ASTM E1368-14

5.1.1 Abatement for the purpose of removing asbestos-containing materials or encapsulating or enclosing them, regardless of the engineering controls and work practices used, requires performance of visual inspections as described in this practice.

5.1.2 Operations and maintenance (O&M) activities, such as removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of asbestos-containing materials incidental to repair or replacement of a component, clean-up of debris from a fiber release episode, or other preventive measures, require the performance of visual inspections as described in this practice. See Managing Asbestos in Place and Guidance Manual.

5.1.3 This practice applies to response actions performed under a contract from the building owner, as well as to work performed by the building owner's staff.

5.2.1 The visual inspection process is used to evaluate all four aspects of an asbestos abatement project as follows:

5.2.2 Visual inspection is not a substitute for air monitoring at any stage of the work and is particularly not a substitute for final air testing for building re-occupancy following an asbestos abatement project. The basic premise of this practice is that a surface, component, or work area where residue, dust or debris, or unremoved material, visible without the use of magnifying devices, is still present is not sufficiently clean for subsequent stages of work. Any residue, dust, or debris found during the inspections is assumed to contain asbestos, and the surfaces, components, and area must be re-cleaned before proceeding further.

5.2.3 Passing the visual inspections for completeness of abatement and clean-up improves the chances, but does not guarantee, that the area will pass final air testing for clearance.

5.3.1 O&M work is generally more brief than abatement projects, involves less ACM, and is consequently referred to as “small-scale, short-duration” in Appendix B to 40 CFR Part 763 (EPA AHERA regulations). Permissible quantities and operations may vary according to applicable regulations and are not specified in this practice.

5.3.2 O&M work often lacks such protective measures as negative pressure and decontamination facilities that provide protection to workers and building occupants during abatement projects.

1.1.1 Establish the extent of the required work before it begins;

1.1.2 Determine the progress and quality of the work and evaluate the completeness of the response action; and

1.1.3 Evaluate the cleanliness of the work area prior to final air testing for clearance (if performed), and subsequent to dismantling of critical barriers.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions in this standard practice should be taken to avoid creating and breathing airborne asbestos particles from materials known or suspected to contain asbestos. See 2.2 for regulatory requirements addressing asbestos.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.