Third-Party Asbestos Clearance Air Sampling
Independent clearance air sampling after the contractor finishes. We don't do abatement, so we can serve as the independent air-sampling firm on jobs where we're hired by the owner or the owner's agent (ICR 56-4.3, 56-4.4(a)).
What clearance air sampling is
After asbestos work, the air in the work area is sampled before the area is reoccupied. In New York, Industrial Code Rule 56-4.3 requires that project air sampling be done by a third party hired by the owner, independent of the abatement contractor. Clearance criteria are set in ICR 56, including sections 56-4.11 and 56-4.12.
Section 56-4.4 allows the firm that performed the survey or the project monitoring to collect those air samples when that firm is not the abatement contractor on the job. We don't do abatement, so we can serve as the independent air-sampling firm on jobs where we're hired by the owner or the owner's agent (ICR 56-4.3, 56-4.4(a)). That includes jobs we also monitor.
New York and Vermont
New York samples are collected by NYS DOL-certified air sampling technicians on our team. New York license: NYS DOL Asbestos Handling License 282890. See the New York asbestos rules.
ClearVU analyzes Vermont PCM air samples. Vermont PCM analysis is performed by Vermont-certified PCM analysts on our team. ClearVU Inspections LLC holds Vermont license Asb-Co-An-000075, VT Asbestos Analytical Company (PCM), expiring 3/7/2027.
What you receive
Field sheets, sample locations, the laboratory or analyst report, and a letter that states whether the set met the clearance criteria in the specification. The survey, if we prepared it, stays with the file. Start with a survey if the building has not been surveyed yet.
We'll tell you when to expect the report when you book.
Common questions
Short answers first. More on the FAQ page.
Who can do clearance air sampling?
A third-party firm hired by the owner and independent of the abatement contractor (ICR 56-4.3). The firm that surveyed or monitored the job may collect the air samples when it only tests on that job (56-4.4). We don't do abatement, so we can serve as the independent air-sampling firm on jobs where we're hired by the owner or the owner's agent (ICR 56-4.3, 56-4.4(a)).
Source: ICR 56-4.3What is the difference between PCM and TEM clearance?
PCM counts fibers by phase contrast microscopy and is the usual project air sample. TEM is used where the specification or regulation calls for transmission electron microscopy, including many school and larger projects. We will tell you which method the job requires when we scope it.
How long do results take?
We'll tell you when to expect the report when you book. ClearVU analyzes Vermont PCM air samples.
Can the abatement contractor do its own air testing?
No. ICR 56-4.3 requires project air sampling by a third-party firm hired by the owner and independent of the abatement contractor.
Source: ICR 56-4.3Verify licenses
Check each license with the agency that issues it.
Request third-party clearance air sampling
Call 518.832.9213 or email support [at] cvenv [dot] com. Sample drop-off at our Queensbury office.