If you're planning to demolish or renovate at some point, it's good to know the best practices to follow in order to protect you and your worker's health. You will also be able to avoid a potential lawsuit in case of anything, so read on to see when you need to get an asbestos inspection.

Before a Renovation or Demolition

Even if your building is less than five years old or was constructed after the EPA started to regulate asbestos, it's still important to adhere to asbestos inspection standards. This is because asbestos was not fully removed from all new building materials and it may still be present in many forms. During demolition, it's important to have an asbestos inspection done as well because fibers of asbestos that were contained can enter the air as dust particles when disturbed, posing a serious risk to everyone in the vicinity.

If the Building is an Older One

It's well known that many older buildings used asbestos-based materials for things like fireproofing and insulation. While it was contained during construction, it's possible for it to become friable as it ages, meaning that it can crumble easily. Routine repairs and regular maintenance can easily disturb friable asbestos and cause it to enter the air, creating a potent hazard for everyone in the building. If you own or have bought an older building, it's wise to schedule an asbestos inspection once every 6 to 12 months so you're sure of the building's safety at all times.

When The Building's Occupants Complain

If a tenant, worker, employee, or anyone in your building says that they might have encountered asbestos at some point, you need to have an inspection done right away. Such complaints may include respiratory issues, seeing materials that look like asbestos or even having knowledge of asbestos due to having encountered it in the past. In this case, it's your duty to ensure that the building is safe by having an inspection done.

According to a 2019 American Community Survey survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, about 12% of homes were built before 1940 and more than half before 1980, which is the unofficial line of demarcation that separates the peak of asbestos usage and its phasing out. Make sure you know the age of a building and other factors that may influence the presence of asbestos so you can take preventative measures.