Law regarding ASbestos Sampling and Analysis:
Sampling and analysis shall be performed by a third party who is contracted by the building owner, holds a current NYSDOL asbestos handling license, and is completely independent of all parties involved in the asbestos project. The third party who conducts air sampling on an asbestos project shall not be a subcontractor of the abatement contractor, and shall not have any business, personal, or other relationship with the abatement contractor. The building owner shall select and hire the air monitoring firm without recommendation or reference from the abatement contractor
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Methods of asbestos Air Sampling Analysis
The most accurate and preferred method of analysis of air samples collected under an O&M program requires the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phase contrast microscopy (PCM), which is commonly used for personal air sample analysis and as a screening tool for area air monitoring, cannot distinguish between asbestos fibers and other kinds of fibers which may be present in the air. PCM analysis also cannot detect thin asbestos fibers, and does not count short fibers. TEM analysis is more expensive than PCM analysis. However, the more accurate information on actual levels of airborne asbestos fibers that can be derived from TEM should be more beneficial to the building owner who elects to use supplemental air monitoring in the asbestos management program.
As part of an O&M program, a carefully designed air monitoring program to detect airborne asbestos fibers in the building may provide useful supplemental information when conducted along with a comprehensive visual and physical ACM inspection and re-inspection program. For employees who are, or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers above the permissible limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulations require that the employer conduct both initial and periodic air sampling.
