What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Your Building

Discovering asbestos in your building can be alarming—but it’s important to understand that asbestos isn’t always dangerous if it’s properly managed. The real risk comes when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing fibers into the air where they can be inhaled.

Knowing how to respond is critical to protecting occupants, maintaining compliance, and avoiding unnecessary costs or liability.

At Hygieneering, Inc., we help organizations assess, manage, and oversee asbestos-related concerns with practical, defensible solutions. Here’s what you should do if asbestos is identified in your building.

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Disturbing the Material

If you suspect or confirm the presence of asbestos, do not touch, cut, drill, or otherwise disturb the material.

Why this matters:

Disturbing asbestos releases harmful fibers into the air
Airborne fibers can pose serious health risks
Improper handling can worsen the situation and increase liability

In many cases, asbestos can remain safely in place if it is undamaged and properly managed.

2. Confirm Whether Asbestos Is Present

Not all older building materials contain asbestos, so proper testing is essential.

Common materials that may contain asbestos include:

Insulation (especially in older buildings)
Floor tiles and adhesives
Ceiling tiles
Pipe wrapping
Roofing materials

Only certified professionals should collect samples and conduct laboratory testing to confirm its presence.

3. Restrict Access to the Area

If asbestos-containing material is damaged or suspected to be at risk, limit access to prevent exposure.

Immediate actions may include:

Isolating the affected area
Posting warning signs
Preventing unauthorized entry

This helps reduce the risk of accidental disturbance.

4. Consult an Asbestos Professional

Handling asbestos requires specialized knowledge and compliance with strict regulations.

Working with Hygieneering, Inc. ensures:

Accurate identification and risk assessment
Compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations
Development of a defensible management plan
Oversight of any necessary abatement work

Professional guidance is essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure safety.

5. Determine Whether to Manage or Remove It

Not all asbestos needs to be removed. In many cases, managing it in place is the safest and most cost-effective option.

Options include:

Management in place: Monitoring and maintaining the material to prevent disturbance
Encapsulation: Sealing the material to prevent fiber release
Abatement/removal: Required if the material is damaged or will be disturbed during renovations

A qualified consultant can help determine the best approach based on your situation.

6. Follow Regulatory Requirements

Asbestos is regulated at both federal and state levels, and compliance is critical.

Key considerations:

OSHA workplace safety standards
EPA regulations for handling and disposal
Notification requirements for certain projects

Failure to comply can result in significant penalties and legal risks.

7. Maintain Ongoing Monitoring and Documentation

If asbestos is managed in place, it’s important to maintain a long-term plan.

This includes:

Regular inspections
Updated records and documentation
Communication with employees or building occupants

Proper documentation helps demonstrate compliance and reduces liability.

Why Professional Oversight Matters

Asbestos management is not just about identifying materials—it’s about ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term risk reduction.

At Hygieneering, Inc., we provide independent, expert oversight to help you:

Make informed decisions about management vs. removal
Coordinate and monitor abatement projects
Maintain defensible compliance programs
Protect occupants and operations

Our focus is on practical solutions that keep your facility safe without unnecessary disruption.

Final Thoughts

Finding asbestos in your building doesn’t have to be a crisis—but it does require the right approach. By acting quickly, avoiding disturbance, and working with qualified professionals, you can manage the situation safely and effectively.

Need Help Managing Asbestos in Your Building?

Partner with Hygieneering, Inc. for expert guidance, testing, and oversight.