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Recognizing Asbestos Containing Building Material (ACBM)How can asbestos be identified? While it is often possible to "suspect" that a material or product contains asbestos by visual inspection, actual identification can only be made by microscopic analysis. You can, however, learn what types of material could contain asbestos and use this information to avoid disturbing or damaging "suspect" material. Also learn what is asbestos in your building by reviewing the Asbestos Management plan. The plan is located in the main office of your building. Below is a list of common commercial materials that can contain asbestos. Some of these materials may even be found in your own home. Look over the list to make yourself familiar with the various materials. Common ACBM and ACM commercial materials include :
ACBMAs was learned earlier, the EPA places Asbestos Containing Building Material in three categories:
Below you will find images of ACBM from each of these three categories. Look at each image carefully so you can become familiar with the appearance of asbestos containing material. Examples of Surfacing MaterialPlaster:Pictured is plaster sample #80807K19; white finish coat over brown/base coat applied to wire lathe. This 1920s vintage plaster meets the definition of asbestos containing material (ACM), and becomes friable if it is disturbed. Note the visible fiber bundle at 7.5 mm. Many acoustical plasters are also ACM.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Floor Underlayment:Here is an example of industrial sand floor underlayment and nine-inch asbestos composite floor tile in the Kenilworth building. We believe the purpose of the underlayment was for vibration dampening and noise reduction in this former factory building, built 1914, by the Ford Motor Company. The underlayment is approximately 1" thick. This material contains approximately 10% chrysotile asbestos and is applied directly over concrete. Asbestos floor tile is applied over the underlayment.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Examples of Thermal System Insulation (TSI)this is an example of a highly friable thermal system insulation (TSI). This particular type, often called "mag" insulation, was used to insulate pipes. We normally find mag on high-temperature utilities such as steam or condensate lines. This sample contains both chrysotile and amosite asbestos. This particular sample has long visible fibers, but some mag insulation doesn't. As seen in this photo, mag insulation is highly friable and can result in significant exposure if disturbed.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Here is an example of common asbestos thermal system insulation (TSI), similar in appearance to gray, wrapped paper or cardboard.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Though similar in appearance to the TSI above, the insulation pictured below is non-ACM. It was obtained from another building. So, is there a way to tell the difference simply by appearance? No, you must have it analyzed.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The gray corrugated, cardboard-like material pictured below is AirCell (or Air-O-Cell) asbestos insulation.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
An Instance where new fiberglass insulation was applied directly over existing asbestos insulation. Use caution when working on any unlabeled material, particularly in areas where we have both ACM insulation side-by-side with new insulation. If in doubt, assume the material is ACM.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
An example of asbestos in a laboratory incubator (door gasket and body insulation).
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Examples of Miscellaneous MaterialsLaboratory Equipment:Laboratory ovens, like this muffle furnace, often have asbestos insulation. For example, this small oven has both non-friable transite board and friable ACM insulated electrical wiring (both materials are chrysotile asbestos).
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Ceiling Tile:Although rare in Olathe School District, ceiling tile may also contain asbestos. This tile has both chrysotile and amosite fibers.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Clothing:The top glove is an asbestos thermal mitten (70% chrysotile asbestos). Asbestos clothing of this type may result in unnecessary asbestos exposure through normal use and handling, therefore we do not recommend the use of asbestos protective clothing. The bottom glove is a modern, non-asbestos item. Non-asbestos thermal protective clothing is available from the usual laboratory equipment vendors.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Transite and Transite-like Products:This is an example of transite board. This variety is similar in appearance to common pegboard, except transite is usually gray and very dense. The perforated variety is often used in acoustical applications such as in music rooms and auditoriums.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
A laboratory bench top (transite) with black laminate surface. Note the visible fibers in the asbestos bench sample. The small sample on top is from a stone bench top. Transite is a Category II waste. Superficially, the transite and stone bench tops look identical due to the black laminate surface.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Oakum:This is oakum pipe joint packing. Sample #90813K19 was negative, however other oakum varieties have tested positive for asbestos and were highly friable.
Picture is courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Recognizing damaged asbestos containing material.There are three conditions that result in asbestos becoming airborne. They are fallout, impact and reentrainment. Fallout
Impact Impact is the contact of asbestos materials through actions such as striking, cutting or penetration. These actions disturb the integrity of the material, resulting in fiber release. Highly friable forms of asbestos are especially susceptible to impact. Activities such as spraying with adhesives and paints can cause fiber release. Impact causes occasional, but high, concentrations of fiber release. Reentrainment Reentrainment results from the physical disturbance of settled fibers, causing them to become airborne again. Sweeping; dusting, and other normal building activities can result in reentrainment of fallen asbestos fibers. Reentrainment can result in fiber release that may vary from low to high airborne concentrations. If water damage, physical damage or delamination of the material is observed, then fiber release has occurred, is occurring or will likely occur in the future. Fibers that are released into an air stream, such as in an air plenum or near a forced air stream are likely to be transported to other parts of the building. Materials subjected to noise or vibration such as those located in gymnasiums, band rooms or in buildings near highways or airports may have a higher potential to release asbestos fibers.
Examples of Damaged ACBM:The following pictures show various types of ACBM with damage. Look closely at the images and note the areas with damage. Pipe Mud PackingAsbestos was used in this instance and it has begun to crack and release fibers. Unless you have received the full 16-hour O&M course training you cannot clean up or repair material that contains asbestos.
From the University of Kansas
This picture shows a significantly damaged pipe joint on a steam pipe. The pipe is also insulated with asbestos air cell insulation that looks like corrugated cardboard on the edges. Asbestos insulation on heating pipes is often held in place by metal bands as seen in the picture below.
Copyright © 1997-2000 Heimer Engineering, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
This picture also shows asbestos mud joints that are significantly damaged. This pipe is also insulated with asbestos air cell insulation. Most pipes wrapped in asbestos also have asbestos containing joints.
Copyright © 1997-2000 Heimer Engineering, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
Paper InsulationIf you find material in this condition, and pieces of asbestos paper on the floor, immediately leave the area and report it to Robert D. Miller at 780-7011. Most of this pipe covering is in good condition, but there are some damaged areas. When these areas are repaired, the pipe is then considered to be in good condition, and there should not be any release of fibers. While the pipe is still damaged, only those personnel with the appropriate training will be allowed to repair or clean up around the pipe. AHERA Classification: Damaged Thermal Insulation.
From the University of Kansas
Sprayed-on CeilingAsbestos is often found on ceilings as a sprayed-on material. Generally, this material is friable. If it is encapsulated or has a hard coating, it does not represent a hazard unless disturbed. You may work around this type of material, however, do not hang displays or flower pots, etc. from it. AHERA Classification: Potential for Significant Damage (because of occupancy and use.)
From the University of Kansas
Sprayed-on InsulationThe ACBM sprayed on the pipes and ceiling in this slide shows water damage and delamination. Again, only personnel who have received the 16 hour O&M training may clean-up the disturbed asbestos containing building material debris. Instead, the LEA contact person should be notified immediately. AHERA Classification: Significantly Damaged Surfacing Material.
From the University of Kansas
Sprayed-on InsulationHere is an example of friable asbestos sprayed-on ceiling beams as fireproofing. Notice where the asbestos is hanging loose. This is very friable.
From the University of Kansas
Insulation on a BoilerIt has been estimated that one out of every four boilers installed before 1970 contains asbestos. Generally, if the boiler is coated with asbestos then so are the boiler pipes. Usually the insulation on boilers is two to six inches thick and contains chicken wire or some other for structural support. Repair of this material or the cleaning of ACM debris must be done by properly trained O&M personnel. AHERA C1assification: Damaged Thermal Insulation.
From the University of Kansas
6 Month Periodic InspectionsA visual inspections of asbestos is required every six months. Custodial and maintenance personnel with the proper asbestos awareness training are qualified to conduct visual inspections. Please note, visual inspection means that you look carefully at the ACBM for any possible damage or deterioration, but you are not to repair or touch any damaged material. Damage ACBM should be reported to Robert D. Miller at 780-7011. During the inspection, look for materials that are deteriorating in condition. Evidence of debris on horizontal surfaces, hanging material, dislodged chunks, scrapings, indentations and cracking are indicators of poor material condition. Look for areas of accidental or deliberate physical damage where Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM) have been disturbed such as:
Look for deterioration resulting in the accumulation of dust on the surface of the ACBM, delamination of the material, or an adhesive failure where it pulls away from the substrate. Inspect the materials for water damage, such as discoloration of or stains on the ACBM or the adjacent walls or floors. Look for buckling of the walls or floors and areas where pieces of ACBM may have separated into layers or may be failing down and exposing the substrate. Actions to TakeBy taking the right action you can reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos.
Maintenance personnel with the 16 hour training ought to keep on hand items that are useful for working on or around asbestos materials. These include:
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