Asbestos Services 

Founded in 1970, HSA has maintained industrial hygiene as the focal point of its operation, structuring its field services in a way to properly assist a vast array of clientele in evaluating and recommending control measures.  We typically structure a flexible asbestos management program that may include:

                                  Asbestos Surveys
                                  Management Planning
                                  Operations and Maintenance Program
                                  Abatement Contract Administration
                                  Training 

ASBESTOS SURVEYS

An accurate asbestos survey is a critical first step in dealing with asbestos.  The presence, location, and quantity of asbestos containing materials (ACM) are determined through the collection and analysis of samples of building materials.  Our industrial hygienists and AHERA-certified building inspectors follow well-defined protocols and quality assurance procedures to ensure a complete and accurate survey.  A survey report is prepared which provides a solid foundation for sound management decisions and development of cost-effective solutions. 

MANAGEMENT PLANNING

The survey data are used to perform a hazard assessment of identified ACM.  This  assessment is based on ACM location, condition, potential for disturbance, and other risk factors, and enables appropriate response actions to be selected for each ACM location. 

A management plan is prepared which describes an overall strategy and defines action steps. Plan contents include a description of recommended work, cost estimates, prioritization of abatement actions, phasing plans, analysis of additional resources required for abatement, and operations and maintenance (O&M) plans. The management plan lays out a logical sequence of actions to manage asbestos risks at minimal cost consistent with the client's objectives.  HSA's broad experience in asbestos management permits us to develop plans which address the highest risk situations first, and minimize and distribute capital outlays over time.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Often expensive removal costs can be avoided through implementation of an O&M program.  In this program, low risk ACM is left in place and routine and emergency procedures are established to effectively control the risk.  The O&M program establishes a management organization and procedures that include periodic surveillance to  monitor the ACM condition; specific procedures for ACM handling in routine and emergency situations; notification and information of ACM presence and hazard to building occupants and outside vendors or contractors; and, training for management and workers in order  to implement the program.

ABATEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The importance of abatement contractor qualifications and performance cannot be overstated.  Our services include the preparation of specifications, identification of  qualified contractors, bid evaluation, and contractor selection assistance.  During  abatement we provide experienced personnel to monitor the contractor's conformance to project specifications, perform air sampling, observe work practices, and maintain daily logs or project activities.

 HSA's certified personnel inspect the job site and perform clearance air sampling prior to contractor release.  A final report is prepared which documents abatement project performance.

HSA also provides telephone consultation and expert testimony in court in support of our work.