18-1.1 From the time of the Greeks and Romans in the first century
until its re-emergence in the eighteenth century, asbestos received
little attention or use. It was not available in large amounts
until extensive deposits were discovered in Canada in the nineteenth
century (late 1800's.) Following this discovery, asbestos emerged
as an insulating component in thermalinsulation for boilers, pipes,
and other high temperature applications and as a reinforcement
material for a variety of products.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is distinguished
from other minerals by the fact that its crystals form into
long, thin fibers. Deposits of asbestos are found throughout
the world. The primary sites of commercial production are: Canada,
the Soviet Union, and south Africa. Asbestos is also mined commercially
in the United States.
Asbestos minerals are divided into two groups-- serpentine and
amphibole. The distinction between groups is based upon its
crystalline structure-- serpentine minerals have a sheet or
layered structure; amphiboles have a chain-like crystal structure.
18-1.2 In the past, asbestos was used for thermal or acoustical
insulation, fire protection, decoration, and the reinforcement
of building products and materials. Asbestos has been used in
flooring materials, patching compounds and textured paints, walls
and ceilings, appliances, furnaces, and roofing and siding.
18-1.3 A comprehensive asbestos identification survey was conducted
of all major campus buildings utilizing the services of a building
inspection. The results of the survey of the University was used
to identify and properly assist the condition of the asbestos
containing materials throughout the campus.
18-1.4 Principally, as a result of this survey, the University
has initiated a set of activities and procedures to reduce or
eliminate exposure of building occupants to asbestos. The procedure,
including analytical method, if appropriate, used to detect the
presence of asbestos material: Random Sampling with analyzing
done at laboratories using a Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM).
18-1.5 The program currently in effect is specifically designed
to reduce asbestos exposure to the campus community through encapsulation,
repair, or removal. All major asbestos abatement projects on campus
will be performed by qualified outside contractors with strict
adherence to federal and state regulations.
18-1.6 Control strategies currently being stressed for service
and maintenance personnel:
- 18-1.6a Do not damage or disturb asbestos-containing material
if it is in good condition.
- 18-1.6b Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum particles suspected of
containing asbestos. These cleaning methods could generate airborne
fibers. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily pass through
regular vacuum cleaner filters and re-enter the air. All particles
should be removed by wet wiping methods or by specially designed
HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) vacuum cleaners.
- 18-1.6c Removal should be done by trained employees. Do not
unnecessarily remove asbestos insulation from basement pipes or
boilers. The work will be done only with proper removal procedures.
- 18-1.6d Seek advice from the Facilities, Planning and Management
if the asbestos- containing material is damaged or deteriorating.
- 18-1.6e Personal protective equipment should be worn when handling
asbestos-containing materials. Such equipment includes respirators
approved for asbestos work by the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) and disposable protective coveralls,
gloves, and head coverings.
- 18-1.6f Wetting methods should be used when handling asbestos-
containing materials. These methods will reduce airborne fibers.
Wet fibers do not remain suspended in the air as readily as dry
fibers. A hand or garden- type sprayer can be used to thoroughly
dampen the material. Adding a small amount (approximately one
teaspoon to one quart) of soap sudsing detergent will improve
the penetration of the water and reduce the amount of water needed.
- 18-1.6g Avoid sanding, sawing, cutting, or drilling the asbestos-containing
materials. Those disturbances will generate airborne fibers.
- 18-1.6h Asbestos-containing sheet products should be wetted
and, if possible, cut or drilled outside.
- 18-1.6i Asbestos-containing material, debris from the work area,
and disposable protective clothing should be disposed of in double-lined
plastic trash bags. The bags will be properly disposed of by appropriate
Physical Plant personnel.
- 18-1.6j The work area will be thoroughly cleaned with wet mops,
wet rags, and a HEPA vacuum after the asbestos- containing material
has been completely removed from the work area. Wet cleaning will
reduce the spread of residual fibers. Cleaning should be done
with one-way motions to avoid smearing residual fibers on surfaces.
Dispose of mop heads, rags, and other cleaning devices in the
plastic trash bags that contain the asbestos- containing materials.
Thoroughly flush and clean all buckets and basins.
