Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/650064
2 PRIORITY ISSUES ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS Minimum Actions Expanded Actions If unsure whether material contains asbestos, contact a qualified asbestos professional to assess the material. Sample and test as needed. Note The EPA vermiculate guidance referenced below includes photos to aid the identification of vermiculite insulation. Relevant Guidance/Standards The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains a list of asbestos laboratories accredited under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP): • Call NIST at (301) 975-4016 or email NVLAP@nist.gov. • NIST/NVLAP: Accredited Laboratories for the Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) Test Method. • NIST/NVLAP: Accredited Laboratories for the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Test Method. DOL, OSHA, 29 CFR Part 1926, subpart Z. EPA Asbestos: Asbestos in Your Home. EPA Asbestos: Regional and State Asbestos Contacts. EPA Vermiculite. If working in a pre-1980 building, see: Appendix A: Worker Protection – Asbestos and Confined Spaces. When working around ACM, do not: • Dust, sweep or vacuum ACM debris. • Saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in the material. • Use abrasive pads or brushes to strip materials. Do not remove OR disturb attic insulation that looks like vermiculite unless the material has been tested and found not to contain asbestos. Any asbestos abatement or repair work should be completed prior to blower door testing. Exercise appropriate caution when conducting blower door testing where friable asbestos or vermiculite attic insulation is present to avoid drawing asbestos fibers into the living space (i.e., use positively pressurized blower door testing) unless the material has been tested and found not to contain asbestos. Notes Appropriate identification of ACM is necessary to ensure the continued safety of the occupants and the safety of workers, who may not be aware of asbestos hazards. If ACM may be disturbed during a planned retrofit, a competent person needs to conduct an initial exposure assessment to determine potential worker exposures and required exposure controls. Asbestos awareness training is recommended for retrofit workers, especially auditors and crew chiefs. Relevant Guidance/Standards BPI Technical Standards: Technical Standards for the Heating Professional. DOL, OSHA, Asbestos. DOL, OSHA, Asbestos – Construction. EPA Asbestos: Asbestos in Your Home. EPA Vermiculite. ASBESTOS (continued)