Criterion

US Postal Service

Criterion was awarded a contract to develop asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Programs for twenty-one (21) US Postal facilities in the Philadelphia, PA area. Initially, these buildings, as well as 29 others, were inspected by Criterion’s AHERA-certified asbestos building inspectors and bulk samples were taken to confirm the presence of asbestos-containing materials. A written plan was then created for each facility, detailing the location and condition of the asbestos-containing materials, as well as outlining proper work practices and emergency contract information. Criterion was also responsible for conducting an asbestos awareness training session for postal maintenance personnel at each facility. These sessions explained the health effects associated with asbestos and informed employees as to the location of ACM and proper work practices so as not to disturb these materials.

As a follow-up to these inspections, Criterion was also responsible for air monitoring and project oversight during the removal of damaged ACM at these postal facilities. Criterion ensured the ACM was removed in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations and that final air fiber concentrations met EPA standards for re-occupancy.

During an asbestos abatement at an adjacent facility, Criterion responded to an emergency call that USPS employees were going to walk off the job for fear of exposure to asbestos fibers. Criterion’s Certified Industrial Hygienist and Project Managers met with postal officials and union personnel and were able to allay their fears by presenting a plan for sampling of air and bulk fibers for asbestos. Criterion collected bulk samples throughout the facility and returned to our in-house NVLAP (NVLAP Lab Code 102046-0)/AIHA-accredited laboratory for immediate analyses. We also provided immediate, on-site sampling of airborne fibers. Criterion was able to assure all concerned parties that air results were below the EPA guidelines and bulk samples also showed no asbestos content, thereby averting a walk-out by postal employees.