Site Documentation Workflows for Asbestos Inspections
Site Assessment
5 min read
Challenge
Paperwork requirements in asbestos inspections
According to Andre Zwanenburg, a significant portion of asbestos inspection work is spent on paperwork. He estimates that 30% to 40% of total project time is dedicated to paperwork activities, including filling out information, transferring it to a Word document, saving it as a PDF, and sending it to the client.
The information-gathering process itself is time-consuming. Inspectors must track where each sample was collected, what material was collected, the color of the material, and how many square feet it covers. All of this data is associated with a single sample.
The number of required samples can be extensive. In a typical U.S. home, inspectors collect approximately 30 to 50 samples. In an average-size commercial building, the number increases to 100 to 200 samples. Large commercial buildings may require 600 to 700 samples, and some inspections exceed 1,000 samples. Managing this volume of data requires extensive paperwork.
Andre also conducts a three-day building-inspection course. Students receive classroom instruction and complete a mock inspection, followed by writing a one-page document that would represent a 20- to 30-page report in real-world conditions. Students must pass a test to receive a certificate allowing them to work as asbestos building inspectors for one year.
“In our industry, too much time is spent on paperwork for asbestos inspections and reporting.”
“I would say about 30% to 40% of total time for a project is spent on paperwork.”
“Keeping track of all that is just a nightmare, and it requires more paperwork.”
Solution
Using magicplan for information gathering and reporting
Andre Zwanenburg discovered the magicplan app in 2012 and has used it since then for his own asbestos inspection projects. He describes magicplan as fast, accurate, and intuitive, and states that it is useful for asbestos inspections because it reduces paperwork while producing better results.
Andre notes that some paperwork is still required, such as a paper-based chain of custody form that accompanies samples to the laboratory. However, he explains that magicplan can be used to eliminate much of the remaining paperwork that previously caused challenges.
Based on his experience, Andre introduced magicplan to students during mandatory refresher classes. These classes cover case studies, regulation changes, and industry tips. During the sessions, Andre introduces magicplan using a PowerPoint presentation and explains how it can be used in inspection workflows.
Results
Early indicators of technology adoption
Andre reports that introducing magicplan during refresher classes has been well received by students. Sharing practical experience with the app has proven to be an effective way to expose inspectors to digital tools and encourage early adoption of technology within the industry.
Outlook
Technology adoption in the inspection industry
Andre views the building-inspection industry as slow to adopt digital technology. He believes that reducing paper use is necessary and that technology can support this shift. He sees magicplan as a tool that can help reduce reliance on paper and support changes in how inspections are documented.
Andre’s goal is to continue encouraging technology adoption within the industry through training and exposure to digital tools.
