Campus Updates: Remodeling and Asbestos Abatement
August 31, 2023
In October 2023, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (SMAA) is slated to start a project to update several areas of the campus. Work will begin in the basement, which will require the closure of the gym.
As part of our plan to better serve the future needs of SMAA and Saint Michael Episcopal School (SMES), we conducted an asbestos survey whereby inspectors identified asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) and presumed asbestos-containing materials (PACM) in the areas we will be remodeling. Therefore, remodeling efforts will include the necessary abatement and removal of ACBM and PACM in those identified areas. SMAA has contracted with a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)-licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor and Consultant to perform the asbestos abatement activities. The scheduled asbestos abatement activities will be conducted in compliance with TDSHS, EPA, and OSHA asbestos regulations estimated to begin on October 2, 2023.
Although asbestos can cause health problems, our campus buildings have been kept in good condition and asbestos-containing building materials remain safely contained. When the asbestos fibers are bound to another material, such as within drywall texture and joint compound, plaster, floor tile, mastics, ceramic grout and mortar, or wrapped as in the case of pipe insulation, they do not present a hazard. Clearly marked signs and barricades will be in place to separate the asbestos removal area and ensure clearance away from removal.
As we begin the abatement process, the utmost safety measures beyond basic compliance will be in place, and all possible precautions will be taken to protect those onsite. SMAA has selected an environmental remediation service with more than 65 years of combined industry experience, and reputable references for abatement services conducted at large institutions in Dallas. Additionally, the abatement takes place in a sealed poly enclosure under negative pressure. Workers wear protective clothing and respirators and exit the containment area through a wet decontamination unit, showering off to remove any contamination.
Peace of mind measures by the onsite environmental team members will include daily air collection samples. Air samples will be collected inside and outside the containment area to ensure no contamination is escaping the containment. Air samples are analyzed onsite by the consultant’s onsite technician and available for review by our team at any time.
Everyone’s safety is the highest priority to us. If you have any questions concerning the scheduled asbestos abatement activities, please feel free to contact Colleen O’Hara at [email protected].