As was discussed in the overview to this part of the tour, ACM may be found in insulation, construction materials, siding, roofing or caulking. The section of the tour discusses the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) standard for asbestos, which covers the management and monitoring requirements during the demolition of asbestos containing material (ACM), and generally addresses human health and safety with respect to construction project-generated asbestos as presented in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standard for worker protection.
NESHAPs for Asbestos - This program covers the management and monitoring requirements during the demolition of asbestos-containing materials. The regulations address the following requirements for ACM demolition:
Applicability - These regulations define the material type, size and demolition project type that requires special consideration as ACM.
Notification Requirements - Owners/operators of facilities where ACM demolition or removal is occurring must provide written notification to the Administrator of the EPA generally 10 days prior to the removal and notify of any schedule changes. A description of the work practices and procedures and certification of removal contractor is generally required in the notification documents.
Procedures for Asbestos Emission Control - These regulations define the emission control procedures required during removal or demolition. These practices include, but are not limited to:
- Wetting the material to limit fugitive dust and leak-tight wrapping of ACM prior to dismantlement.
- Avoiding the damaging or breakup of the removed material.
- Providing glove-bag system and ventilation to contain all emissions.
For the complete text of the regulations (40 CFR 61.145), click the link below:
40 CFR 61
OSHA Standard for Asbestos - An employer must ensure that no employee is exposed to: asbestos in excess of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA), an airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter of air as averaged over a 30-minute sampling period. OSHA broadly regulates occupational exposures to asbestos in all industries in 29 CFR 1910.1001. Specific OSHA requirements related to asbestos exposure for construction and demolition work, however, are found in 29 CFR 1926.1101. Both OSHA asbestos standards include requirements for exposure monitoring, regulated areas, methods of compliance (e.g., engineering controls), respiratory protection, protective clothing, hygiene facilities and practices for employees, communication of hazards to employees, and housekeeping. The OSHA standard for asbestos associated with construction and demolition work also has requirements for medical surveillance.
For the complete text of the OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926) pertaining to asbestos, click the links below:
29 CFR 1910
29 CFR 1926