Asbestos Containing Materials Identification & Management

Commitment to Quality

All of GAIA's personnel are AHERA certified for the area of work that they perform, and for the specific state(s) in which they work, and maintain that certification yearly via a traceable, verifiable certification body.

GAIA’s team is certified under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) title II/Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) as asbestos abatement inspectors, supervisors, and management planners.

GAIA has completed asbestos surveys throughout the country, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio. Asbestos survey experience has included industrial, commercial and residential sites. Our experience has contributed to successfully surveying and abating ACMs in a cost-effective manner for our clients. Our Florida Licensed Asbestos Consultant has over 30 years of experience.

GAIA provides the following services:

  • AHERA/OSHA asbestos surveys
  • Preparation of Operations and maintenance plans
  • Asbestos abatement-planning, implementation and clearance

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material and is comprised of six fibrous minerals. The most common asbestos minerals used in building materials are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consider any material containing over one percent (1%) of any type of asbestos to be an Asbestos Containing Material (ACM). ACMs become hazardous when disturbed or damaged and the fibers are released into the air, which can present a serious health risk, including lung cancer and asbestosis. 

The Asbestos Survey
GAIA's Asbestos Survey is consistent with procedures outlined in Title 40, Code of Federal regulations Part 763.86. The asbestos survey includes:

  • Identification and random sampling of each suspect ACM by GAIA personnel for laboratory analysis.
  • Preparation for a survey report, signed by a Licensed Asbestos Consultant, which includes a description of the ACMs,
  • if present, and recommendations.

The survey focuses on the following historic ACMs:

  • Floor, ceiling, wall tiles and wall coverings
  • Cement pipe and sheeting
  • Pipe wrap and Thermal Systems Insulation (TSI)
  • Duct covering and miscellaneous mastic materials

Abatement and Operations and maintenance:

  • Prior to any renovation or demolition involving ACM greater than 260 linear feet or 160 square feet, all ACM must be removed pursuant to NESAP standards.
  • If the ACMs are to be abated or removed, GAIA contracts and supervises abatement activities, and performs final air clearance analysis.
  • If the ACMs are left in place, GAIA will develop an Operations & Maintenance Plan to minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the air and reduce the health risk.

GAIA's Asbestos Certifications:

  • TSCA Title II/AHERA and NESHAP Contractor/Supervisor
  • TSCA Title II/AHERA Management Planner and Facility Survey and Building Systems
  • TSCA Title II/AHERA Asbestos Inspectors
  • TSCA Title II/AHERA Asbestos Consultant/Building Inspector