Asbestos Management

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

Download the Asbestos Program Snapshot Word Document for Review

Asbestos Management Program Snapshot

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

This program applies to all University employees and students
Asbestos-containing building materials are found in many of our buildings Examples include: flooring, thermal insulations, plasters, wall and ceiling systems, window/door caulk and glazing putties, etc.

or additional information

PADEP http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/BusinessTopics/Pages/Asbestos.as…

OSHA http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/index.html

US EPA http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

Key Requirements of this Program

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 PA Department of Labor and Industry or have written approval from EHS.

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

Identify maintenance, janitorial, 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.

Responsibilities of all employees and students:

Do not handle or disturb known or suspect asbestos-containing materials unless your job description and training allow. Remain observant and report damage of all building materials.