35.01 - Asbestos Management

A. General. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in many products due to its flammability and chemical resistance, and high strength. The most common uses of asbestos are in pipe and thermal insulation and in linoleum and floor and ceiling tile. Asbestos can be found in many other products such as thermal protective gloves, scientific apparatus, and fume hoods. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been shown to be a respiratory health hazard. Asbestos can cause damage to the lungs, either by scarring of the lung tissue or by cancer formation. The presence of asbestos does not necessarily mean there is a health hazard or risk. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good shape and have not been damaged do not pose a health risk. Therefore, it is imperative that asbestos-containing materials not be disturbed, damaged, or removed during university activities.

A-1. Items That May Contain Asbestos. The following are examples of items that may contain asbestos: Linoleum, floor tile, ceiling tile, sprayed-on ceiling materials, pipe insulation, fume hoods (transite), thermal protective wear (e.g., gloves), high temperature gaskets, scientific apparatus (e.g., ovens, furnaces), laboratory counter tops, window putty, building siding, and roofing materials.

Please be aware that products manufactured today still may contain asbestos. Examples of products that may contain asbestos include vinyl floor tile, roofing felt, roof coatings, brake pads, and gaskets.

A-2. Requirements. The management and removal of asbestos is regulated by federal and state regulations. These regulations specify how material is to be sampled and analyzed, when and how asbestos-containing materials are to be removed, precautions that must be taken during removal to protect workers and the public, and how to dispose of asbestos-containing materials. Federal regulations require that buildings be surveyed for asbestos-containing materials prior to any renovation or demolition activity. In addition, there are notification requirements to the EPA for any demolition project and for renovation projects that exceed a certain level of asbestos abatement activity.

B. Notification. The Environmental Health and Safety Office, (208) 885-6524, must be contacted prior to any activity that will or may disturb, damage, or remove known or suspected asbestos-containing materials, and must approve any asbestos related activity prior to it taking place. The Environmental Health and Safety Office must also be notified prior to demolishing any area, building or structure. [rev. 9-09]

C. Procedures.

C-1. Damage or Removal of Asbestos-Containing Material. If any known or suspected asbestos-containing material is accidentally disturbed, damaged, or removed, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office immediately at (208) 885-6524.

C-2. Removal of Items Containing Asbestos. If you have asbestos-containing items that you would like to dispose of, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at (208) 885-6524 or Facilities at (208) 885-6246 to arrange for disposal of these items.

C-3. Testing of Items for Asbestos. If items are suspected of containing asbestos, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office, (208) 885­-6524, for sampling and testing of these items.

C-4. Arranging for Surveys Prior to Renovation or Demolition. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at (208) 885-6524 prior to conducting any renovation project or demolishing any building or structure to determine asbestos survey and notification requirements.

D. Required Training. Personnel whose activities may contact, but not disturb, asbestos containing materials must attend an Asbestos Awareness course. Examples include, but are not limited to, maintenance, shop, building services, and laboratory personnel. Please contact Environmental Health and Safety, (208) 885-6524, for information regarding this course. [add. 9-09]

E. Information. For additional information regarding the management of asbestos contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at (208) 885-6524. [ren. 9-09]

Version History

Amended October 2024. Minor edit to update owner position title.