Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 63 Table A1: Recommended Assessments and Actions for Worker Safety Concerns ASBESTOS Assessments Actions Determine whether workers will be exposed to asbestos-containing material (ACM). Because of the widespread prior use of ACM, construction and renovation activities in older buildings may expose workers to this hazard. • Building upgrade activities may expose workers to ACM and require compliance with the OSHA rule at 29 CFR Part 1926.1101, which specifies the required protection measures. • See OSHA's website on asbestos for additional information and resources. CHEMICAL HAZARDS Assessments Actions Determine whether workers will be exposed to chemical hazards. Based on 29 CFR Part 1926.59, a chemical hazard is a chemical that is either a physical hazard (e.g., explosive, flammable) or a health hazard (e.g., acute or chronic health effects may occur). • Comply with the OSHA rule at 29 CFR Part 1910.1200, which includes the following requirements (not an exhaustive list): o that chemical content information be made available for all chemicals in use; o that containers be properly labeled; and o that workers handling chemicals be properly trained. • Use chemicals that are best in class for the particular application in terms of having low toxic content and/or low contaminant emissions. Examples include paints, adhesives, sealants and coatings that meet the emissions criteria of California Department of Public Health Specification 01350. • Proper health and safety precautions should be employed by workers that use or may come in contact with pesticides or chemical contaminants in building materials, subsoils or vapors. • For pesticides, comply with EPA's Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (includes all amendments as of October 3, 1997). • See OSHA's website on hazard communication for additional information and resources. CONFINED SPACES Assessments Actions Determine whether workers will be exposed to confined-space hazards. • Comply with the OSHA rule at 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA Confined Spaces in Construction. • See OSHA's website on confined spaces for additional resources on confined space hazards. • Ensure the workspace is cleaned regularly and has adequate ventilation and exhaust and that construction is phased properly to protect workers and occupants from construction activities that are considered high risk, as outlined in SMACNA "IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction," 2nd Edition. • See OSHA's Protect Yourself: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Quick Card for additional information on sources of CO and recommended actions for preventing CO exposure. • See Priority Issue 10.0 Building Products/Materials Emissions and EPA's Safer Choice website for more information on selecting less toxic products and materials that can be used in confined spaces.