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Asbestos Consulting, Survey & Abatement Support Services

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[asbestos]

Protect Health, Meet Regulations, and Manage Asbestos Risk the Right Way

Asbestos remains one of the most tightly regulated and high-liability building materials found in commercial, industrial, and residential structures. Although its use has been restricted for decades, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still commonly present in older buildings in flooring, pipe insulation, roofing materials, wall systems, and fireproofing.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during renovation, demolition, or maintenance activities, microscopic fibers can become airborne and pose serious health risks. Because of this, asbestos is subject to strict federal and state regulations governing inspection, handling, abatement, and disposal.

At CRB, we provide independent asbestos consulting, surveying, and abatement support to help property owners, developers, and facility managers manage risk, comply with regulations, and move projects forward safely. With more than 34 years of experience and over 200,000 projects completed, CRB brings the technical depth and regulatory knowledge required to manage asbestos correctly.

What Asbestos Is — and Why It Matters

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral group that includes several fibrous silicate minerals, most commonly:

  • Chrysotile

  • Amosite

  • Crocidolite

Due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties, asbestos was widely used in building materials throughout much of the 20th century. Today, the U.S. EPA and OSHA consider any material containing more than 1% asbestos to be asbestos-containing material (ACM).

ACMs are not necessarily hazardous if they remain intact and undisturbed. However, when damaged, cut, drilled, or removed improperly, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, creating serious long-term health risks.

Because of this, asbestos must be properly identified, managed, and — when necessary — removed under controlled conditions.

How CRB Performs Asbestos Surveys and Assessments

CRB’s asbestos surveys are performed in accordance with EPA and OSHA regulations and consistent with procedures outlined in 40 CFR Part 763 (AHERA).

Our approach is systematic, defensible, and focused on protecting occupants, workers, and project schedules.

A typical asbestos survey includes:

  • Building Inspection: Detailed evaluation of building materials likely to contain asbestos.

  • Sampling of Suspect Materials: Representative samples are collected from each suspect ACM and submitted to accredited laboratories for analysis.

  • Laboratory Analysis: Samples are analyzed using approved methods such as NIOSH 582 PLM microscopy or other appropriate techniques.

  • Documentation & Reporting: Preparation of a formal survey report, signed by a licensed asbestos consultant, documenting findings and recommendations.

CRB’s asbestos survey experience includes industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential facilities, ranging from single-family homes to multi-million-square-foot manufacturing plants.

Asbestos Management, Abatement Planning & Oversight

When asbestos-containing materials are identified, CRB helps clients develop cost-effective, compliant response strategies based on building use, material condition, and project goals.

Our services include:

  • Asbestos In-Place Management Plans (O&M Programs): For materials that remain in place and must be monitored and maintained safely.

  • Abatement Planning: Development of technical specifications, work plans, and contractor bid packages.

  • Abatement Oversight: Independent oversight of abatement contractors to ensure work is performed properly and in compliance with regulations.

  • Final Clearance Air Sampling: Post-abatement air monitoring to confirm that the area is safe for re-occupancy.

CRB does not perform abatement work directly, which ensures our role remains independent, objective, and focused on protecting the client’s interests.

Who Needs Asbestos Surveys and Consulting Services

CRB’s asbestos services support a wide range of clients and situations, including:

  • Building owners and facility managers

  • Developers and contractors planning renovations or demolition

  • Property buyers and sellers performing due diligence

  • Schools, healthcare facilities, and government buildings

  • Industrial and commercial property owners

  • Legal and insurance professionals

Asbestos surveys and management are typically required before:

  • Renovation or remodeling projects

  • Demolition activities

  • Building acquisitions or dispositions

  • Major maintenance or system upgrades

  • Regulatory inspections or compliance audits

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT

[The CRB Asbestos Process]

Project Review & Regulatory Scoping

We review building use, project plans, and regulatory requirements.

Survey & Sampling

We inspect and sample suspect materials.

Laboratory Analysis & Reporting

We analyze results and prepare a formal asbestos survey report.

Management or Abatement Support

We support O&M programs, abatement planning, oversight, and clearance.

Ready to Manage Asbestos Risk the Right Way?

Asbestos must be handled correctly to protect occupants, workers, and project schedules.

Talk to a CRB asbestos professional today about your survey, management, or abatement support needs.

Request an Asbestos Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials for fire resistance and insulation until the late 1970s.

    It becomes dangerous when materials containing asbestos are disturbed and release fibers into the air, which can cause serious health issues, including:

    • Lung disease

    • Asbestosis

    • Mesothelioma

    • Lung cancer

    Because of these risks, asbestos is strictly regulated in construction, renovation, and demolition projects.

  • An asbestos inspection is typically required before:

    • Demolition of any structure

    • Renovation or remodeling of commercial or residential buildings

    • Interior build-outs

    • Major repairs that disturb building materials

    In Florida and most jurisdictions, a pre-demolition or pre-renovation asbestos survey is legally required.

  • A typical asbestos survey includes:

    • On-site inspection of suspect materials

    • Sampling of building materials

    • Laboratory analysis

    • Identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)

    • A written report suitable for permitting and regulatory compliance

    CRB provides regulator-ready reports accepted by local and state agencies.

  • Yes. In most cases, asbestos testing is required before demolition, even if the structure will be completely removed.

    Regulatory agencies need to confirm whether asbestos is present and ensure proper removal and disposal.

    • Site inspections are usually completed in a few hours to one day, depending on building size.

    • Lab results typically take 1–3 business days.

    • Reports are issued shortly after results are received.

    CRB can often expedite inspections and results to meet tight project schedules.

  • Costs depend on:

    • Building size

    • Number of samples required

    • Type of survey (renovation vs demolition)

    • Turnaround time

    CRB provides clear, upfront pricing with no surprises.

  • If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified:

    • They must be removed or managed by a licensed asbestos contractor

    • Proper notifications and permits may be required

    • Air monitoring and clearance testing may be needed

    CRB helps you navigate the process and coordinates with abatement contractors and regulators.

  • In most commercial and many residential situations, no. Asbestos removal is heavily regulated and typically must be performed by:

    • Licensed asbestos abatement contractors

    • Under controlled conditions

    • With proper disposal and documentation

    Improper removal can result in serious health risks and major fines.

  • Skipping required asbestos inspections can result in:

    • Stop-work orders

    • Fines and penalties

    • Project delays

    • Liability for contamination or worker exposure

    • Problems with permits, lenders, or inspectors

    It’s a small step that prevents big legal and financial problems.

  • Primarily, but not exclusively. While asbestos is most common in buildings built before 1980, it can still appear in:

    • Older renovations

    • Imported materials

    • Hidden building components

    The only way to know for sure is to inspect and test.

  • Yes. CRB can assist with:

    • Asbestos surveys

    • Regulatory notifications

    • Coordination with demolition and abatement contractors

    • Clearance documentation

    • Permitting support