Asbestos

Effective: Moved to Policy Library from UPM 12.12(27)
Reviewed: March 2022

Contact: Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)


Introduction

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has established an asbestos program to assess campus buildings for the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and to oversee all operations involving ACM for compliance with regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).


Policy Statement

Renovations

ISU departments and other units must contact EH&S prior to the remodel/renovation of any building space or the modification of any mechanical system (domestic water, steam, chilled water, etc.) so that affected building materials can be inspected for ACM. EH&S will coordinate the asbestos abatement services with Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) and the requesting ISU department.
During renovations, existing asbestos-containing floor tile and/or mastic shall not be covered over with new building finishes, except when the new flooring incorporates “low tack” adhesives or no adhesive components. Asbestos-containing mastic will be removed when the floor tile is removed.

Demolitions

ISU departments and other units must contact EH&S prior to the demolition of any Iowa State University building or structure so that it can be inspected for ACM. EH&S will coordinate the asbestos abatement services with Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) and the requesting ISU department.

Notifications

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has the responsibility for enforcement of EPA regulations in the state. Renovation and demolition activities require notification in writing to the IDNR postmarked 10-working days prior to the start of each project. EH&S will coordinate the submission of notifications required by regulation. As of January 15, 2016, a $100 fee is required for each original notification for renovation or demolition.

Damaged Asbestos-Containing Materials

The management of ACM at Iowa State University requires the cooperation of many departments and individuals to ensure that asbestos is properly handled and maintained. ISU departments and other units must report evidence of deterioration, water damage, or delamination to EH&S by calling (515) 294-5359 or FP&M at (515) 294-5100. EH&S will design a response action in accordance with the severity of the situation.


Resources