During which phase is clearance air testing performed?

Clearance air testing is a critical process performed after the removal of asbestos materials has been completed. This phase is essential to ensure that the area is safe for reoccupancy and that the asbestos fibers have been adequately cleared. Once the asbestos removal work is finalized, air samples are taken to assess the air quality and confirm that it meets acceptable standards for safety.

Conducting clearance testing at this stage allows for the verification that no harmful levels of asbestos remain in the atmosphere and that the environment has been properly decontaminated. This testing is a regulatory requirement in many jurisdictions to protect the health of workers and the general public, making it a vital step before a site can be deemed safe for reuse.

In contrast, clearance air testing is not performed before demolition, during excavation, or in the planning stages, as these phases are focused on different tasks related to asbestos management and do not involve evaluating air quality post-removal.