In existing buildings where construction began before October 1993, asbestos can still be a key issue in the context of refurbishment, demolition and maintenance measures. In order to ensure the safety of users, building owners and contractors, standardised clearance measurements are an indispensable part of a quality-assured asbestos removal process.
This is where the technical expertise of Taberg Ingenieure GmbH – Member of the SIERA Alliance to bear. With sound technical expertise and many years of experience in the field of environmental protection and occupational health and safety, Taberg carries out clearance measurements reliably, independently and in compliance with standards – in line with the common claim of the SIERA Alliance: Engineering For A Better Tomorrow.
General information
In buildings and structures where construction began before October 1993, it is generally suspected that products, materials or components containing asbestos were used. According to the current Ordinance on Hazardous Substances, the person responsible for a construction activity has a so-called duty to co-operate and provide information; all available information on existing or suspected hazardous substances in the building must be made available to the companies carrying out the work.
Existing materials and components containing asbestos can pose a significant health risk, particularly when carrying out renovation, demolition or maintenance work. Once the relevant work has been completed, it is generally necessary to provide metrological evidence that the remediated areas no longer pose a risk from released asbestos fibres. This proof is provided by means of free measurements in accordance with TRGS 519, supplemented by the specifications of VDI guideline 3492.
Legal and technical framework
The Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 519 regulate the handling of asbestos and define, among other things, the requirements for protective measures, remediation work and the approval of work areas. VDI 3492 „Measuring inorganic fibrous particles in the air“ specifies the metrological requirements and represents the state of the art for carrying out indoor air measurements.
In combination, TRGS 519 and VDI 3492 form the authoritative basis for the following:
- the planning and realisation of outdoor measurements
- the selection of suitable sampling methods
- the evaluation and documentation of the measurement results
Meaning of the clearance measurement
Exposure measurements are used to prove that the asbestos fibre concentration in the indoor air is below the assessment standard specified in TRGS 519. They are required, among other things:
- before the dismantling of bulkheads or the cancellation of protective measures
- for the release of areas for subsequent trades or the utilisation of
- for legally compliant documentation for clients and authorities
Realisation according to VDI 3492
Sampling is carried out in compliance with the boundary conditions described in VDI 3492. These include in particular
- Defined sampling locations and heights
- Fixed air volume flows and sampling times
- Use of suitable filter media and sampling systems
- Documented ambient and boundary conditions during the measurement
The filter units are analysed by an accredited laboratory using special microscopy techniques. The measurement results are professionally evaluated and summarised in a structured measurement report.
Our services at Taberg Ingenieure GmbH
TABERG engineers offer the professional realisation of clearance measurements according to TRGS 519 using the VDI guideline 3492:
- Planning and coordination of the measurement strategy
- Standard-compliant sampling on site
- Technical evaluation of the measurement results
We use four of our own, regularly calibrated measuring devices for the measurements. This enables us to guarantee high availability, short response times and reproducible and reliable measurement results.
Independent measurements for maximum safety
Clearance measurements by an independent engineering firm ensure that the metrological evidence is provided objectively, comprehensibly and in accordance with standards. They create security for building owners, contractors and supervisory authorities and are an essential part of a quality-assured asbestos removal process.
We would be happy to advise you on the normative requirements and the professional implementation of clearance measurements as part of your project.
Clearance measurements are a central component for health, legal and planning security. With Taberg Engineers GmbH – Member of the SIERA Alliance you are opting for independent expertise, technical precision and reliable quality.
👉 Contact Taberg Engineers for professional support of your project Engineering For A Better Tomorrow.
