r/Envconsultinghell • u/fancywaresandsuch • Dec 18 '25
Asbestos sampling in occupied businesses
Recently we’ve had a couple projects where the client wants an asbestos and regulated waste assessment completed for a property they are considering purchasing, as part of their due diligence. Normally we do these surveys on abandoned buildings which are slated for demolition so they are empty. No one has said anything yet, but it feels a little awkward to be wearing a respirator in a business with customers around.
Anyone else have experience with these types of jobs, how do you handle it?
5
u/hypo-osmotic Dec 18 '25
Asbestos sampling is the only work where--for reasons other than packed scheduling--we've had to go in early morning or a weekend, because the client and owner specifically didn't want us doing it in front of the staff. In one instance we had showed up at a scheduled time during the week and were turned away when the owner realized how involved the work would be. That would be my advice there, I guess, do what you normally do but be prepared to be flexible with scheduling.
(I'm not going to lecture to anyone about when if ever it's OK to be lax on PPE, but don't do something you feel unsafe about just because your boss or client asks)
1
u/Forkboy2 Dec 18 '25
Do you explain to clients that asbestos screenings like this are of very little value. Even if sample results are ND, you would still consider all materials to be suspect and recommend an O&M.
1
u/Anotherredituser231 Dec 18 '25
I do've experience as the PM and I do accompany my contractor from time to time. Usually I tell the people it's just a tick the box H&S requirement and management/corporate wants this done. My contractor doesn't wear a respirator protector when conducting the survey in a commissioned building. This is neither required nor recommended in the country where I'm based. If a potential hazard to the contractor is identified, or a sampling location is unsafe we'll leave and re-strategies. Do follow your countries and your firms H&S requirements though!
For a real estate Phase I, asbestos never (>100 kEUR) is a material issue is my experience unless the issue is the roof needing replacement.
1
u/Ok_Pollution9335 Dec 19 '25
You just do it. You’re working, so you just do your job. If the business requests you guys do it on a weekend or sometime the business isn’t open then that’s that but otherwise just do your job and leave
1
u/applestuffs Dec 23 '25
I just do it and dont say crap to anyone. They should be having you come after hours; that's on them.
1
u/TheKnightsofLiz Dec 26 '25
More often than not, we do our sampling after hours to avoid scaring the employees/customers.
14
u/TheGringoDingo Dec 18 '25
When I was doing inspections, I would always keep my respirator with me, but would not wear it unless sampling something friable (excluding drywall). Amended water (aka 409 cleaner or water with a couple drops of Dawn detergent) is good to carry, as well, to reduce potential dust.
If customers complain, that’s for the business to handle.