Certain building materials are presumed to contain asbestos until an inspection is conducted. These materials are surfacing materials (trowel or spray applied surface treatments), thermal system insulation (on pipes, tanks and boilers), and flooring materials. This applies to materials in buildings constructed before to 1981.

An accredited AHERA Building Inspector must conduct any assessment of presumed asbestos materials or any other suspected asbestos materials before they may be handled as non-asbestos materials. An assessment is not needed if a material is assumsed to contain asbestos and handled as asbestos. Manufacturer or construction records may be used if the lack of asbestos content was documented when the material was installed. Previous surveys and abatement records may also be used, if they cover the current work area.

Inspections must cover any material you expect to be contacted or disturbed during work. Materials in other areas of the building or those that will remain inaccessible during work do not need to be assessed.