Page 287 - Urban Construction Project Management

242 Chapter Twelve
found, then the owner’s structural engineer must evaluate the problem and determine
its resolution.

If a building is contiguous to another building’s wall, then the CM/GC will be respon-
sible for “parging” (repairing) the wall. In addition, temporary shoring of the wall may
be required if the wall is supported by the structure that is to be demolished. See
Chapter 6 for more information on underpinning.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

When dealing with buildings that were constructed prior to 1975, the likelihood of find-
ing some form of hazardous material used in the construction process is great. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prepared a list of hazardous materials. The
list includes some of the following materials found on construction sites:

1. Asbestos
2. Lead paint
3. Mold
4. Fuel oil
5. Polychloro-biphenyls (PCBs)

Asbestos
Asbestos is one of the most difficult hazardous materials to remove. Asbestos can be
removed or encapsulated. For large areas, removal seems to be the most efficient
means. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA have set
up standards for the removal and disposal of asbestos. Standards may vary from state
to state, but the basic procedures are as follows:

1. A hygienist performs air quality and sample testing of the area in question.
2. If positive results for asbestos are found, then the local municipality and EPA are
notified.
3. A waiting period of at least 10 days is usually required for proper notification of
tenants, neighbors, and community groups.
4. After the notification period, the area is enclosed in plastic and an exhaust fan is
set up to produce a negative pressure inside the space. Clean rooms and showers
are set up for the workers.
5. The workers removing the asbestos must be in protective gear established by
OSHA.
6. Asbestos removal for large structural areas is achieved by wetting down the
asbestos and then removing it and placing the material into approved plastic bags.
7. At the end of a workday, the workers must place their clothing in approved bags
(for disposal) and then take showers to remove any fibers that may have gotten on
their bodies.