ASTM E1368 : 14

Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects

Standard Details

1.1 This practice covers procedures for performing visual inspections of asbestos response actions to:

1.1.1 Establish the extent of the required work before it begins;

1.1.2 Determine the progress and quality of the work and evaluate the completeness of the response action; and

1.1.3 Evaluate the cleanliness of the work area prior to final air testing for clearance (if performed), and subsequent to dismantling of critical barriers.

1.2 This practice can be used on an abatement project, or for operations and maintenance (O&M) work, performed by the building owner's staff. It can also be used in conjunction with contract documents between the building owner and other parties involved in an abatement project.

Note 1—Standard contract documents (such as AIA and EJCDC documents) define contractual relationships and responsibilities for projects within the construction industry. Asbestos abatement projects differ from traditional construction projects in the manner of their design and execution, as well as in the type and level of oversight required to substantiate their successful completion. Non-traditional responsibilities are given to the building owner, project designer, and abatement contractor by this practice. Furthermore, responsibilities related to project oversight, inspections, and approvals are placed upon an additional non-traditional representative of the building owner; the project monitor, as defined by this practice. All parties are cautioned that the subject authorities and corresponding responsibilities be understood, mutually agreed upon, and correspondingly addressed with appropriate modifications, if necessary, to the contract documents for a specific project.

1.3 This practice provides the following information:

1.3.1 The objectives of the visual inspection process;

1.3.2 The responsibilities and qualifications of the individuals involved in the visual inspections;

1.3.3 The schedule of visual inspection activities during an abatement project and O&M work;

1.3.4 The inspection procedures for the various types of abatement work and O&M tasks; and

1.3.5 The criteria for certifying work as complete on the basis of the visual inspections.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions in this standard practice should be taken to avoid creating and breathing airborne asbestos particles from materials known or suspected to contain asbestos. See 2.2 for regulatory requirements addressing asbestos.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety statements, see 12.2.