities, as defined under NESHAP.
Asbestos Survey – An inspection of a building or facility to determine the location, quantity, and condition of ACM therein
by taking samples for analysis or by visual inspection.
ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Authorized Person – The Owner (and any designated representatives) and any representative of a regulatory or other
agency having jurisdiction over the project.
Board – The Texas Board of Health.
Building Owner – The Owner of record of any public building or any person, such as a property manager, who exercises
control over such building to the extent that said person Contracts for or permits renovation to or demolition of said building.
A General Contractor hired by the building owner for the purpose of performing a renovation or demolition cannot act as the
building owner.
CFR – The Code of Federal Regulations.
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) - An industrial hygienist certified in Comprehensive Practice by the American Board of
Industrial Hygiene.
Clean Room – An uncontaminated area or room that is a part of the worker decontamination enclosure system with
provisions for storage of worker’s street clothes and clean protective equipment.
Commercial Building – The interior space of any industrial or federal government owned building. Interior space includes
exterior hallways connecting buildings, porticos, and mechanical systems used to condition interior space.
Competent Person – The individual designated as the competent person as required by the United States Occupational
and Health Administration regulations in 29 CFR, *1926.1101.
Containment – A portion of the regulated area that has been sealed and placed under negative air pressure with high
efficiency particulate air-filter (HEPA) filtered negative air machines.
Contractor – A person under contract to perform a service with wage or income reporting and tax responsibility.
Critical Barrier – One or more layers of plastic sealed over all openings into a Work Area or any other similarly placed
physical barrier sufficient to prevent airborne asbestos in a Work Area from migrating to an adjacent area.
Decontamination Enclosure System – A series of connected rooms, separated from the Work Area and from each other by
air locks, for the decontamination of workers and equipment.
Demolition – The wrecking or removal of any load-supporting structural member of a public building or facility or any related
asbestos removal, stripping, or handling operations together with any related operations or the intentional burning of any
public building or facility.
Department – The Texas Department of State Health Services.
Designated Person – The individual designated under AHERA to oversee all asbestos activities to include compliance with
all laws, regulations, and rules.
Employee – A person who is paid a salary, wage, or remuneration by an entity for services performed and has a relationship
with the entity that would result in the entity being liable for that person’s acts or judgements.
Encapsulation – A method of control of asbestos fibers in which the surface of ACM is penetrated by or covered with a liquid
coating prepared for that purpose.
Enclosure – The construction of an airtight, impermeable, semi-permanent barrier surrounding asbestos to prevent the
release of asbestos fibers into the air.
EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M. Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20460.
Equipment Room – A contaminated area or room that is part of the worker decontamination enclosure system with
provisions for storage of contaminated clothing and equipment.
Facility – Any institutional, commercial, public, industrial, or residential structure, installation or building (including any
structure, installation, or containing condominiums or individual dwelling units operated as a residential cooperative but
excluding residential buildings having four or fewer dwelling units); any ship; and any active or inactive disposal site. Any
structure, installation or building that was previously subject to 40 CFR *61.141, Subpart M is not excluded, regardless of
its current use or function.
Facility Owner – The owner of record of any facility or public building or any person who exercises control over a facility or
public building to the extent that said person contracts for or permits renovation to or demolition of said facility or public
building.
Friable Material – Materials that when dry can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, and includes
previously non-friable material after such previously non-friable material becomes damaged to the extent that, when dry, it
may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
HEPA – A high-efficiency particulate air-filter, capable of trapping and retaining 99.97% of mono-dispersed airborne particles
0.3 micron or larger in diameter.
HVAC – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Independent Third-Party Air Monitor – A person retained to collect area air samples to be analyzed by and for the owner of
the building or facility being abated. The person must not be employed by the abatement contractor to analyze any area
samples collected during the abatement projects being monitored or the clearance samples.
Individual – A single person acting of and for him or herself.
Intact – The ACM has not crumbled, been pulverized, or otherwise deteriorated so that the asbestos is no longer likely to
be bound with its matrix.
Negative Initial Exposure Assessment – A demonstration by the employer, which complies with the OSHA criteria in
paragraph (f) (2) (iii), that employee exposure during an operation is expected to be consistently below the PEL.
NESHAP – The United States Environmental Protection Agency National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants,
as described in Title 40, CFR, Part 61.
NIOSH – The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Non-Friable Material – Material which, when dry, may not be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
NVLAP – The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program.
OSHA – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor.
Owner – Any person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises the facility being demolished or renovated or any
person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises the demolition or renovation operation or both.
Outside Air – The air outside buildings and structures.
PACM – Presumed Asbestos-Containing Material.
PCM – Phase-Contrast Microscopy, a method of analysis for overall fiber counts using an optical microscope.
PEL – Permissible Exposure Limit as defined by OSHA regulations (29 CFR *1926.1101).
Plans and Specifications – Site specific asbestos abatement description which includes drawings, floor plans or equivalent
of sufficient size and detail, which display the location of asbestos abatement activities, the location of regulated area(s),
and a clear and understandable written description of the work to be performed.
PLM – Polarized-light microscopy, a method of analysis for detection of the presence and type of asbestos.
Project Manager (PM) – The person or entity designated by the Owner to provide Project Management services during the
performance of the abatement work. These services will include area air monitoring, inspections of the abatement areas,
and the authority to shut down abatement operations as the Owner’s representative. The PM is authorized by the Owner to
monitor and inspect the abatement work. A representative from the PM will be on-site during all asbestos removal.
Public Building – The interior space of a building used or to be used for purposes that provide for public access or occupancy,
including prisons and similar buildings. Interior space includes exterior hallways connecting buildings, porticos, and
mechanical systems used to condition interior space. The term includes any Building Curing a period of vacancy, including
the period during preparations prior to actual demolition.
Regulated Area – The demarcated area in which asbestos abatement activity takes place, and in which the possibility of
exceeding the PEL for the concentrations of airborne asbestos exists.
Renovation – Additions to or alterations of the building for purposes of restoration by removal, repairing, and rebuilding.
Shower room – A room between the clean room and the equipment room in the worker decontamination enclosure with hot
and cold or warm running water controllable at the tap and suitably arranged for complete showering during
decontamination.
Staging Area – Either the holding area or some area near the waste transfer airlock where containerized asbestos waste
has been placed prior to removal from the Work Area.
Structural Member – Any load-supporting member of a facility, such as beams and load-supporting walls or any non-load-
supporting walls or any non-load supporting member, such as ceilings and non-load-supporting walls.
Surfactant – A chemical wetting agent added to water to improve penetration.
Thermal System Insulation (TSI) – ACM applied to pipes, fittings, boilers, breaching, tanks, ducts, or other structural
components to prevent heat loss or gain.
Visible Emissions – Any emissions containing particulate asbestos material that are visually detectable without the aid of
instruments. This does not include condensed uncombined water vapor.
Waste Transfer Airlock – A decontamination system utilized for transferring containerized waste from inside to outside of
the Work Area.
Wet Cleaning – The process of eliminating asbestos contamination from building surfaces and objects by using cloths, mops
or other cleaning utensils which have been dampened with water and afterwards thoroughly decontaminated or disposed
of as asbestos contaminated waste.
Work Area – Designated rooms, spaces or areas of the project in which asbestos abatement actions are to be undertaken
or which may become contaminated as a result of such abatement actions. A contained Work Area is a Work Area which
has been sealed, plasticized, and equipped with a decontamination enclosure system. A non-contained Work Area is an
isolated or controlled-access Work Area, which has not been plasticized or equipped with a decontamination enclosure
system.
SUSPECT BUILDING MATERIALS
Provided below are types of asbestos-containing materials.
Acoustical Ceiling Plaster - Acoustical ceiling plaster is generally considered to be friable and could present a potential
health hazard if disturbed. Acoustical ceiling plaster usually has a rough (popcorn like) finish and can be soft or hard to the
touch. It is usually spray-applied; however, trowel-applied material is also observed. It is not possible by sight or by touch
to determine if the acoustical ceiling materials are asbestos-containing. Acoustical ceiling materials are considered to be
friable as they may be crumbled to powder by hand pressure.
Trowel On Plaster - Asbestos-containing trowel on plaster (TP) is generally considered to be friable and present a potential
health hazard if it is disturbed. TP is often applied to interior ceilings and walls and over irregularities, such as nail
penetrations, to provide a textured, acoustically absorbent finish to the ceiling. It can be rough or smooth to the touch. It is
not possible by sight or by touch to determine if TP is asbestos-containing. TP is considered to be friable as it may be
crumbled to powder by hand pressure.
Spray-Applied Fireproofing - Asbestos-containing spray-applied fireproofing is generally considered to be friable and
presents a potential health hazard if it is disturbed. Fireproofing is often applied to steel structural members, and to the
interior of elevator shafts. Spry-applied fireproofing is generally rough in appearance and can be “cotton-candy” like or firm
and somewhat cementitious in texture. It is not possible by sight or by touch to determine if TP is asbestos-containing.
Fireproofing is considered to be friable as it may be crumbled to powder by hand pressure.
Resilient Floor Tiles, and Resilient Sheet Flooring - Resilient floor tiles are generally considered to be non-friable and present
a limited health hazard provided they remain undisturbed on floor surfaces. Tiles are usually 9" x 9" or 12" x 12" in dimension;
7" x 7", 8" x 8", and 18" x 18" are infrequently observed. It is not possible by sight or by touch to determine if floor coverings
are asbestos-containing. Resilient sheet flooring is considered to be non-friable, as it remains adhered to the floor surface.
Sheet flooring is usually composed of two layers; a top protective layer that is asbestos-free, and a bottom paper-like
insulating layer, which is asbestos-containing and friable. Some resilient sheet flooring is made of a single layer that is
asbestos-containing throughout. The mastic that adheres floor tile or sheet flooring to the substrate often contains asbestos
and must be handled accordingly.
Drywall Joint Compound - Asbestos-containing joint compound (ACJC) is generally considered to be friable and present a
potential health hazard if it is disturbed. ACJC is applied to interior drywall seams and over irregularities, such as nail
penetrations, to provide a smooth finish to the wall system prior to painting.
Thermal System Insulation - Asbestos-containing Thermal System Insulation (TSI) is commonly applied to heating vessels
such as boilers, hot water tanks, and the associated piping. TSI is generally considered to be friable, although it is commonly
enclosed in a canvas jacket. It is very important that the jacket material remains free from tears or rips that can expose the
underlying ACM. Other types of TSI in use include a papery-type insulation.
Boiler insulation (Thermal System Insulation) - Asbestos-containing boiler insulation is considered a thermal system
insulation (TSI) and is commonly applied to heating vessels such as boilers, hot water tanks, expansion tanks, and the
associated piping. TSI is generally considered to be friable, although it is commonly enclosed in a canvas jacket. It is very
important that the jacket material remains free from tears or rips that can expose the underlying ACM. Boiler insulation is
often composed of a mixture of magnesium or calcium silicate, and chrysotile or amosite asbestos. It is usually white and
chalky in appearance.
Mastic (various types and colors) - Asbestos-containing mastics are common. The material is considered to be non-friable,
and the fibers are unlikely to be released from the matrix of the seal.
Stucco - Asbestos-containing stucco is commonly used as an exterior finish. Stucco is generally considered to be friable.
Thinset Mortar - Thinset mortar is used as an adhesive for tile walls and floors, mainly in kitchens and bathrooms. Prior to
the late 1970s, some thinset mortar contained asbestos. Among the more popular asbestos-containing brands were TEC,
MAACO and L&M.
Transite Pipe –N Asbestos-containing transite vent pipes are commonly used as exhaust flues for heaters, water heaters,
and boilers.
Transite Panels - Asbestos-containing transite panels are commonly used for exterior siding. Transite refers to a brand
name Johns-Mansville product that is a mixture of chrysotile asbestos and Portland cement.
Black Roof Seal/Mastic - Asbestos-containing roof seal/mastics are common. The material is considered to be non-friable,
and the fibers are unlikely to be released from the matrix of the seal.