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Asbestos fibers were incorporated into thousands of building materials due to their beneficial properties such as thermal
insulation, chemical and fire resistance, and poor electrical conductivity. Today, these fibers pose health and liability issues for many building owners, schools, and employers. Western Technologies'
comprehensive range of asbestos services and hands-on knowledge of pertinent regulations such as the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the National Emissions Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and those under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) give our clients the needed advantage in managing their asbestos waste compliance efforts.
Asbestos surveys include observations, sample collection and testing to identify the presence, condition, and quantity of
asbestos-containing building materials. Resulting reports are geared to assist with pre-renovation and demolition NESHAP
disclosures and permitting or with the development of operations and maintenance plans, including OSHA worker notifications and training requirements, specific response actions, and documentation procedures.
Western Technologies can provide qualified professionals to design and implement any necessary training requirements. Our EPA-accredited project
designers will develop specifications for the removal of asbestos prior to renovation or demolition activities and assist with contractor selection, bid evaluation and contract management. Our
clients have included school districts with multiple campuses, residential structures, retail malls, and office facilities exceeding 100,000 sq ft.
Another potential hazard associated with older buildings and steel structures is lead exposure. Historically, lead additives were blended into paint to help it dry faster and improve durability.
Today, lead is known to cause adverse health effects to humans, especially children. In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead-based paint for residential use. In
1980, the Federal Highway Administration banned the use of lead coatings on bridges.
Western's EPA-accredited lead inspectors and assessors use the latest procedures and
technology to evaluate for the presence of lead. Our project experience includes paint chip sampling and x-ray fluorescence monitoring for lead in paints, dust, and soil at residential sites,
government housing, and in commercial settings. We can develop technical specifications for abatement and management, and provide oversight including air monitoring, inspection, and clearance testing.
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