MANUAL Published: 04 March 2015
MNL232013000207

Chapter 7 Abatement Projects—Visual Inspections and Clearance

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The part of ASTM E1368 titled “Completeness of Abatement” requires two visual inspections at the conclusion of the project: the first for completeness of removal and the second for completeness of cleanup. The flow chart at the beginning of Chapter 6 (Fig. 6.1) shows how these inspections fit into the sequence of abatement activities. This chapter will focus on the time from final removal of ACMs and residue from abated surfaces and components through final air sampling and dismantling of critical barriers and decontamination facilities. For a large project involving multiple areas, these activities would be performed as work in each area was completed.

The cleanup and inspection sequence may vary from the flow chart if the specification or regulations dictate, as they take precedence over ASTM E1368. Many state regulations and “master specifications” require a visual inspection, but they probably don't forbid you from conducting two visual inspections as ASTM E1368 requires. There will be differences, however, as to when other activities are performed relative to visual inspection.1

Before commencing the visual inspections, it is a good idea to lead the supervisor through the visual inspection sequence and be prepared to reinforce the message through repetition. Look at the situation through his eyes: He and his crew have worked long and hard, they think they are almost done, and they want to get out and go home. With all due respect to their impatience, however, the project monitor, not the contractor, should set the tone and pace of the inspections. To repeat Yogi Berra's oft-quoted maxim: “The game ain't over until it's over.” An abatement project is not over until after the visual inspections and final air sampling are complete.

Author Information

Oberta, Andrew, F.
The Environmental Consultancy, Austin, Texas, US
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Details
Developed by Committee: D22
Pages: 253–308
DOI: 10.1520/MNL232013000207
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7065-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7064-3