O&M Plan for Asbestos Management

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Questions and Answers

What is Asbestosis?

A cancer of the lining of the lung and chest

A lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs (correct)

A type of lung cancer caused by smoking

A type of skin disease caused by asbestos exposure

What is the latency period for Mesothelioma?

15-50 years (correct)

25-40 years

50-60 years

5-10 years

What increases the risk of developing lung cancer?

Exposure to asbestos only

Neither exposure to asbestos nor smoking

Both exposure to asbestos and smoking (correct)

Smoking only

Why was asbestos used in building materials?

Because it is incredibly strong and resistant to heat and chemicals Signup and view all the answers

When does asbestos become a hazard?

When it is disturbed or damaged Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about asbestos exposure?

That it causes immediate symptoms such as headaches Signup and view all the answers

What type of cancer can be caused by asbestos exposure?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for asbestos-containing materials in good condition?

Leaving them alone and monitoring their condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Director of Plant Operations regarding asbestos-related activities?

To oversee all asbestos-related activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of instituting a work permit system?

To prevent accidental disturbances of ACM Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to notify the N.H.A. before conducting planned renovations?

To prevent activities that might compromise the O&M program Signup and view all the answers

How often should the written O&M plan be reviewed by the Director of Plant Operations and the safety committee?

Annually Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the O&M program if there is ACM present in the building?

The O&M program remains in effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why asbestos is a hazard?

When disturbed, its fibers can become airborne and be inhaled into the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What are the useful properties of asbestos?

Thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the Director of Plant Operations to ensure that contractors are trained to conduct work that may involve ACM?

To ensure that the contractors are aware of the necessary precautions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

O&M Plan Development

The Director of Plant Operations should oversee all asbestos-related activities and ensure contractors are trained to handle ACM.
A work permit system should be instituted to prevent accidental disturbances of ACM, requiring contractors to receive permission from the Director of Plant Operations before commencing work.

Communication and Notifications

The Director of Plant Operations should notify the N.H.A. before conducting planned renovations that would disturb building materials.
Periodic notice to building occupants is essential to prevent activities that might compromise the O&M program.

Revising the O&M Plan

The O&M plan should be reviewed annually with the safety committee to determine if it needs to be updated.
The plan should be revised after removal or renovations affecting ACM.
The O&M program should remain in effect if there is ACM present in the building.

General Information on Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals with useful properties such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength.

Asbestos Hazards

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that can become airborne when disturbed and cause significant health problems when inhaled.
Health problems associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.
The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can range from 15-50 years.

When Asbestos Becomes a Hazard

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in good condition do not pose a hazard to building occupants.
ACM becomes a hazard when it is disturbed, damaged, or separates, releasing fibers into the air.

Where Asbestos Can Be Found

Asbestos was used in building materials for its strength, heat resistance, and insulation properties.
Asbestos can be found in thermal and acoustic insulation, fireproofing, roofing products, and flooring.

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Description

Learn about the role of the Director of Plant Operations in managing an O&M program, including overseeing asbestos-related activities and ensuring contractors are trained to handle asbestos-containing materials.