For asbestos measurements, sampling is carried out with GSA measuring devices
Material sampling for asbestos measurement – Fibre measurements of asbestos fibers
For a better estimate of the costs of an asbestos measurement, here is an example calculation for a detached house with a floor area of approx. 100 m², roof construction and covering are homogeneous, 20 km journey*
- Use of the measurement technician for the asbestos measurement: 2 x 0.5 h drive + 1 h sampling and documentation on site = 2 h * 65 € = 130 €
- Analysis: 2x material sample according to VDI 3866 Sheet 5 “Determination of asbestos in technical products” = 2 * 51.50 € = 103 €
- Travel costs: 2 * 20 = 40 km * 0,60 € = 24€
- Report: 1x lump sum 150 €
- Total = 407€
Air sampling and asbestos measurement for inventory purposes – Fibre measurements of asbestos fibers
For a better estimate of the costs, here is an example calculation for a 1-family house with approx. 100m² floor space, up to 100km drive*
- Deployment of the measurement technician: travel + sampling and documentation on site
- Analysis: 2x air sample according to VDI 3492 “Measurement of inorganic particles – Scanning electron microscopic method”
- Travel costs
- Report
- Flat rate = 600€
*This is only a sample calculation, non-binding prices as of July 2018, we reserve the right to make changes. For a concrete offer, please contact us here.
If pollutants are discovered during asbestos measurements at the workplace, action must be taken. First of all, occupational health and safety must be checked in the risk assessment. This sets out how the employee can and should be protected when handling the substances. All the measures described here must be tested for their effectiveness, for example with a new asbestos measurement. If there is a lack of or impaired effectiveness, additional preventive measures must be taken (further information on occupational health and safety can be found here).
If it is not possible to avoid pollutants (e.g. as an intermediate or waste product) through the work processes, protection against them must be optimized. Suitable measures would be, for example, an extension of the personal protective equipment with a breathing mask or additional protective clothing.
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Disposal of pollutants
If pollutants are produced during the manufacturing process or as a waste product, they must be stored and disposed of properly. They must not be disposed of in the normal waste cycle. The method of disposal is determined by the type of substance.
Substances are classified as hazardous if at least one of these hazard classes applies:
– Physico-chemical hazards
– Hazards to human health
– Hazards to the environment
The EU has established a classification of waste, the European Waste Catalogue, which is the basis for the German Waste Catalogue Ordinance. Annex III of the Waste Framework Directive classifies waste into different hazard potentials:
- Explosive
- Fire-promoting
- Flammable
- Irritating
- Specific target organ toxicity (STOT)/Aspiration hazard
- Acute toxicity
- Carcinogen
- Corrosive
- Infectious
- Toxic to reproduction
- Mutagenic
- Release of an acutely toxic gas
- Sensitizing
- Ecotoxic
- Waste that can develop one of these properties even though it does not directly exhibit them
A differentiated classification of the hazards is possible on the basis of this subdivision. Furthermore, there are subclasses that divide the hazard into categories 1-4 and alphabetically. This results in a decrease in the hazard potential with ascending numbering and alphabetization.
Storage at the workplace
If it is necessary to collect hazardous waste at the workplace or during production, various aspects of storage must be taken into account. The exact procedures depend on the specific type of waste.
However, hazardous waste must be stored in suitable containers. This means that they must not react with the container or even degrade it (e.g. acids react in metal containers).
Furthermore, it must be ensured that unauthorized persons or persons untrained in handling these substances have access to these containers. One example of preventing this is lockable solvent cabinets or transport boxes.
Detailed disposal procedures are agreed with the respective waste management company and should be checked regularly for safety and compliance.
Pollutants in the private sector – asbestos measurement
If pollutants are suspected in the home or are discovered during a renovation, many people ask themselves: What should be done now?
First of all, you can use relatively simple means to try to determine the origin. For example, if complaints only occur in one room, you can look for the causes. Many problems can be easily remedied by removing old furniture or carpets. Intensive ventilation often helps with new items.
Initial indications of pollutants in your own home can be provided by so-called self-tests. However, these only provide an indication and are often not legally valid. It is therefore advisable to consult an expert. However, only reference values are available for private households, such as the guideline values of the Federal Environment Agency or comparative values with other households. Commissioning an expert to measure pollutants such as asbestos is always a good idea if there is a threat of legal disputes or if legal action is being taken. For information about this option, please contact.
What to do with pollutants such as asbestos?
You can dispose of commercially available pollutants such as paints, fertilizers or solvents yourself. There are appropriate drop-off points at landfill sites in the area. When transporting, make sure you use a suitable container, such as a paint in its original bucket. In larger cities, there is often a pollutant mobile where you can dispose of smaller quantities free of charge. Information on this can be obtained from any local waste disposal company.
Another case is, for example, a house renovation or conversion. If pollutants are discovered there, it must first be clarified which substances are involved. If it is asbestos or substances containing asbestos, for example, these must be reported (building supervisory authority and state office for occupational health and safety) and the work may only be carried out by specialists in compliance with strict criteria. Independent removal should be avoided, as strict guidelines must be adhered to. For example, constant watering must take place if dusts containing asbestos could otherwise be produced. Furthermore, waste containing asbestos must be labeled and is considered hazardous waste. It is difficult to give a general cost estimate, as the extent of the work must be assessed individually. There are a number of questions to clarify. Is it asbestos cement or roof coverings containing asbestos? Is it necessary to place it outside during the renovation?
What does asbestos remediation cost?
When removing asbestos, it is advisable to hire a specialist company. This company should have the necessary personnel and safety requirements and be approved by the responsible authority. This includes training and instruction in TRGS 519, the Hazardous Substances Ordinance and the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance. Various costs are incurred for asbestos removal, including the use of special waste bags (tear-proof and airtight), which cost between €10 and €15. A study by Koblenz University of Applied Sciences has shown that roof renovation costs an average of €22/m² (despite regional differences). Based on a roof area of 150m², the costs can quickly amount to up to €30,000, whereby the sum is made up of the costs for scaffolding, demolition, disposal, drainage, thermal insulation and roof covering. However, these are only approximate figures, as individual or regional additional costs may arise. It is possible to claim (part of) the renovation costs against tax. However, it should be noted that an expert (TÜV or DEKRA expert) must have verified the asbestos contamination in advance. (You can find more information on the subject of “asbestos” here).