ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to establish guidelines and procedures in the operations and maintenance of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM); to protect all employees, contractors, visitors, and vendors from potential health hazards of asbestos-related diseases.

This Program applies to all buildings and structures to all employees and sub contractors , to occupants of buildings, and to external organizations who may come into contact with or disturb ACM. The Program applies to routine work during which an employee might encounter asbestos as well as work undertaken to repair or remove ACM.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name for a group of minerals that occur naturally in the ground. Bundles of fibers make up asbestos minerals. Three types of asbestos were commonly used to manufacture products.

  • Chrysotile, sometimes called white asbestos, is composed of wavy, flexible white fibers and comprises 90 to 95 percent of the asbestos used in the U.S.
  • Amosite, sometimes called brown asbestos, is composed of straight, light gray or brown fibers.
  • Crocidolite, sometimes called blue asbestos, is composed of straight blue fibers.

Anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite are three other types of asbestos. They were not commonly used to manufacture products. However, tremolite contamination has been documented in vermiculite attic insulation, and caution should be used when dealing with this material. When dealing with attic insulation, consider visiting https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/radiant-barriers/.

Why should I be concerned about asbestos?

In general, the more asbestos a person is exposed to, the greater the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of airborne microscopic fibers. Airborne asbestos can be present during renovation and demolition of buildings and building products. Residential and nonresidential buildings can contain asbestos materials. Untrained individuals performing asbestos-related work can expose themselves, other individuals in the building, or their own families by having their clothing or skin contaminated with asbestos fibers.