Asbestos…a Real Concern for Real Property

Lawhon & Associates, Inc. (L&A) has been Ohio’s leader in asbestos management for over ten years, easing concerns and making life easier for those who may have to deal with asbestos issues.

Late in 1995, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration finalized the asbestos rules for occupational exposure in all industries. This requires both building owners and employers to practice due diligence regarding the presence of asbestos containing material (ACM) or presumed asbestos containing material.

Building owners are required to notify all employers with personnel working in their buildings of the presence of confirmed or presumed ACM. Additionally, employers must provide asbestos awareness training to all custodial/maintenance personnel who work in buildings where asbestos is, or has been presumed to be present.

To comply with the notification requirements, building owners and employers must have a survey conducted to determine the locations of the suspected asbestos containing materials. In Ohio, a survey for asbestos materials must be conducted by a person who has been certified by the Ohio Department of Health.

If the presence of asbestos is confirmed, it is the responsibility of the owners and employers to determine necessary precautions to prevent worker and employee exposure. Even though most materials can effectively be managed in place, renovation or demolition will necessitate the removal of the ACM. The removal of ACM can be quite costly and must be carefully considered while negotiating real estate transactions. It is important that the seller provides, and the buyer obtains, adequate disclosures and warranties prior to the transfer.

When managed properly by the experts at L&A, asbestos may not be a hindrance to anybody managing, selling or buying real property. L&A’s professional staff of state certified personnel has helped hundreds of companies with cost effective, sensible approaches for asbestos management. Services include surveys, record keeping, labeling, abatement design, awareness training, air monitoring and operations and maintenance.

For more information about ways in which L&A’s asbestos management expertise may be of value to you, or for other environmental and/or industrial hygiene services, please call (888) 452-9466.