1.0  Introduction

      Asbestos containing materials were widely used as construction and insulating materials in buildings from the 1940's through the late 1970's. Asbestos is present on campus in various forms. Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) are regulated federally by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). In Wisconsin, ACMs are monitored by the Department of Commerce, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) among others. While asbestos is a serious health and safety concern, currently available data and risk assessments indicate that properly managed, undamaged asbestos containing materials do not present a significant health risk to building occupants. Therefore, the University's policies regarding asbestos focus on providing comprehensive and effective management, rather than total removal.

2.0  Responsibilities

      The Student Life Services Facilities Management (SLS-FM), Asbestos Management Coordinator (AMC) is responsible for management of all ACM in accordance with the overall policies of the University and all applicable laws and regulations. The Asbestos Management Coordinator holds all appropriate certifications and training and will serve as a central resource for technical and professional services in all aspects of asbestos management. The Asbestos Management Coordinator provides technical oversight, specifications, and recommends procedures as requested by the schools and departments and maintains a record of all asbestos abatement projects conducted by the University. In support of these responsibilities, the Physical Plant will notify the Asbestos Management Coordinator when asbestos abatement projects are planned and initiated.

3.0  Management

Effective management of ACM may include the following approaches, depending on the nature of the material, its condition, and potential for exposure, asbestos containing materials that are in a safe condition and do not present a danger to students, staff, and/or faculty may be left in place. For asbestos containing materials that present a potential for exposure, one or more of the following remedial actions may be appropriate:

3.1        Removal and secure disposal of ACM.

3.2        Enclosure and encapsulation of ACM.

3.3        Restricted access and isolation of non-public areas where disturbed ACM may be present.

4.0  Statement of Policy

      UW-Stout is committed to protecting the health and safety of its students, faculty, and staff from unsafe exposure to asbestos.
The University and its colleges, school, units, and departments will comply with applicable laws and regulations concerning asbestos containing materials. In support of this policy, the following principles will guide the university in the management of asbestos:

4.1        Suspected asbestos problems will be promptly investigated and appropriate action taken to protect the safety and health of the University community. Abatement procedures and activities will be fully documented and appropriately recorded by the Asbestos Management Coordinator.

4.2        Where required, abatement of asbestos may include removal, encapsulation, enclosure, or other forms of isolation and security to properly protect health and safety.

4.3        Protection of all employees with the potential for exposure to ACM through their duties is a University priority. Employees and contractors engaged in service work that may result in exposure to ACM shall be properly trained in asbestos awareness. When working in areas where asbestos exposure is a potential hazard, service employees shall be provided with appropriate protective equipment.

4.4        Asbestos abatement projects and the disposal of ACM shall be performed by a licensed and certified contractor in accordance with established laws and regulations.

4.5        Communication with occupants of university buildings is an important element in effective asbestos management. Students, faculty and staff will be provided timely and accurate information about asbestos and asbestos abatement activities that may affect them.