Asbestos Management Plan

Who does this plan apply to and why does it exist?

The Asbestos Management Plan applies to all University employees and students.

Asbestos-containing materials are found in buildings, especially those built prior to 1980. Examples of materials that may contain asbestos include: flooring, thermal insulation, plasters, wall and ceiling systems, window/door caulk and glazing putties, etc. Asbestos is a common name given to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers. They have been incorporated into a wide variety of building materials due to its strength, flexibility and insulating qualities. Adding asbestos to soft materials such as pipe insulation and acoustic plaster was banned in the U.S. by the late 1970s and its use in other materials has significantly decreased since the 1980s.

Asbestos-containing materials in buildings pose no risk to health unless asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Intact, sealed and undisturbed materials are not a hazard. Building materials in good condition will not release asbestos particles into the air.

What are the key requirements of this plan?

Asbestos survey and assessment data is maintained for main campus buildings built before 1980. If these materials are to be disturbed through facilities modifications or maintenance, specific safeguards must be followed to prevent exposure.

  • All damaged building materials must be reported for repairs to supervisors or maintenance contacts, regardless of whether they may contain asbestos or not.
  • No one may handle known asbestos-containing materials unless they are licensed by the state of North Carolina or have written approval from EHS.
Responsibilities of Safety Liaisons, Facility Coordinators, Managers, and Supervisors
  • Identify maintenance, housekeeping and other employees who require Asbestos Awareness Training and ensure that this training is received.
  • Ensure that non-maintenance employees and students do not damage building materials.
  • Address reports of building material damage in a timely manner.
  • Contact EHS prior to all renovations and demolitions.
Individual Protective Measures

Use the following measures to protect yourself and others from exposure to airborne asbestos:

  • Immediately report any observed damage or deterioration of suspect building materials to your supervisor, building liaison, Facilities Customer Service Center or EHS.
  • Do not handle or disturb known or suspect asbestos-containing materials unless your job description and training allow.
  • Presume all building materials contain asbestos until proven otherwise by EHS.
  • Do not remove, cut, drill, sand, grind or otherwise disturb any material that may contain asbestos.
  • Do not go above ceilings, behind walls or into building spaces such as attics and crawl spaces unless these areas have been inspected and cleared by EHS.
  • Do not pull cable or wiring through above-ceiling spaces where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
  • Do not install screws, pins, nails or hangers into any ceiling or wall plasters where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
  • Be careful not to damage walls, ceilings or floors when moving furniture or equipment.
  • Do not brush, sweep or vacuum textured asbestos ceiling plaster or plaster debris.
Training
For additional information