Purple Book (Guide for Controlling ACM in Buildings) Part 4 PDF

Figure 5. Survey procedures for sprayed- or troweled-on surfacing material. * These materials can be sampled and analyzed to confirm that they do contain asbestos, and that a special O&M program is needed. 2-7 Boiler insulation may consist of thermal bricks (refractory) or asbestos insulating bl...

Figure 5. Survey procedures for sprayed- or troweled-on surfacing material. * These materials can be sampled and analyzed to confirm that they do contain asbestos, and that a special O&M program is needed. 2-7 Boiler insulation may consist of thermal bricks (refractory) or asbestos insulating blankets, and is usually covered with finishing cement. Occasionally, asbestos millboard is used as a stiff outside covering on removable boiler insulation. Figure 6 outlines how to inspect pipe and boiler insulation. Start in the boiler room and follow air and water distribution systems throughout the building. Building plans should indicate the location of pipes and ducts. If the insulation is in good condition, leave it undisturbed. Sampling is not recommended in this case: instead, assume that the insulation contains asbestos. An EPA nationwide survey of federal, residential, and commercial buildings revealed that approximately 16 percent (20 percent of those constructed before 1970) contained asbestos pipe or boiler insulation. An exception to this rule is yellow or pink wrapped insulation. The color is usually a clear indication of fibrous glass rather than asbestos material. Even here, however, pipe elbows and joints will likely contain asbestos. Sample the insulation materials from the damaged or exposed ends or other parts. Procedures for sampling and analyzing insulation materials are similar to those for surfacing materials: ● Identify homogeneous areas (i.e., sections of insulation that appear uniform in color and texture). ● Take samples for each homogeneous area where the insulation is damaged or exposed. Remember, all persons taking samples should wear a respirator. ● Submit samples to a qualified laboratory for analysis (see Appendix G). As indicated in Figure 6, the presence (assumed or confirmed) or absence (confirmed) of asbestos should be documented in permanent records. If asbestos is present, an asbestos control program should be implemented as described in Chapters 3 and 4. If the presence of asbestos has been assumed, sampling and analysis may be useful for confirmation before any additional corrective action is taken. 2.2.4 Procedures for Other ACM Most ACM in this category (e.g., wallboard, ceiling tile, floor tile) is hard and nonfriable, and sampling would damage it and release fibers needlessly. Information on asbestos in these materials comes mainly from building records or building personnel. Document the presence and location of these materials in permanent records, and proceed with an asbestos control program as described in Chapter 3. 2-8 Figure 6. Survey procedures for pipe and boiler insulation. 2-9 CHAPTER 3. ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) PROGRAM If ACM is found in a building, a special O&M program should be implemented as soon as possible. An O&M program is recommended for each type of ACM: surfacing material, pipe and boiler insulation, and miscellaneous materials. Although many of the procedures are the same, certain steps vary according to the type of ACM. SUMMARY Purpose of a Special O&M Program: The program is designed to (1) clean up asbestos fibers previously released, (2) prevent future release by minimizing ACM disturbance or damage, and (3) monitor the condition of ACM. The program should continue until all ACM is removed or the building is demolished. Who Should Participate: The asbestos program manager, the manager of building maintenance, and the supervisor of the custodial staff are key participants in the O&M program Program Elements: The program should alert workers and building occupants to the location of ACM, train custodial and maintenance personnel in proper cleaning and maintenance, implement initial and periodic cleaning using special methods (for surfacing materials and pipe and boiler insulation only), establish a process that assures ACM is not disturbed during building repairs and renovations, and periodically re-inspect areas with ACM. 3.1 The Purpose of a Special O&M Program The discovery of ACM in buildings raises two concerns: (1) how to clean up asbestos fibers previously released, and (2) how to avoid ACM disturbance or damage. The special O&M program addresses both of these issues, with procedures tailored to each of the three types of ACM. 3.2 Who Should Participate The asbestos program manager develops and implements the special O&M program. He or she may serve as coordinator or delegate that responsibility to the facilities manager or other appropriate employee. The manager of building maintenance and the custodial staff supervisor are the other key participants. Both must support the program and must generate the same sense of commitment in their staff. A special O&M program will increase cleaning and maintenance work; staff dedication is necessary for an effective program. Trained building inspectors also participate in all special O&M programs. These inspectors may be the ones who made the initial inspection for ACM. They may or may not be members of the in-house custodial or maintenance staff. In the O&M program, they will be inspecting the condition and other characteristics of the ACM as described in Section 4.1, 3.3 Program Elements Several aspects of a special O&M program are the same for all three types of ACM. For clarity and completeness, these steps are repeated in the description of each program. 3-1 3.3.1 Special Practices for Sprayed- and Troweled-on Surfacing Materials ACM that is sprayed or troweled on ceilings and walls is often the main source of airborne asbestos fibers in the building. Areas covered by ACM tend to be large. If the material is friable, fibers are slowly released as the material ages. To reduce the level of released fibers and to guard against disturbing or damaging the ACM, the following measures should be taken: Documentation, Education, and Training The O&M program coordinator should: ● Record the exact location of ACM on building documents (plans, specifications, and drawings). ● Inform all building occupants and maintenance and custodial workers about the location of ACM and caution them against disturbing or damaging the ACM (e.g., by hanging plants or mobiles from the ceiling, or pushing furniture against walls). Be sure to give this information to new occupants and employees. ● Require all maintenance and custodial personnel to wear a half-face respirator with disposable cartridge filters or a more substantial respirator (see Section 5.1) during the initial cleaning and whenever they come in contact with ACM. ● Train custodial workers to clean properly and maintenance workers to handle ACM safely. (As noted in Chapter 2, EPA is sponsoring three pilot training programs. Contact the RAC for information on these and other training programs.) Initial Cleaning Custodial staff should: ● Steam-clean all carpets throughout the building or vacuum them with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered vacuum cleaner, but never with a conventional vacuum cleaner. Spray vacuum cleaner bags with water before removal and discard in sealed plastic bags according to EPA regulations for removal and disposal of asbestos (see Section 5.1 and USEPA 1985a). Discard vacuum filters in a similar manner. ● HEPA-vacuum all curtains and books. Discard vacuum bags and filters in sealed plastic bags according to EPA regulations for disposal of asbestos waste. ● Mop all noncarpeted floors with wet mops. Wipe all shelves and other horizontal surfaces with damp cloths. Use a mist spray bottle to keep cloths damp. Discard cloths and mopheads in sealed plastic bags according to EPA regulations for disposal of asbestos waste. Monthly Cleaning Custodial staff should: ● Spray with water any debris found near surfacing ACM and place the debris in plastic bags using a dustpan. Rinse the pan with water in a utility sink. Report presence of debris immediately to the O&M program coordinator. 3-2