Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
20 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES PRIORITY ISSUE 2.0 ASBESTOS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 2.1 Determine Potential Asbestos Hazards Consider the age of the structure; older multifam- ily residential buildings in particular may have asbestos insulation or other asbestos-containing material (ACM). Although the production and use of asbestos has declined, some building materials may still contain asbestos. Check to see if any replacement materials you intend to install might contain asbestos by reading the product labels, calling the manufacturer or asking the retailer to provide you with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product(s) in question. Complete all assessments for ACM prior to initiat- ing building upgrade tasks that have the potential to disturb ACM (e.g., blower door testing that often is performed during weatherization upgrades, see MA 2.4). Notes: Possible sources of asbestos include the following: • Insulation in attics and attic-like spaces (e.g., vermiculite) • Wall insulation (e.g., vermiculite, insulation blocks) • Hot water and steam pipes coated with as- bestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation • Vinyl flooring (including 9"-by-9" or 12"-by- 12" floor tiles, vinyl sheet flooring, and the mastics and other adhesives used to secure the flooring) • Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood- or coal-burning appliances • Soundproofing or decorative surface materials sprayed on walls or ceilings, including popcorn ceilings • Patching, joint compounds and textured paints on walls and ceilings • Roofing, shingles and siding (including cement or adhesives) • Artificial ashes and embers (used in gas-fired fireplaces) • Transite (cement and asbestos) pipe in water distribution and drainage systems, HVAC ducts, combustion vents or transite flues MA 2.1 Address ACM During Building Upgrades and Use Accredited Personnel for Abatement or Repair Suspected ACM in good condition can be managed in place, but take caution not to disturb it. If suspected ACM is damaged (e.g., unravel- ing, frayed or breaking apart), immediately isolate the area(s) and consult a trained and accredited asbestos professional to determine what corrective measures should be taken. Trained and accredited asbestos professionals must separate the work area in question from occupied portions of the building using appropriate containment practices. For suspected ACM that must be disturbed as part of the project, contact an accredited and properly trained asbestos professional for abatement or repair, in accordance with federal, state and local requirements. Only a trained and accredited asbes- tos professional may abate, repair or remove ACM. Contact your state asbestos regulatory agency for information on how to find an accredited asbestos professional. Note: Typically, trained and accredited professionals can repair asbestos by – • Sealing or Encapsulating: Treating the material with a sealant that binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace and boiler insulation often can be repaired in this manner. • Covering or Enclosing: Placing a protective layer over or around the ACM to prevent release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket. • Removing: Removing ACM may be advanta- geous when performing building upgrades or making major changes to a building that will disturb ACM or if ACM is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired (by covering, enclosing, sealing or encapsulating). MA 2.2 Precautions for Working Around ACM 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 materi- als. This cell is intentionally blank. See Appendix A: Worker Protection