Asbestos is a mineral based material composed of small, thin fibers. It is common in many building materials such as spray-on fire proofing, insulation or sound proofing, cementations finish material, pipe ducts and tank insulation, floor tiles, cement ducts, roofing shingles, etc. It has been found in a number of campus buildings in many different locations.
OSHA requires that surfacing texture, fire proofing, insulation and floor tile installed prior to 1980 be presumed to contain asbestos unless sample data proves otherwise. WCU buildings included in this requirement:
| Residence Halls | Academic Buildings | Support Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| Albright-Benton Buchanan Reynolds Robertson Scott Walker Young Drive Apts. |
Belk Breese Gym Coulter Forsyth Hoey Hunter Library Killian Moore Natural Science Old Student Union Reid Gym |
Alumni House Camp Facilities Management H.F. Robinson Highlands Biological Station Steam Plant |
Asbestos is a proven human carcinogen. Exposure to airborne fibers can cause respiratory
diseases, lung cancer, mesotheliomia and other types of cancer. If asbestos containing
material (ACM) remains in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed, exposure
will be negligible. However, when ACM is damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers are
released creating a potential hazard for maintenance workers and building occupants.
Both North Carolina OSHA and the EPA have set strict standards for personal exposure
or environmental release of asbestos fibers.
The objective of this program is to minimize exposure to airborne asbestos for building service workers and building occupants. To accomplish this, the program is designed to (1) Monitor the physical condition of ACM. (2) Where appropriate, monitor airborne asbestos fiber levels in buildings. (3) Safely contain and remove ACM that may have been damaged by accident. (4) Establish safe work practices for activities where asbestos is encountered. The focus is on maintenance, repair and construction workers, since their activities are most likely to create major episodes of fiber release.
The University Safety Officer is designated as Asbestos Control Manager and is responsible for identification and evaluation of ACM, air monitoring where necessary, planning repair, maintenance and custodial operations where asbestos is likely to be disturbed, selection and maintenance of respirators, and maintenance of records. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management is responsible for designating employees or contracting to remove asbestos, employee attendance at Asbestos Awareness and Operations Training, medical examinations, and implementation of safe work practices and disposal methods.
Asbestos may be encountered in virtually any project. The Safety Officer shall review all projects so that the affected area can be evaluated before work is started.
When working near asbestos, employees must be careful not to disturb the material. If completion of a work order would require disturbing what an employee thinks might be asbestos they are to stop their work and notify the Safety Officer.
Annual medical examinations are required for all employees engaged in work involving asbestos or are required to wear respirators. Examinations will be performed by the University Health Services. Records of examinations are maintained by the Safety Officer. Air purifying respirators with replaceable HEPA filters are to be worn at all times during repair and maintenance projects, clean-up projects, and in confined areas with exposed asbestos. The Safety Officer will issue a respirator for the exclusive use of each employee and provide training in the use of the respirator. Periodically, each respirator will be cleaned and disinfected by the Safety Officer. (Reference Western Carolina University Safety Policy #23, "Respiratory Protection").
The following work practices are prohibited:
The Safety Officer will also maintain records of team members, training, medical examinations, health monitors, air samples and other documents necessary to comply with the North Carolina State Law.