The Asbestos Management Program has been established to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for employees, students, contractors and visitors by ensuring that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) will be managed, abated and disposed in full compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations to reduce and eliminate exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The objectives of the Program include, identification of asbestos materials, hazard communication and assessment, training and proper project documentation associated with Asbestos abatement projects in University facilities.
Work Practices
Boston College does not authorize its employees to engage in Class I, Class
II, or Class III asbestos repair or removal activities, but instead utilizes
licensed and certified outside contractors for these services. Employees shall
not disturb or damage any identified confirmed or suspect ACM. Work may be conducted
safely in and around areas containing properly maintained ACMs. Proper work
practices shall be utilized as outlined in the Asbestos Management Plan.
Employees should inform their immediate supervisor of any suspect asbestos building
materials that are disturbed or damaged or have the potential to be damaged
during planned activities.
Note: Building inspection reports containing suspect asbestos material bulk
sample results are located in the EH&S office. Please contact Paul Matuszko
at 2-0303 for assistance.
Emergency Response Protocols
Emergency asbestos abatement may be required in response to unexpected incidents and uncontrolled events (Management Plan Section 7.6). In the event of a major asbestos fiber release, work shall stop, the area shall be isolated and occupants evacuated to avoid further disturbance and further access will be denied. Facilities Services and the EH&S Office should be notified immediately of the situation at (617) 552-0308 or (617) 552-3048.
General Work Practices and Procedures
1. Do not drill, sand, break, cut or disturb the asbestos material in any
manner.
2. Do not allow airborne asbestos fibers to be released
3. Prevent airborne asbestos fibers from being entrained into the building’s
HVAC system
4. Do not dry sweep the debris/material;
5. Do not walk or track debris;
6. If possible, keep debris wet with a water spray bottle;
7. Do not allow public access to or through the area;
If an unexpected suspect or confirmed asbestos-containing material is discovered during renovation or maintenance work, do not disturb the material, contact the EH&S office for a review of building inspection reports or required bulk sample analysis for asbestos content.
Training
Two-hour Asbestos
Awareness training is provided initially upon employment to all workers
that may work near or may impact asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during
their normal routine work activities.