Hazardous substances
Asbestos and synthetic mineral fibres
Asbestos has been shown to cause cancer in humans. In the past, it was used as a building material, especially in the field of fire protection. These materials are generally concealed so that the asbestos content of such materials cannot readily be identified by non-experts. The owner is required to ensure that the building is in a condition that does not endanger health. He is liable under premises liability.
To establish the urgency of removal, a specialist must be evaluate the enclosed asbestos products in interior areas. Asbestos testing is legally required before the alteration or demolition of larger buildings, and recommended for smaller buildings.
The term synthetic mineral fibres refers to a variety of synthetic mineral fibre products. Of special technical importance are glass wool and rock wool as well as ceramic fibre products. These usually contain respirable fibres (WHO fibres). Whether these are carcinogens or are suspected carcinogens is determined by the wet chemical characteristics of the index of cancerogenity (KI).
The carcinogenic effect depends on the biosolubility of the fibres. The faster the fibres can be dissolved by the body, or eliminated, the lower the carcinogenic effect. Since the mid-1990s, synthetic mineral fibre products have been made with altered chemical compositions for greater biosolubility.
What sets us apart?
We have an extensive quality management system and are accredited as asbestos testers by DAP German Accreditation System for Testing.
Our experts are officially accredited in Hamburg as publicly appointed and sworn experts on asbestos
Which services do we offer?
We check your building and technical installations for asbestos and synthetic mineral fibres. We are a one-stop shop for all services in this field. But we are also your competent partner for individual services. These include:
- Material analysis with the scanning electron microscope (SEM)
- Determination of the KI value according to BIA workbook 7488
- Evaluation of remediation urgency
- Examination of the extent of contamination
- Proposals for protective measures
- Measurement of the concentration of asbestos and synthetic mineral fibres in the indoor air according to VDI guideline 3492 and
- in working areas according to BGI 505-46
- Issue of asbestos certificate for demolition approval
- Creation of a remediation plan with the planning for the restoration of fire protection and cost estimate
- Obtaining all necessary permits
- Implementation planning with creation of service specifications (tender) and
- Evaluation of tenders and advising on the procurement procedures
- Construction management, monitoring of the dismantling and remediation, detection of defects
- Health and safety coordination according to Construction Site Ordinance
- Measurement of the concentration of asbestos fibres to determine success of remediation
- Assessment of asbestos cement roofs for the tax deduction as an extraordinary
burden
What standards and legal regulations form the basis of our work?
For the owner of a building, paragraphs 3, 16, and 53 of the model building regulations form a basis for our investigation obligation. There is also the technical building code on asbestos (asbestos guidelines). The TRGS 519 and the TRGS 521 are occupational safety regulations governing the remediation of asbestos or synthetic fibres.
The classification of dangerous substances as carcinogenic according to Annex VI no. 4.2.1 of Directive 67/548/EEC for asbestos in category 1 and category 2 or 3 or no classification for synthetic fibres, depending on the KI value
Contact:
Our experts are glad to answer your individual questions at any time. Just send us an e-mail by clicking on the contact box (top right).
