If you own or lease a commercial or industrial building constructed prior to 1980, you will need to have it inspected to determine if it still contains asbestos. We now realize how dangerous this product is when inhaled. You must understand the regulations surrounding this substance in order to protect anyone who works in or around it.
Fortunately, asbestos is not always an immediate threat. They only become dangerous when airborne. If the asbestos is contained and fully enclosed, like under floor tiles, they do not pose a threat unless they are disturbed and sent into the air. This can happen with a renovation or as the tiles wear or become damaged. Asbestos should only be removed by a certified asbestos abatement professional.
Because asbestos was used so extensively in the construction of these buildings, it can be found in quite a few places.
• Insulation that is located in ceilings and walls, especially if it was the spray type. It is also common in wrap used on pipes and acoustic tiles that were very popular in the early half of the 20th century.
• Floor tiles, vinyl flooring, and the adhesives that keep them in place were often used.
• Because it was fireproof, it was thought to be excellent for anything like firebricks. It also was added to paints, sheetrock, plasters, and joint compounds.
• Electrical fuse and breaker boxes often used a form of asbestos paper to wrap the wiring.
• The ceramic pipes used in plumbing also contain asbestos, including water mains and drainpipes.
• Old boilers were commonly equipped with gaskets and sealants that contained asbestos as a fire retardant and insulation. Unfortunately, because it is subject to very high heat, these materials can easily deteriorate, increasing the chance of exposure.
Inspection
It is possible that your building has already been inspected for asbestos. There should be documentation of that inspection and information about any asbestos removal or areas where asbestos has been fully contained.
However, as you have seen, even if the asbestos was contained safely, that area could have been damaged through wear or accident. If your building has never been inspected, you should take steps to have that done.
If you are the owner, you can contact a reliable company to perform the inspection. As a property manager, you should work with the building’s owner to have this completed. If you only lease the space, determine who is responsible for the management, including safety measures. Inform them of your concerns so that you can continue in operation safely and within the law.
Hiring a certified asbestos abatement company is the most reliable method to be sure your premises are safe for daily occupation by you and your employees. If asbestos is identified, have it removed or encapsulated. If the encapsulated areas are still in a safe condition, be sure to have them maintained and under observation.
If you have concerns or questions, a certified asbestos removal company will be happy to help.