| Before Abatement 
After Abatement
|
Do you own or
are your responsible for a building, plant, hospital or
school? If you are, then, in addition to being
responsible for the floors and fixtures; the walls and
windows; the roof and the plumbing; you are also
responsible for the asbestos and any asbestos containing
materials. Sorry, but that’s the law; who said life
was fair? Even if it was left by the previous
owner-behind walls, above the ceilings, in the steam
tunnel where people rarely go, it still is your concern.
There are four major reasons:
- Health - Exposure to airborne, asbestos has
been proven to lead to long-term,
life-threatening lung disorders and related
cancers.
- Financial - All over the U.S., property values
are falling where asbestos has been found.
Moreover, many building owners are being sued if
asbestos has not been properly handled. And
don’t count on your insurance carrier unless
you have a special policy and can prove to them
that you followed state of the art procedures.
- Regulatory - Speaking of the law, there are many
which are applicable. Federal E.P.A. and O.S.H.A.
have strict regulations. States are allowed to
enact even more stringent rules. Some cities and
counties have also enacted their own rules. Each
rule or regulation carries a penalty for
violation ranging from a few thousand dollars up
to, and including, prison for those convicted.
- Schools - AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act) requires that all schools follow
E.P.A. and O.S.H.A. regulations but it also says
that each school must complete a management plan
by October of 1988; impliment and approved plan
of action before June 9, 1989; and use only AHERA
Certified personnel for asbestos work.
|
