DECEMBER 2025CONSTRUCTIONBUSINESSREVIEW.COM9release fibers into the air (airborne), there are regulations for abatement activities and training/certification requirements for those who perform it. It is heavily regulated. For instance, in the NYC construction industry that follows the rules and regulations of the US-DEP (Department of Environment Protection), all applicants for construction permits must present an Asbestos Exemption Certification to the Department of Buildings (NYC-DOB) at the intake of the project application.According to the American Society of Safety Professionals and US-DOL-OSHA, Asbestos is nothing new to all EH&S professionals. It has been a topic for many studies and training throughout the industry. Below are a few examples where Asbestos could be found:Children are not typically at risk for these diseases because they do not work in industrial settings; however, some homes, public housing, and school construction projects can disturb old asbestos. Appropriate construction practices, avoidance of known sources of asbestos, and avoidance of tobacco smoke (e-cigarettes included) are the best ways to avoid unnecessary risk to children. When hiring a contractor to perform asbestos abatement, choosing who is performing the reduction is especially important. Sometimes, several tiers of subcontractors are used, and health and safety procedures are not fully followed. With the influx of unqualified workers in the construction market, lower-tier contractors usually bypass several safety procedures, increasing the exposure to the residents/occupants of the building and the workers themselves. One of the key issues with asbestos is prolonged exposure to the fibers. You only know when it is too late; many years have passed, and the problem has become chronic. The right selection of personnel, protective equipment, and approved regulated abatement methods could almost eliminate the hazard of contacting workers and the public. The general contractor must be very understanding and serious and take initiative when it comes to abatement methods and quality controls. ConclusionKids come first! Just like anything else we do for the environment, we collectively should do it as a team with specific responsibilities. From building developers to homeowners, we can do an overall successful project together in any facility or building. Here are some step-by-step procedures from OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/asbestos. Denio Sturzeneker
< Page 8 | Page 10 >