Building and Homeowners Asbestos Guide

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of building materials, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

When is it appropriate to test for asbestos?

If you suspect a material contains asbestos, you can hire an asbestos consultant to survey and take samples of the materials, or you can take a sample to an asbestos laboratory yourself. Structures must be surveyed before you can obtain a demolition permit, and any regulated asbestos-containing material must be properly removed by a licensed asbestos contractor before demolition begins. Remodeling and repair work also require that an asbestos survey be completed if any building materials is to be disturbed.

If you have asbestos in your home/business, what should you do?

If an asbestos survey indicates the presence of asbestos-containing materials, this fact must be disclosed to the buyer in the real estate transfer disclosure statement when you sell your property. If the asbestos-containing material is damaged, or if the building or home is being renovated, repaired or remodeled and the activity will disturb the asbestos-containing material, then a licensed asbestos abatement contractor should be hired to properly remove the material in a safe and legal manner.

Bio HazardJob Site Biological Hazards

Consideration of the biological hazards at an abatement / remediation jobsite is a vital component of job site safety. The presence of biological hazards may be influenced by present or past site conditions.  Some examples of biological hazards include: rodents or other vermin, birds, spiders, ticks, bees or snakes. Vacant or neglected buildings are prone to security issues and poor upkeep. Animals or insects may take up residency inside the structure. Biological hazard exposure concerns range from inhaling or ingesting dust and debris containing fecal matter to insect/animal bite or stings.

Here are ways to avoid potential “Biological Hazards” on a job site:

• Company safety programs, hazard awareness training, and onsite “tailgate” safety meetings
• Use of respiratory protection
• Use of full body coverings (long pants and long sleeved shirts)
• Clear of building interiors and secure openings

What’s at stake?

• Employee injury or death
• Loss of production
• Potential OSHA investigation / violations
• Potential legal ramificationsDaniela Contreras

Meet a Patriot Team Member

Name: Daniela Contreras

Main Job Responsibilities: Receptionist (answer phones and greet walk-in clients), Administrative Assistant, Assist Accounting Department

What is the best thing you notice about people? Their smile and the way they carry themselves.

What are three adjectives which best describe you? Friendly, Outgoing, Positive

What would people be surprised to know about you? I am a mother of a 7 year old and a 6 month old.

Mark Your Calendar: Past and Upcoming Events

About a month ago, Patriot sponsored The Conference for Catholic Facility Management (CCFM) at the Hilton in Costa Mesa. We were able to attend an event tailored for local sponsors on Saturday evening, where we met local representatives from Dioceses throughout California. CCFM provides a forum and a network for those responsible for diocesan or religious owned buildings and properties throughout the United States. It was a pleasure to be in attendance. To learn more about this great organization visit www.ccfm.net.

On July 29-30th we’d like to invite you to come visit us at the 19th Annual CACM Statewide Expo at the Disneyland Hotel – Booth 722. We are eager to meet all Community Managers in attendance and introduce them to our services. Make sure you stop by, say Hello, and receive some of our fun giveaways. As CACM says, “Don’t be left ashore – join us Under the Sea for the most highly anticipated CACM event of the year!”