WHAT IS AN ASBESTOS SURVEY


An asbestos survey is done to check for the presence of asbestos in suspect materials, which include everything but metal, wood, fibreglass and plastics.

IS ASBESTOS SURVEY REQUIRED PRIOR RENOVATION, CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION?  
Due to their detrimental effects on health, homeowners who intend undergoing renovation, demolition or remodelling projects are saddled with ensuring that all asbestos-containing materials are safely removed before commencement of work. A professional asbestos investigator will help to determine the presence of asbestos as well as remedial steps to ensure residents are not endangered during a project. Homeowners are also required to meet requirements for asbestos abatement set by the Department of Buildings before issuance of a DOB permit (source: NYC DOB).
IN THE ABSENCE OF ASBESTOS
In the absence of asbestos-containing materials following lab results, or if the materials fall below 10 square feet/25 linear feet, an ACP5 form will be issued by a licensed NYC Asbestos Investigator.
WHAT IS AN ACP5 FORM?
The ACP5 form is issued to homeowners conducting renovation, plumbing, demolition or electrical work to verify that the project area is free of asbestos-containing materials, and therefore certify that the environment is safe to work in. The form is also given to inform the DEP about minor projects.
WHAT HAPPENS IF ASBESTOS IS FOUND?
Completed Abatement Work
The DEP form must be obtained by applicants following asbestos abatement. ACP 20 Asbestos Project Conditional Completion Form or ACP 21 Asbestos Project Completion Form is afterwards given.  Either of these forms must subsequently be submitted to the Department of Buildings to obtain a DOB permit for future projects. 

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