{"id":34405,"date":"2017-05-08T12:33:03","date_gmt":"2017-05-08T16:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=34405"},"modified":"2017-05-08T12:33:03","modified_gmt":"2017-05-08T16:33:03","slug":"campus-assessments-hazardous-materials-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/campus-assessments-hazardous-materials-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Campus assessments: Hazardous materials testing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Lead, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) are often found in aging construction materials, and require remediation. <\/span>
Photo \u00a9 BigStockPhoto<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

by Benjamin J. Robinson, AIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lead, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) are often found in aging construction materials, such as paint, sealant, roofing mastics and membranes, and plaster. To streamline future rehabilitation work and prepare for necessary abatement, it can be beneficial to incorporate testing for harmful compounds into the scope of a multi-building assessment.<\/p>\n

The presence of hazardous materials affects a bidding contractor\u2019s price. In fact, bidding contractors frequently ask whether suspect materials have been tested. Procedures regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require specific methods of hazardous material handling and disposal to protect not only construction workers, but also building occupants and the public from exposure to toxins. These regulations directly affect construction costs, sometimes significantly. It is therefore in the best interest of building owners and managers to have suspect building materials tested prior to the bid. Finding hazardous materials after a project is bid and awarded will yield increased costs for abatement through the change order process, as well as potential construction delays.<\/p>\n

Sampling plans for hazardous materials typically encompass suspect compounds as well as those that might be contaminated through contact. Testing facilities should provide a report documenting types of samples collected, along with their locations and dates of collection. Samples can include:<\/p>\n