Asbestos
- Asbestos Inspection Request Form
- Asbestos Building Inspection Reports
- Asbestos Control Policy
- Asbestos Control Program
- Asbestos Control Program Appendices A, B and C
Asbestos Control Policy
IntroductionThe goal of the Asbestos Control Program is to: 1) manage the asbestos containing materials (ACM) in UNC buildings to ensure that exposures to personnel and the environment are minimized; 2) ensure that all removal and disposal of ACM complies with all local, state, and federal regulations; and, 3) maintain records of surveys, monitoring activities, maintenance activities involving ACM, and personnel exposure. The Asbestos Control Program is administered by the Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS).
Regulatory Authority
NC OSHA regulates occupational exposure of employees who are involved in the removal of ACM or whose jobs require them to potentially disturb or are otherwise be exposed to ACM. NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Health Hazard Control Unit administers the Asbestos Hazard Management Program. This rule regulates public exposure to asbestos and accredits personnel engaged in asbestos control activities. The Health Hazard Control Unit also administers Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for asbestos, visible emissions, waste disposal, and building demolition for asbestos. The NC State Construction Office has written guideline criteria for asbestos abatement for State projects.
Responsibilities
Environment, Health and Safety
EHS provides exposure monitoring services, asbestos awareness training, building inspection/surveys (bulk sampling) for the identification of asbestos containing materials, review of asbestos project designs, asbestos abatement project inspections and air monitoring services, emergency response to fiber release episodes, and recordkeeping. Updates the Asbestos Control Program as needed.
Director or Department Chair
Directors and/or department chairs ensure the health and safety of employees, students and visitors in the UNC facilities under his/her control. They inform faculty, staff, and students of any asbestos related hazards of which they have been apprised. Directors or department chairs make necessary provisions, in collaboration with EHS, to ensure employees are protected from any asbestos hazards that are identified.
Building Manager, Department Manager, and Supervisors
Each person responsible for a building facility where asbestos is present identifies, with the assistance of EHS, asbestos containing building materials prior to any disturbance of these materials. In collaboration with EHS, this person implements practices and procedures to protect personnel and building occupants from asbestos hazards.
Maintenance and Housekeeping Personnel
All maintenance, construction or housekeeping employee, are responsible for understanding and following the requirements of the Asbestos Control Program.
Facilities Planning, Construction Management, Facilities Design and Construction Services
Facilities Planning, Construction Management, Facilities Design and Construction Services are responsible for identifying and managing asbestos whenever renovation or demolition projects involve the potential disturbance of ACM, as outlined in the Asbestos Control Program.
Medical Surveillance
The employees who are engaged in disturbance of asbestos containing materials, or are exposed at or above a permissible exposure limit, and are required to wear respiratory protection participate in the medical surveillance program administered by the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic.
Complaint Response
Occasionally employees raise concerns about their potential for exposure to asbestos. Employees are encouraged to call EHS at 962-5507 with any concerns about asbestos in their work areas. The investigation of these concerns is confidential and may be anonymous, if the employee wishes. Their work areas are inspected and their potential exposures are evaluated.
Resources
OSHA Asbestos standards. 29 CFR 1926.1101, Construction Standard; and 29CFR 1910.1001, General Industry Standard)
NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Asbestos Hazard Management Program (State Rules) (NC Administrative Code, Chapter 19C, section .0600 and 0607) administered by the Health Hazard Control Unit, DHHS, regulates public exposure and accredits personnel engaged in asbestos control activities such as asbestos removal workers, supervisors, inspectors, management planners, removal project designers, and air monitors.
The Health Hazard Control Unit also administers Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for asbestos, visible emissions, waste disposal, and building demolition for asbestos (40 CFR Part 61, subpart M, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS)).
The Asbestos Control Program outlines in detail how the asbestos control policy is implemented.
Questions about asbestos management on campus should be directed to EHS at 962-5507.