Construction Hazardous Materials Compliance Guide

Disturbing asbestos materials during construction is a serious hazard that all contractors may encounter. Because of the insidious nature of the material as a health hazard, EPA regulations require that even when a structure is to be completely demolished, asbestos (and all other hazardous materials) must be removed by a qualified contractor prior to general demolition. A construction contractor contemplating abatement work needs to ascertain regulatory applicability under one of the following: OSHA-approved state program, Federal OSHA regulations (applicable to the private sector and certain federal employees) or OSHA-approved.

Construction Worksite Compliance Guide to Asbestos provides the contractors, building owners and inspectors with the current best management practices for asbestos removal and disposal methods. Packed with checklist, tables and "quick lookup" materials, this manual provides a step by step approach for identifying asbestos, complying with OSHA and EPA regulations as well as the safe disposal of asbestos.

• Ascertain the presence of asbestos through testing
• Prepare the abatement plan
• Submit the plan to the state, EPA or local municipality having jurisdiction
• Proper Waste Disposal techniques
• Scope of work

Construction Managers, Construction Engineers, Architects, Facilities Managers and Building Owners

Dedication

Acronyms

Introduction

1. What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos health effects

Where can asbestos be found?

What should property owners do if they discover asbestos?

Managing asbestos problems

Asbestos professionals

Regulations governing asbestos

2. Overview of Codes, Regulations, and Standards

Summary

3. Identifying Asbestos

Design

Asbestos-containing materials

Sample situations

Alternative approaches

Asbestos waste

4. Health Facts about Asbestos

What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?

Who is at risk for an asbestos-related disease?

Which factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?

How does smoking affect risk?

How are asbestos-related diseases detected?

How can workers protect themselves from asbestos exposure?

Which programs are available to help individuals with asbestos-related diseases?

Is there federal legislation to help victims of asbestos-related diseases?

Which organizations offer information related to asbestos exposure?

5. Quick Tips for Contractors Working with Asbestos

Asbestos in homes and buildings

Definitions of asbestos-containing material

Specific guidance for contractors

Site safety and contingency plans summary

6. Uncertified Contractors’ Guide to Inspections and Management

How to identify materials that contain asbestos

How to manage an asbestos problem

Asbestos professionals

7. Insulation-Containing Asbestos

Identifying vermiculite insulation

8. OSHA Regulations

Construction work classes

What is the permissible exposure limit for asbestos?

What is an initial exposure assessment?

What is a negative exposure assessment?

Are employers required to perform exposure monitoring?

When Must Employer