GiF Services is a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) licensed Asbestos Consultant Agency employing TDSHS Licensed Independent Asbestos Consultants, Asbestos Inspectors, Asbestos Project Managers and Asbestos Air Monitoring Technicians to assist clients with facilities management. Cumulatively GiF has more than 45 years experience with asbestos consulting.

In Texas asbestos related activities are governed by the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules or the TAHPR (TAC § 296) and the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The beginning phase to most every asbestos project involves an inspection for asbestos (or asbestos survey). An asbestos inspection includes collection of building materials recognized as suspect, and laboratory analysis to determine asbestos percent content, if any. The most frequently used analytical method for the detection of asbestos in building materials is Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) with visual estimation. The TDSHS and EPA have regulatory guidelines pertaining to asbestos inspections which involve the number of samples collected and the personnel performing the work and the laboratory performing the analysis. Private residences with one to four dwelling units are generally exempt from the TAHPR.

If asbestos is identified in a building material at 1.0% or more, the material is regulated and must be handled as an asbestos containing material (ACM). Texas regulations require the use of properly trained and licensed personnel using approved work methods and PPE to remove ACM. If the material is determined to contain less than 1.0% asbestos, the TAHPR regulations do not apply. In some cases GiF may recommend additional laboratory analysis be performed for materials containing less than 10% asbestos for the possible reclassification of the ACM.

Facility owners have a few options for managing ACM, including abatement (removal), encapsulation, encasement or manage it in place, usually with an O&M program. If the building will be demolished the ACM must be removed prior to demolition. Following removal the ACM waste must be transported to an approved landfill for disposal.

During asbestos abatement projects the TAHPR requires air monitoring be performed to ensure air quality on the job site is within regulatory ranges. During asbestos abatement projects GiF Services has a portable laboratory that is used for analyzing air samples onsite. Air samples are collected and analyzed onsite by phase contrast microscopy (PCM).

Let us help you with your next asbestos survey:

Dallas Ft. Worth Area : cbaugh@gifservices.net or (469) 400-5838

West Texas Area: afinger@gifservices.net or (806) 548-4737