Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 21
PRIORITY ISSUE 2.0 ASBESTOS (continued)
ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA)
EXPANDED
ACTIONS (EA)
• Plaster that is old enough to
potentially contain asbestos
The EPA vermiculite website refer-
enced below includes photos to aid
in the identification of vermiculite
insulation.
AP 2.2 Contact a Trained and
Accredited Asbestos Professional if
Unsure Whether Material Contains
Asbestos
Generally, it is not possible to tell if
a material contains asbestos unless
it is labeled. The only way to be sure
whether a material contains asbestos
is to have it tested by a qualified
laboratory. EPA recommends testing
suspect materials only if they are
damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if
a planned building upgrade would
disturb the suspect material. If
unsure whether material contains
asbestos, contact a trained and
accredited asbestos professional to
assess, sample and test the material,
as needed. Notify the building owner
and/or property manager of any ACM
identified during the assessments.
MA 2.3 Ensure Insulation is Asbestos-Free Before Disturbing
Do not remove or disturb insulation that looks like vermiculite
(e.g., attic or wall insulation). Because confirming whether ver-
miculite contains asbestos by testing is unreliable, EPA recom-
mends assuming it contains asbestos and managing accordingly.
Specifically, EPA recommends the following precautions:
• Leave vermiculite insulation undisturbed in attics or walls.
• Do not store boxes or other items in an attic if it contains
vermiculite insulation.
• Hire a professional asbestos contractor if there are plans to
remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb vermicu-
lite in attics or walls to make sure that the material is safely
handled and/or removed.
MA 2.4 Conduct Asbestos Abatement Before Blower Door Test-
ing and Air Duct Testing
Any asbestos abatement or repair work should be completed by
properly trained and accredited professionals prior to blower door
testing and air duct testing. Exercise appropriate caution when
conducting blower door testing where friable asbestos or vermic-
ulite attic insulation is present to avoid drawing asbestos fibers
into the living space (i.e., use positively pressurized blower door
testing and do not blow air on or over friable asbestos materials).
Do not conduct air leakage tests (e.g., duct blaster tests) on
ductwork that contains asbestos insulation.
Note:
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 project, a properly trained and accredited
asbestos professional should conduct an initial assessment to
determine potential worker exposures and required exposure
controls.
Asbestos awareness training is recommended for building
upgrade workers, especially work planners and crew chiefs.
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References for Priority Issue 2.0 Asbestos:
Building Performance Institute (BPI): Technical Standards for the Heating Professional
EPA: Asbestos
EPA: Asbestos in the Home: A Homeowner's Guide
EPA: Asbestos NESHAP
EPA: Monitoring Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM)
EPA: Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation
EPA: State Asbestos Contacts
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Asbestos Fiber Analysis LAP
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Asbestos
OSHA: Asbestos, Construction
See Appendix A: Worker Protection