Common Asbestos Management Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to managing asbestos in buildings, small oversights can lead to big problems. Because asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are common in older facilities, it’s not unusual for building owners or maintenance teams to encounter them during renovations or repairs. The challenge is not just identifying asbestos—it’s managing it safely, legally, and effectively.

At Champion Environmental Consulting, we see the same preventable mistakes repeated across Texas. Here are the most common asbestos management errors and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping a Licensed Asbestos Inspection

The mistake: Proceeding with renovation or demolition work without a licensed asbestos inspection.

Why it’s risky: Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper inspection or abatement design can release microscopic fibers into the air. This creates health risks for workers and building occupants and may result in significant regulatory penalties.

How to avoid it: Before any renovation or demolition, a licensed asbestos inspector must conduct a survey to determine if ACMs are present. Champion Environmental Consulting performs detailed inspections, sampling, and reporting in compliance with EPA and Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) requirements.

2. Misinterpreting the Asbestos Inspection Report

The mistake: Assuming the asbestos report is simply a checklist or misreading which materials are confirmed or presumed ACMs.

Why it’s risky: Misinterpreting the scope of asbestos presence can lead to incomplete abatement or accidental disturbance of materials not clearly identified.

How to avoid it: Always review your asbestos report with a licensed environmental consultant. Champion Environmental Consulting walks clients through results, clarifies locations and quantities of ACMs, and defines the necessary next steps—whether abatement design, management in place, or reinspection.

3. Hiring a Contractor Before Specifications Are Defined

The mistake: Engaging an abatement contractor before your consultant has issued abatement project specifications.

Why it’s risky: Without clear specifications, contractors may guess at removal methods or areas, increasing costs and compliance risks.

How to avoid it: Your consultant should prepare abatement project design documents and a detailed scope of work before bids or removal begin. Champion Environmental Consulting ensures abatement projects are properly scoped, documented, and aligned with all federal and state regulations.

4. Failing to Maintain Proper Documentation

The mistake: Misplacing or neglecting required asbestos documentation, such as inspection reports, abatement specifications, waste manifests, or clearance reports.

Why it’s risky: Missing documentation can expose building owners to compliance violations, especially during property sales, audits, or future renovations.

How to avoid it: Keep a complete asbestos management file for each property. Champion Environmental Consulting provides formal reports, lab results, and clearance documentation for every inspection or project—ensuring traceability and compliance for years to come.

5. Overlooking Asbestos Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Programs

The mistake: Assuming asbestos management ends after abatement or inspection.

Why it’s risky: Even if asbestos remains in place, it must be properly managed and periodically inspected. Without an O&M program, building owners risk accidental disturbance, employee exposure, and regulatory citations.

How to avoid it: Work with your consultant to establish an asbestos Operations & Maintenance plan. This includes labeling, periodic reinspection, employee awareness training, and procedures for safely handling ACMs that remain.

6. Delaying Inspections or Reinspections

The mistake: Postponing required asbestos reinspections or ignoring new areas of concern.

Why it’s risky: Over time, materials deteriorate, and what was once stable may become friable. Failing to perform reinspections (as required every three years in schools and recommended for other facilities) increases liability.

How to avoid it: Schedule periodic reinspections or updates to your asbestos management plan. Champion Environmental Consulting helps clients maintain long-term compliance through proactive scheduling and professional documentation.

Why Champion Environmental Consulting?

Champion Environmental Consulting provides licensed asbestos inspections, abatement project design and specifications, and clearance air monitoring for facilities across Central Texas. Our experienced consultants ensure that every project meets both federal and Texas state requirements, protecting your people, your property, and your compliance record.

Whether you manage a single facility or an entire property portfolio, we help you avoid costly mistakes and manage asbestos safely, from inspection through project completion.

Conclusion

Asbestos management mistakes are preventable—but only if you know what to look for. By conducting proper inspections, defining clear project specifications, and maintaining thorough documentation, you can minimize risk and protect both your occupants and your investment.

Reach out to Champion Environmental Consulting when you’re ready to manage asbestos safely and confidently.