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Key Takeaways:
- RHP Risk Management provides hazardous materials surveys and assessments to identify and manage risks associated with asbestos, lead, mold, and PCBs in buildings, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations for worker safety during construction and demolition (29 CFR 1926).
- Our hazardous building materials surveys (HBMS) help property owners and construction companies comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) by identifying hazardous materials that may require special handling or disposal.
- By conducting hazardous materials assessments, RHP helps clients protect workers and the public from exposure to airborne contaminants, aligning with OSHA’s requirements for exposure monitoring and control during construction, renovation, and demolition activities (29 CFR 1926.62 for lead, 29 CFR 1926.1101 for asbestos).
It is important for property investors, property owners, and construction companies to be knowledgeable on the compliance, health, safety and liability risks before beginning a building demolition, or reuse or renovations of existing structures. Based on a building type, age and geographic location may require a Hazardous Building Materials Survey (HBMS) to survey for and assess condition of any hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, mold and PCBs and if the planned activity will disturb or demolish leaving waste any of these materials of concern. Hazardous materials can become airborne during construction, renovation or demolition of a building, posing a risk to occupants, workers and the community.
What is a Hazardous Materials Survey (HBMS)?
A hazardous materials survey, also known as a hazmat survey, is a comprehensive assessment conducted before renovation or demolition. The purpose of a hazardous materials survey (HBMS) is to identify and assess the condition of building materials and components that may contain potentially harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, mold, and PCBs. This survey helps to ensure the safety of workers and the public by identifying materials that require special handling or disposal before they are disturbed. When planning construction or demolition, federal, state, and local regulations often require a hazardous materials survey for commercial or industrial projects. Generally, a HBMS is also completed as part of the due diligence process, alongside a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, during a property transfer or acquisition, as a pre-demolition survey is necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure to hazardous materials.
What is a Designated Substance Survey?
A designated substance survey (DSS) is a type of hazardous materials assessment used in specific jurisdictions to identify a pre-defined list of especially hazardous substances. The purpose of a designated substance survey is to protect workers by identifying materials that must be handled with strict controls to prevent exposure during a construction or demolition project.
The Value of a Hazardous Building Materials Survey
By taking the precautionary measures to have a comprehensive HBMS, property owners can stay within regulatory compliance during renovations, demolition or major redesign of a building, meet regulations, receive the necessary building permits, and keep workers safe.
Federal and state oversight related to asbestos containing materials (ACMs) is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state EPAs. Removal of ACMs and lead paint, which can pose health threats to construction employees, residents, public and future building occupants, fall under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Each state has its own environmental oversight.
A Hazardous Materials Assessment Includes
RHP Risk Management’s experienced safety and health professionals perform comprehensive HBMS that include a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the building, of visible and covered hazardous building materials, collection and analysis of bulk samples of suspect building materials and site features that may contain harmful substances. A RHP professional may sample painted surfaces (lead), metal surfaces (lead, chromium VI, cadmium), building materials (asbestos), and inspect the interior and exterior building sealants for PCBs, mercury-containing fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) light bulbs and thermostats, potential CFC-containing components and building occupant-derived waste (BODW), soil testing, and a visual inspection for mold and/or moisture-impacted building materials. A hazardous materials survey may also include a check for radon.
Following the inspection and laboratory analyzation of suspect materials, RHP will provide a written report detailing the findings and analytical results of the hazardous materials assessment and their recommendations for handling during demolition permits, real estate transactions, and real estate valuations. Materials identified as hazardous will need to be encapsulated, removed and or disposed of prior to demolition or renovation where these materials may be disturbed. RHP can further provide recommendations of disposal and estimated costs and prepare hazardous materials management programs to manage remaining hazardous materials.
Contact RHP Risk Management for Expert Hazardous Materials Survey and Assessment Services
Contact RHP for an initial phone consultation and learn more about our professional services.