Asbestos

Asbestos, which was used in many common building materials, is a natural mineral found in rock through many geographic regions of the world. Federal, state and local regulations were established due to the hazards of asbestos exposures. From 1970 to 2000 there were approximately 600,000 liability claims or suits related to asbestos exposure which resulted in the payment of more than $70 billion in legal judgments and/or settlement penalty damages.

Asbestos Litigation

Targets of asbestos lawsuits have included:

Employers

Asbestos manufacturers

Asbestos installers

Property owners

Leasing Agents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can assess a monetary civil penalty up to $15,127.00 per day per non-compliance violation.

Even though it is widely known that asbestos is a carcinogen, not all asbestos uses are banned today. According to EPA, some of the following asbestos-containing products are no longer subject to the 1989 Toxic Substances Control Act:

Asbestos-cement corrugated and flat sheets

Roofing felt

Vinyl-asbestos floor tile

Asbestos-cement pipe

Gaskets

Non-roofing coatings and roof coating

* Source: Federal Register on Nov. 5, 1993 (58 FR 58964)

This means that any home or building could have asbestos containing building materials installed. In order to obtain a General Consolidated Permit in Puerto Rico you will need a certificate that states that there is no asbestos in the project. The following criterion applies:

The following criterion applies:

Must be performed by an accredited asbestos inspector

Construction date of the project is not a consideration

Completion of the form OGP-PGC is required

Zimmetry can keep you on the right track in addressing asbestos issues within your facilities by:

Having accredited asbestos inspectors

Using NVLAP accredited laboratories

Ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, including the OSHA asbestos standards and applicable EPA regulations

Performing required inspections and re-inspections according to the EPA's AHERA regulation, project oversights and staff training

Utilizing state-of-the-art onsite equipment and inspection techniques

Development of comprehensive inspection reports

Accomplish full compliance with our asbestos consultation by counting on:

xpert and reliable interpretation of applicable asbestos regulatory standards for over seventeen years

Served as expert witnesses and presenters to government agencies, institutional clients and private contractors on asbestos issues

Customized presentations to staff/building occupants who express asbestos concern and/or as part of the AHERA regulatory requirements