New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

Which types of buildings are exceptions to the asbestos building survey rules?

1. Agricultural buildings

2. Buildings constructed after 1974

3. Structurally unsound structures

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The correct answer indicates that all listed types of buildings are exceptions to the asbestos building survey rules. Understanding why this is the case requires an examination of how regulations apply differently based on specific building characteristics. Agricultural buildings are often exempt from certain asbestos survey requirements due to the nature of their use and construction materials, which may differ significantly from those found in residential or commercial buildings. Many times, these structures are not subject to the same rigorous building codes as urban settings, potentially reducing the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials being present. Buildings constructed after 1974 are considered exceptions because, after this date, the use of asbestos in construction materials was heavily restricted in the United States. The regulations established after this cutoff help mitigate the potential risks associated with asbestos, diminishing the necessity for surveys in buildings built post-1974. Structurally unsound structures may also be exempt from these rules as practical concerns arise with inspecting buildings that are no longer safe to enter. The risk posed to personnel conducting the survey can outweigh the benefits of performing an asbestos assessment, thus leading to exemptions in these circumstances. Therefore, recognizing the rationale behind each type of exception confirms why all can collectively be seen as exclusions under the asbestos building survey rules.