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Asbestos Management

The University manages and removes asbestos in older buildings to ensure safety and compliance, with EHS overseeing inspections, planning, and contractor/consultant prequalification.

Brett Eddinger

Your EHS contact for Asbestos Management
[email protected]
814-865-6391

Steve Rohrbach

[email protected]
814-865-6391

Asbestos was widely used in building materials from around the early 1900's to the early 1980's and since many University buildings were constructed during that time, asbestos management is a major program.

The University manages asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in-place, and removes ACM before renovations, demolitions, or when the material could be disturbed or is damaged. Several federal and state agencies also regulate asbestos-related activities including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PA Department of Labor and Industry (L&I), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

EHS provides or coordinates the following services or components of the Asbestos Management Program:

  • Inspections, surveys and hazard assessments
  • Contractor project design, cost estimating, specification / bid document preparation, and planning
  • Contractor prequalification, in conjunction with OPP
  • Consultant prequalification
  • Project and document management
EHS person in a white safety suit goggles and mask with yellow gloves inspecting a wall

Access Asbestos Management Block Plans on SharePoint

Access Block Plans

Program Applicability

The Asbestos Management Program applies to all Penn State employees and students and exists to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure in University buildings.

Asbestos‑containing building materials are present in many campus facilities, particularly in older structures. These materials may include:

  • Flooring and flooring adhesives
  • Thermal insulation (e.g., pipe and boiler insulation)
  • Plasters
  • Wall and ceiling systems
  • Window and door caulk
  • Glazing putties

The program ensures that asbestos‑containing or suspect materials are properly managed, not disturbed, and handled only by authorized individuals.

Program Requirements

General Requirements:

  • All damaged building materials must be reported promptly to a supervisor or maintenance contact, regardless of whether asbestos is known or suspected.
  • No one may handle, repair, or disturb known asbestos‑containing materials unless:
    • They are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, or
    • They have written approval from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

Responsibilities of Safety Officers, Facility Coordinators, Managers, and Supervisors:

  • Identify maintenance, janitorial, housekeeping, and other employees who require Asbestos Awareness Training
  • Ensure required training is completed
  • Ensure non‑maintenance employees and students do not damage building materials
  • Address reports of damaged building materials in a timely manner
  • Contact EHS before all renovation or demolition activities

Responsibilities of Employees and Students:

  • Not handle or disturb known or suspect asbestos‑containing materials unless their job duties and training explicitly allow
  • Remain observant and report all damaged building materials, regardless of material type

Training Requirements

  • Annual Asbestos Awareness Training is required for employees whose normal job duties may bring them into contact with asbestos‑containing materials

Recordkeeping Requirements

  • Employees who complete Asbestos Awareness Training must register and document training through the Learning Resource Network (LRN)

Documents and Forms

Additional Resources