Asbestos Awareness
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its durability and resistance to heat and fire. It has a fibrous structure, which made it an effective material for insulation, fireproofing, and strengthening various products. However, its use has significantly declined due to health concerns.
When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed, they can release tiny fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health problems, including Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer.
Stockton University has a strong asbestos management program used to prevent damage to asbestos containing materials, to minimize or prevent employee occupational asbestos exposures, to minimize environmental exposure to building occupants, and when necessary, to remove asbestos products safely and effectively. This program includes regular inspections, proper maintenance of asbestos-containing materials, and clear protocols for dealing with any issues that arise.
Safety Guidelines
All university housing with asbestos-containing materials undergoes semi-annual inspections by EHS staff. Any damaged areas are documented, and repairs are carried out by licensed asbestos abatement contractors, in accordance with state and federal regulations, prior to students and residents moving in.
All University academic buildings that contain asbestos containing materials are inspected semi-annually by EHS staff. Areas of damage are noted, and repairs are made by licensed asbestos abatement contractors in accordance with state and federal regulations. Other building materials are maintained intact (undamaged condition), and damage observed is repaired as soon as EHS staff notes it or it is reported to EHS.
EHS informs building occupants about asbestos abatement projects in their building in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code for Asbestos.
Faculty and building occupants are advised to avoid activities that could damage asbestos containing materials and to report any observed damage immediately.
EHS staff provides the following services to avoid asbestos exposure:
Sample building materials that may be impacted by work activities, Arrange for removal
of asbestos containing material before renovation or repair work, Provide asbestos
awareness training to new employees, and annual refresher training for employees that
may come in contact with asbestos.
Staff is notified of the presence of asbestos in their work area through annual asbestos awareness training, memos reporting the results of asbestos sample results, and by signs posted on mechanical rooms in buildings with asbestos containing material.
EHS staff performs or arranges for asbestos building surveys for large renovation projects, collects bulk samples from suspect asbestos containing materials that may be impacted by specific work activities, and schedules asbestos abatement (removal) work prior to planned renovation or repair work.
Planner Estimators and Project Managers are notified of the presence of asbestos in their work area through memos reporting the results of asbestos samples and building survey results and by signs posted on mechanical rooms in buildings with asbestos containing material.
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