SynTerra conducts asbestos surveys in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and state regulations. A typical report includes quantities, types, and locations of ACM (Asbestos-Containing Materials) and estimates of abatement costs. Asbestos-abatement design specifications can also be prepared to contain detailed information on the removal of identified ACM. We assist with the bid process, monitor the project, and conduct final clearance prior to re-occupancy. In addition, SynTerra provides Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) management of ACM for K-12 schools.

SynTerra conducts LBP surveys, collecting paint samples from various painted surfaces within buildings (e.g., walls, wood soffits, trim, door frames) to be analyzed for lead concentration. Our risk assessments provide recommendations for management of the identified LBP in structures and cost estimates for abatement. We also provide LBP Remediation Design Specifications that contain detailed information on the removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of the LBP. Our services include oversight of the abatement activities, final visual inspections, and collection of clearance samples prior to re-occupancy, where required. SynTerra also provides monitoring for lead exposure during contractor activities that may disturb LBP.

The presence of lead paint is a problem with aging infrastructures around the world. We have conducted successful lead risk assessments from the corporate sector to residential households.

Our industrial hygiene department at SynTerra has conducted numerous mold assessments. The projects we have completed range from large businesses and corporations to local school districts and universities. With over 30 years of experience in industrial hygiene management, we continue to break barriers and provide flexible and reliable services for any project.

SynTerra experts conduct mold inspections in buildings by conducting a thorough visual inspection, collecting moisture readings of building materials, and gathering swab and wipe bulk samples and air samples. We evaluate building ventilation systems using visual inspections and measurements (e.g., temperature and relative humidity). We provide recommendations for corrective actions based on the inspections and measurements.

The types of industries and processes for which we have provided indoor air quality assessment services include:

• Telecommunications
• Textiles
• Rubber compouding
• Stone products
• Brownfields facilites
• U.S. Forest Service

Our assessment experience includes:

• Collecting indoor air samples for laboratory analyses of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds
• Oil mist
• Particulate matter using SUMMA® canisters
• Portable sample pumps with compound-specific sample collection devices

We compare results with applicable OSHA Permissible Exposure Levels for worker safety and EPA Screening Levels for Brownfields redevelopment. We have also conducted inspections of laboratory fume hoods to determine compliance with the American National Standards Institute/American Industrial Hygiene Association (ANSI/AIHA) Standard Z9.5, Section 3, “Laboratory Chemical Hoods” audit checklist.

We can conduct indoor air quality assessments to verify conformance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62. We also perform vapor-intrusion assessments and design active and passive remediation systems on sites contaminated with chlorinated and petroleum compounds. Vapor-intrusion assessments are performed using SUMMA® canisters, the SIM Method, vapor wells, and compound-specific sample-tubes.

At SynTerra we also provide services for a wide range of indoor air pollutants and hazardous materials:

• Asbestos
• Textiles
• Mold
• Radon gas
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Organic compounds
• Acid fumes
• Particulate matter and dust

On September 23, 2017, OSHA released the final rule for occupational exposure to respirable silica dust (29 CFR 1926.1153). This rule is designed to eliminate the effects of respirable crystalline silica dust to workers in the construction industry. In this rule, OSHA reduced the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) from 250µg/cubic meter to 50 µg/cubic meter for an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA).

Respirable crystalline silica is produced when materials containing silica are subjected to such activities as drilling, cutting, and grinding. These materials include concrete, stone, slate, tile, asphalt filler, roofing granules, caulking, plaster, and many others. The final rule requires employers to:

• Either follow specific engineering controls required by the OSHA rule or measure employee exposure to silica and determine if engineering controls or personal protective equipment should be implemented to reduce silica dust exposure below the PEL.
• Use engineering controls (like water or ventilation) to keep silica dust exposure at less than the PEL.
• Provide respirators to employees when silica concentrations are greater than the PEL and exposure reduction through engineering controls is not possible.
• Identify and limit access to areas where respirable silica concentrations are greater than the PEL.
• Employers must create a written plan to control exposure and train employees on the risk of silica dust exposure.

SynTerra experts can develop personal air monitoring data plans, conduct exposure assessments, create written respirator plans, conduct respirator fit testing, create written exposure control plans, and train employees on the risks associated with respirable silica dust exposure. We can help you get into compliance with OSHA’s silica rule.