Asbestos Inspection Northwest LLC
Breathe easy and know what you're dealing with.
SERVICES: AHERA Asbestos Inspection.
Why Inspect?
Inspection Process
Reports
Under Washington law, homeowners are allowed to take their own asbestos samples if they so choose. However, asbestos fibers can be deadly if handled improperly. Aerodynamic and increadibly small, they can stay afloat in the air once disturbed for several days. They are known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, the latter of which is always fatal. Taken from Washington State Labor and Industry website, "Note to Homeowners: You are exempt from the asbestos survey requirements if you are working in your own residence, where you live, and you do the work yourself. If your residence is used for commercial purposes, such as a rental, or home office, or you bring in a contractor, other workers, or volunteers, to do work that disturbs asbestos containing materials, the asbestos removal requirements apply." Contractors MUST get a building inspected by a certified AHERA building inspector before demo or remodel work can be performed under WAC 296-62-07721 (2)(b) or be subject to a minimum $250 fine daily. Each day the violation continues will be considered a separate violation. Please consult Washington State Labor and Industries website for more information.
Inspection can be a mildly destructive process, since it involves taking physical samples of walls, flooring, roofing, insulation and so on. We always strive to be as non intrusive as possible and will take our samples in inconspicious areas whenever we are able. Depending on the site, inspection should take about an hour or so, for an average size family home. The larger the building, the more time the inspection process will take. It is best to be out of the building if at all possible, during inspection to avoid any possible asbestos exposure. We are happy to work around your schedule whenever possible. Having years of asbestos abatement experience, our inspectors are well trained and familiar on the proper way to handle possible asbestos containing material. Please note that in addition to the inspection fee/sample fees, there will be a lab fee associated with the final billing.
You can expect a detailed report within 5 business days, sometimes sooner depending on what your needs are. Expedited results often increase cost due to the lab process. All samples are examined using PLM (polarized light microscopy). The report will include, the number of samples taken and the results of the samples from the lab. We will be happy to go over any questions or concerns you may have during the process or about the report.
Whats Next?
Once you receive the report, it will clearly show whether or not the samples contain asbestos, the type of asbestos it is, and what percentage of the sample is asbestos. Any sample that is greater than one percent (1%) by weight is considered an asbestos containing material and must be abated (removed) by an asbestos abatement certified contractor per Federal, State, and Local regulations. Homeowners are allowed to sample and remove asbestos on their own. However, due to the hazards the fibers can cause and how long they can remain in your house if improperly removed, we highly recommend leaving it to the professionals. If a homeowner decides to remove ACM on their own, it must be disposed of properly in accordance to state and federal law. Please visit Washington State Labor and Industries website for more information.
Contractors, avoid a hefty L and I fine and get inspected as required by law. Homeowners, don't put your family at risk, leave sampling asbestos to the professionals.
Call 425.443.2031 today. Free quotes, always.