Guzi-West’s Operations and Maintenance Plan

Has your building been inspected for asbestos?

Do you have an Asbestos O&M Plan?

Guzi-West’s Operations and Maintenance Plans focus on identifying the presence/absence of hazardous materials, and specifying appropriate training, cleaning, work practices and surveillance to ensure that any materials containing hazardous materials are managed appropriately. Their program covers everything from notifying tenants of the presence of asbestos to addressing worker practices and assuring that all relevant employees have the proper level of certification. A well thought out O&M program requires a good deal of attention to detail to set up and constant focus to maintain but is ultimately the best possible strategy to limit exposure and any attendant liability.

Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Plan Chico, California

At Guzi-West we have the knowledge and experience to develop asbestos operations and maintenance plans for all businesses, no matter how large or small. Our certified field staff have the necessary background in structural components to efficiently inspect and address all potential sources of asbestos, lead-based paint, and other potential contaminants. We remain focused on limiting your liability while maintaining the best possible environment for cost-effective building management.

 

If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact Guzi-West today, https://www.guziwest.com/contact.

What is an O&M Plan?

Has your building been inspected for asbestos?

Do you have an Asbestos O&M Plan?

Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint operations and maintenance plans (O&M Plans) are often necessary for building owners’ management of a structure. They’re also sometimes required for financial transactions for the purchases of residential or commercial structures. When requested for financial transactions, the bank is typically referring to an O&M plan for asbestos and/or lead-based paint. What they mostly are concerned about is a situation in which if there has been a lack of O&M, and there is now an asbestos or lead-based paint hazard present in a structure they are about to finance.

For business owners, the goal is typically to identify whether if asbestos and/or lead-based paint are present. If either is found to be present, they must ensure that staff and occupants are aware of the hazards and are trained accordingly. Additionally, their maintenance plans need to address disposal of the substances. In either case, Guzi-West’s staff is knowledgeable and experienced in identifying and preparing O&M Plans that address financial transactions and/or limit building owner’s liabilities associated with the presence of asbestos, lead-based paint, or other hazardous materials.

Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Plan Chico, California

At Guzi-West we have the knowledge and experience to develop asbestos operations and maintenance plans for all businesses, no matter how large or small. Our certified field staff have the necessary background in structural components to efficiently inspect and address all potential sources of asbestos, lead-based paint, and other potential contaminants. We remain focused on limiting your liability while maintaining the best possible environment for cost-effective building management.

If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact Guzi-West today, https://www.guziwest.com/contact. 

 

No Expiration Date on Asbestos

 

Some believe in a myth that there is a “magic number” date that limits a need for asbestos testing. For instance, many insurance adjusters believe there is no need to perform testing on a building built after 1982. Others say 1978. Both are wrong. Drywall joint compound, flooring mastic and popcorn ceiling texture remain common sources of asbestos exposure to this day. Unless you built the building yourself and reviewed each and every component of the structure, there is no way to determine a building is asbestos-free without performing testing.

So what should determine whether or not testing is performed? The only metric that matters is what you intend to do. Asbestos is deadly when it becomes airborne so any task that may cause building components to be crushed or pulverized to dust should be a red flag. Demo of drywall, flooring, ceilings or siding should all be preceded by certified testing. You may know for certain that there is no asbestos in your flooring, but what about the glue holding it down? You can be positive that your drywall is asbestos-free, but what about the joint compound or the texture?

As in all things, it’s better to know. Asbestos Testing

Guzi-West’s inspectors are thoroughly educated on safety regulations. We perform asbestos inspections in accordance with federal safety regulations, compliance monitoring, NESHAP, and AHERA. Our services are provided throughout northern California in cities such as Mckinleyville, Redding, and Eureka.

History of Asbestos

Before the health affects of asbestos were identified, asbestos was used in almost every phase of construction, in every building. For almost a century, asbestos could be commonly found in flooring, siding, roofing, drywall. If it was a component of construction, it probably contained asbestos.

Once the toxic aspects of asbestos were discovered, efforts were made to roll back its usage. In the 80s the US government made efforts to ban its use but they were unsuccessful. Many people are unaware that the ban was short-lived, being repealed in 1991 in favor of curtailing any “new” uses of asbestos but allowing previous uses. As a result, today there are approximately 3,000 construction products widely available in the United States that contain dangerous levels of asbestos.

Asbestos Testing

Guzi-West’s inspectors are thoroughly educated on safety regulations. We perform asbestos inspections in accordance with federal safety regulations, compliance monitoring, NESHAP, and AHERA. Our services are provided throughout northern California in cities such as Mckinleyville, Redding, and Eureka.

Air Quality in Your Kitchen

Guzi-West likes to review and refer to unbiased, third-party sources as much as possible. One

resource that we recently ran across regarding indoor air quality is the EPA’s interactive home

tour of typical indoor air contaminants by room. The interactive map can be found here and an

excerpt of the information on kitchens is presented below.

Kitchen

A kitchen has appliances that may leak gases, and often contain chemicals for

cleaning or removing pests. It is important to properly maintain and ventilate

appliances, and safely store chemicals.

Pesticides

Pesticides used to rid homes of rodents, termites, insects, and other pests, can

irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; damage the central nervous system and

kidneys; and increase the risk of cancer. Don’t leave food out, and if you must

use pesticides, ventilate during and after use and follow directions to limit

exposure. Use non-chemical methods of pest control when possible.

Learn more about Pesticides.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Common household cleaners, often placed under the kitchen sink, release

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), when used and stored. Store household

products that contain chemicals according to manufacturers’ instructions and

keep all products away from children. Consider purchasing cleaners without

VOCs.

Learn more about VOCs.

Carbon Monoxide

To help prevent carbon monoxide exposure, make sure appliances such as gas stoves vent outside

 whenever possible and that all appliances are properly installed, used and maintained. 

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide.

Worried About Indoor Air Quality in Your California Home?

At Guzi-West, we perform professional testing for indoor air quality in Arcata, McKinleyville,

Eureka, Chico, Redding and surrounding areas. For information about our other services like

asbestos, lead-based paint, methamphetamine, allergen, and other inspection and consulting

services, check out our website. Contact us today to schedule a professional testing service for

your home or business. (888) 351-8189. 

Air Quality in Your Home

 

Do you have unexplained allergies?

Has your home been inspected for contaminants?

Indoor Air Quality can be a big issue with asbestos, mold, smoke, allergens and many other

contaminants being a concern for homeowners, property managers, and building occupants.

Identifying whether a structure has indoor air quality issues is a challenge, especially if a

contaminant is naturally occurring in your home and the surrounding environment.

Many indoor contaminants like mold don’t have established permissible exposure levels and

likely never will; it’s difficult to establish acceptable levels because an individual’s reaction to a

contaminant can vary greatly based upon their sensitivity. We see many examples of one

person being extremely sensitive to one contaminant, while a second person is completely

unaffected when exposed to the same contaminant at the same concentration. Scheduling an

inspection on your home is the best way to combat these contaminants.

Worried About Indoor Air Quality in Your California Home?

At Guzi-West, we perform professional testing for indoor air quality in Arcata, McKinleyville,

Eureka, Chico, Redding and surrounding areas. For information about our other services like

asbestos, lead-based paint, methamphetamine, allergen, and other inspection and consulting

services, check out our website. Contact us today to schedule a professional testing service for

your home or business. (888) 351-8189.

Danger Signs to Watch Out for When Hiring a Mold Testing Company

If you have complaints of must odors, sick building occupants, or believe you may have mold within wall cavities or other “hidden” sources then you may want to hire a mold investigation company.  In selecting a testing company, it’s a good idea to thoroughly vet them. Go online and check their BBB rating and online reviews. Confirm that they are certified and that their certifications are in good standing. Ask for references. In particular, look for these danger signs when looking to hire a mold abatement company or a testing company:

Does the testing company also do mold remediation? Companies that both test for and clean up mold have a vested interest in every test coming back positive so they can sell you on their remediation services. When the remediation is done, of course they will test their own work as passing clearance regardless of the job done. “All-in-one” companies should be avoided or at minimum carefully vetted. 

Does the testing company speak jargon? Never deal with someone who cannot speak plainly. If a testing company is giving you the impression that they are trying to confuse you with gibberish, they probably are. There are a lot of scientific and technical terms involved, but would you trust a mechanic who can only call it a “wheeled internal combustion conveyance” instead of just saying “car”?

Is the testing company willing to discuss their methods with you? A testing company should be able to discuss the process with you in detail and answer any questions you may have. There aren’t any trade secrets to keep from you and you should know exactly what you are paying for. The only reason to keep you ignorant is to take advantage of that ignorance. To that end, do a little online research so if their answers make no sense, you'll be aware.

Dealing with mold properly requires a little homework, but your property is a major investment and worth the time and trouble. If you follow these simple rules, you’ll have no trouble finding a testing company that will give you accurate information, and that’s a big step in the right direction. 

Mold Testing

Guzi-West provides mold inspection and consulting services across northern California. If you’re worried that mold may be growing in your house or business, give us a call! We’ll answer any questions you have and we’ll provide an accurate mold inspection to determine what kind of mold you’re dealing with if you choose to hire us.