New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

What must inspectors primarily assess during their inspection for asbestos?

1. Building age and history

2. Energy efficiency ratings

3. All friable known and assumed ACBM

4. Exterior building materials

The correct answer is: All friable known and assumed ACBM

During an asbestos inspection, the primary focus is on identifying and assessing all friable known and assumed asbestos-containing building material (ACBM). This is crucial because friable asbestos materials can easily crumble and release asbestos fibers into the air, posing significant health risks. Inspectors are trained to recognize and locate both confirmed asbestos materials and those that are suspected based on building characteristics and historical use. While elements like building age and history can help inform the investigation due to the likelihood of older buildings containing asbestos, the actual assessment during the inspection centers around identifying the presence and condition of any friable ACBM. Energy efficiency ratings and exterior building materials, while relevant to overall building assessments, do not directly pertain to the specific dangers associated with asbestos exposure. Therefore, identifying and documenting all friable ACBM is the critical task that inspectors must carry out to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.