Who Is Responsible For Managing Asbestos In Buildings?
Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction of buildings until it was banned in 1999 due to its harmful effects on human health. But with so many older buildings still containing asbestos, who is taking responsibility for managing this dangerous substance? In this blog post, we explore the different parties involved and their roles in ensuring the safety of building occupants and workers. From property owners to contractors and government agencies, find out who holds the key to effective asbestos management.
Asbestos Overview
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used in building construction prior to the 1950s. The asbestos fibers can be dangerous when they are released into the air, and they are known to cause cancer if they are inhaled over a period of time. Asbestos management is now a concern for many building owners and managers because of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 created the responsibility for managing asbestos in buildings nationwide. Under this act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for issuing regulations and providing training on how to handle asbestos properly. States also have their own laws and regulations governing asbestos management, so it is important to know your state’s law if you are planning to remove or renovate an existing building containing asbestos materials.
Owners and operators of regulated facilities must comply with both federal and state regulations in order to protect workers from asbestos exposure. Regulations issued by OSHA require employers to provide employees with information on the dangers of asbestos, proper clothing and equipment protection, as well as safe removal methods for removing asbestos-containing materials. State laws may also require employers to provide similar protections for workers.
If you are concerned about whether your building contains asbestos materials, it is important to contact your local OSHA office or your state occupational safety regulator. You can also consult with an expert who can help you determine whether any repairs or renovations need to be made in order to
Asbestos Exposure and Health Risks
Asbestos-containing materials have been used in construction for over 100 years, but the risks associated with exposure to asbestos remain largely unknown. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used to make products such as roofing tiles, insulation, and brake pads. The fibers in asbestos can cause cancer if they are inhaled or ingested.
The use of asbestos in buildings has been banned in many countries, but it is still present in many older buildings. Because asbestos is a carcinogen, anyone who may be exposed should be monitored for health risks. In the United States, responsibility for managing asbestos in public buildings rests with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA regulates the use of asbestos and requires proof of compliance from any company that wishes to relicense its asbestos products.
Anyone who may be exposed to asbestos should consult a doctor about their risk factors and receive proper medical testing. If you are concerned about your exposure to asbestos, you can contact your local EPA office or the National Cancer Institute for more information.
Who is Responsible for Managing Asbestos in Buildings?
There are many people who are responsible for managing asbestos in buildings. The first step is to identify the organization who is responsible for controlling asbestos exposure in the building.
OSHA-regulated employers must control asbestos exposures below the LEL (Lifetime Exposure Limit) and PEL (Permissible Exposure Level). They must also provide information on the NIOSH recommended controls, including surface inspection and abatement, when workers are exposed to airborne asbestos. States with OSHA-approved programs have standards similar to federal regulations.
Property owners and managers should have systems in place to identify potential sources of asbestos and take appropriate measures to control them. In states with OSHA-approved programs, abatement procedures must be followed when necessary.
How Can You Avoid Asbestos Exposure?
There are a few things that you can do in order to avoid asbestos exposure. First, make sure that any building that you are working in has been inspected and certified as free of asbestos. Second, be aware of the signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure and know how to treat them if they occur. Finally, be sure to keep your work area clean and free from asbestos dust.
Conclusion
As asbestos-containing materials become more scarce and expensive, it is important that whoever manages buildings with these materials takes appropriate measures to prevent exposure to asbestos. If you are responsible for managing an asbestos-containing building, be sure to consult with a professional who can help you understand the best ways to protect yourself and the people in your building.
