Asbestos
Asbestos surveys and ACP-5 filing in New York City
Before DOB issues most work permits, a NYC DEP-certified Asbestos Investigator must look at what the work will disturb. We survey, sample, and file the ACP-5 when your scope qualifies.
What we do
Survey, sample, report, file
- Pre-renovation and pre-demolition surveysInspection of every material the scope of work will touch: pipe and boiler insulation, flooring, plaster, roofing, caulks and more.
- ACP-5 Asbestos Assessment ReportsPrepared and filed with NYC DEP when no asbestos-containing material will be disturbed, or only a minor-project quantity.
- Bulk sampling and laboratory analysisSamples go to NYS ELAP-accredited labs. Non-friable organically bound materials such as floor tile get PLM and, when needed, TEM.
- Survey reports for abatement planningWhen ACM must come out, our survey tells the owner and the contractor exactly where it is and how much there is.
- Asbestos air samplingAir sampling by an independent consultant to give building occupants reassurance about air quality.
Requirements
Who needs an asbestos survey
- NYC rule
- NYC DEP's asbestos rules (15 RCNY Chapter 1) require an asbestos investigation by a DEP-certified Asbestos Investigator before DOB issues permits for most renovation, alteration and demolition work.
- ACP-5
- The Asbestos Assessment Report the investigator files when the work will disturb no ACM, or no more than a minor-project amount. DOB checks it with the permit application.
- New York State
- Industrial Code Rule 56 requires an asbestos survey before demolition, renovation, remodeling or repair of buildings built before January 1, 1974.
- Federal
- EPA NESHAP (40 CFR 61 Subpart M) requires a thorough inspection before demolition or renovation of regulated facilities.
- Definition
- Asbestos-containing material (ACM) is any material containing more than 1% asbestos.
NYC asbestos project size categories
Where the ACP-5 fits
Process
How an asbestos survey runs
Scope review
Send drawings or a written scope. We match the survey to the areas and materials the work will disturb.
Inspection
Visual inspection and bulk sampling of each homogeneous material, with sample locations photographed and logged.
Lab analysis
PLM at an ELAP-accredited lab; non-friable organically bound samples go to TEM when PLM is inconclusive or negative.
Report and ACP-5
Signed survey report with quantities and locations. If the project qualifies, we file the ACP-5 with DEP.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between an ACP-5 and an ACP-7?
The ACP-5 is filed by the asbestos investigator to document that a project will not disturb ACM above minor quantities. The ACP-7 is the asbestos project notification filed by the licensed abatement contractor when abatement is needed.
Why are floor tiles analyzed twice?
Floor tile, mastic and roofing are non-friable organically bound (NOB) materials. Polarized light microscopy can miss asbestos in them, so New York requires TEM confirmation before a NOB sample can be called negative.
How fast can I get an ACP-5?
Turnaround depends on the size of the survey and lab timing. Tell us your filing date when you request a quote and we will schedule around it.
Next step
Filing for a DOB permit?
Send the address and your scope of work. We will confirm whether an ACP-5 is possible and quote the survey.