MAS is fully functional as an essential business. Our offices are not currently open to the public. However, we are adhering to the recommended social distancing guidelines and have created a safe working environment in our offices by initiating screening practices, moving office spaces further apart and requiring the use of masks at all times. We are also allowing employees to work from home. In addition, our field staff are able to use separate vehicles, have access to hand sanitizers, and are required to use masks at all times

Asbestos

When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are damaged or “friable,” asbestos fibers can be released into the air, causing a potential risk to human health.

Historically, asbestos was used primarily between the 1930s and 1970s due to its durability and fire resistance.  Homes constructed before 1981 may contain asbestos in items such as old floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles, siding, insulation, and even the joint compound used between pieces of sheetrock. Even though asbestos use was heavily restricted in 1989, not all products were banned, and many continue to be manufactured and distributed today, including roofing materials, joint compound, floor tiles, window caulks, and brake pads.

asbestos-cut

It is a Federal requirement that, prior to the demolition or renovation of any building, regardless of the construction date, suspect ACM should be identified if present. Building permits may not be issued until an asbestos survey is completed. In addition, asbestos surveys are oftentimes required as part of due diligence during commercial real estate transactions/financing, or after damage to buildings after significant natural disasters, including flooding.

Types of Asbestos Surveys include:

  • Asbestos Screening – targeted sampling of areas with damage and potentially friable suspect ACM.
  • Limited Asbestos Survey – a more comprehensive sampling of building materials and suspect ACM.
  • Path of Construction / Pre-Renovation Asbestos Survey – sampling specific areas to be impacted by construction or renovation activities.
  • Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey – inspection of an entire building, both interior and exterior. A pre-demolition survey includes the destruction of small sections of the building to look for possible ACM behind walls, floors, and other hard to reach areas.

If, after an asbestos survey has been performed, ACM is identified, asbestos abatement may be necessary.  Abatement activities may include material removal, encapsulation, repair, enclosure, or implementing an operations and maintenance program to ensure fiber release does not occur.

MAS and our subcontractors maintain the most up to date training, experience, and credentials necessary to provide our customers with consultations, testing, abatement, and demolition services. All sampling and abatement activities are performed in strict compliance with the local, state and federal rules and regulations.