Asbestos can cause a whole host of health problems including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and more. As such, the government has taken steps over the past decades to reduce asbestos exposure. One of these steps is the Asbestos NESHAP.
What is the Asbestos NESHAP?
The Asbestos NESHAP stands for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. It was established by the EPA due to the passage of the Clean Air Act which protects the public from airborne contaminants that are known to be harmful to our health. The NESHAP focuses on a whole list of hazardous air pollutants, one of those being asbestos.
What does it do?
The Asbestos NESHAP rule helps protect the public from asbestos exposure through regulations and inspections, especially during demolition or renovation projects. Specific work practices must be followed during the demolition and/or renovation of various facilities, including structures, installations, and buildings. These work practices may involve notifying a state agency of a demolition or renovation project, removing the asbestos-containing materials, sealing the material in leak tight containers, and more.
Are there exceptions?
Most facilities are subject to the Asbestos NESHAP rule. Any type of demolition or renovation project must go through the inspection process before any work is started. If asbestos is found, then the NESHAP requires specific work practices in order to remove the asbestos, including having a qualified representative onsite during the renovation or demolition project. However, if the total amount of asbestos is less than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, or 35 cubic feet, then the asbestos does not need to be removed before the renovation or demolition project.
Additionally, certain cities, counties, and states have their own asbestos laws to enforce the Asbestos NESHAP, which many times are more strict and must also be complied with.
In order to comply with the Asbestos NESHAP rule, make sure you perform asbestos testing before your renovation or demolition project. At Axiom Service Professionals we offer asbestos testing & inspection services for the Kansas City area. Contact us today to get started.
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