Asbestos was often used as insulation in homes from the 1930s to the 1950s. It was found in many items, like floor tiles and hot water pipes. Roofing materials were also frequently made of asbestos. Additionally, it was used in textured paints and patching compounds until 1977.
So if your house or building was built before 1989, when the EPA banned asbestos in new construction, call the experts at Atlas Labs, Inc.. Our team will perform a detailed asbestos survey in Oregon and Washington State. This will help us find out if asbestos exposure poses a health risk to you.
Breathing in asbestos dust harms the body and can lead to serious diseases like mesothelioma. Our team checks your risk and recommends any safety steps or solutions you might need. Our team understands where to check for asbestos in your home or building. We safely collect samples to test in our labs. Our advanced techniques ensure precise measurements. Our team also provides mold testing, along with our drop-off locations.
Asbestos surveys are essential for finding asbestos materials in buildings. Though its use has been significantly curtailed for many years, it can still be found in older buildings.
Requirements differ by building type and location, but surveys are often needed:
Owner-occupants of single-family homes might have some exemptions for specific interior renovations. This varies by state or local rules. Always confirm what applies where you live.
After expert inspections, property owners can learn how to manage or remove identified ACMs. Skipping property surveys puts building occupants at risk for asbestos-related illnesses. A professional assessment helps you stay compliant and avoid costly fines down the road.
Contact us to schedule an asbestos testing, of your building today. We serve clients in the Portland Oregon and Washington Areas.
In Oregon, an asbestos survey is required before any demolition or renovation on all commercial buildings and residential buildings constructed before 2004.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees asbestos work to protect both workers and the public during renovations and demolitions.
You must provide the report to the Oregon DEQ upon request. Also, a copy of the asbestos survey report must remain on-site for the duration of the renovation or demolition.
In Washington State, an asbestos survey is required for any building before demolition, renovation, remodeling, or maintenance work that could disturb ACMs, regardless of the building’s age.
Asbestos surveys must be done by an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)-certified inspector for most buildings. There are also specific rules for notification and disposal.
Requirements change by county or local air authority. So contact Atlas Labs, Inc. for help understanding the rules for your project.
Since each property has its own challenges, environmental experts usually follow set protocols during inspections:
After your survey, skilled environmental contractors can create specific removal plans to help make indoor spaces safer.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 1910.1001(c)(1) mandates employers maintain workplace asbestos levels below 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter. Only qualified professionals, like us at Atlas Labs, Inc., can perform these assessments.
Additionally, the AHERA sets clear rules for schools:
Schools must hire certified experts for all asbestos tasks and train maintenance staff on proper awareness protocols.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises testing damaged, deteriorating, or friable materials through qualified professionals. They recommend conducting surveys before any construction that could disturb possible ACMs.
An AHERA-certified specialist is at every site we survey. Atlas Labs, Inc.’s team provides full reporting to you on our findings, including all lab results. Our specialists will let you know if your property needs asbestos abatement services. Preserving the health of you and your building’s occupants is our primary objective.
With over 50 years of experience, we know how to spot and assess asbestos risks in your home, office, or commercial space. Our team is fully committed to improving the safety conditions of your building. As consultants, we give clear advice on your options when we find a health risk.
We offer services to protect the health of your family, tenants, and workforce. This includes everyone inside your home or building. If necessary, we offer rush service with same-day results for urgent situations.
Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment time.
Atlas Labs delivers the most accurate asbestos and lead paint testing throughout Oregon and Washington.
