The material in this section is based on regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found at 29 CFR § 1910.1001(j).
Building owners, in addition to informing building workers as required by OSHA, should also inform occupants and tenants about the location and physical condition of the asbestos-containing material (ACM), and stress the need to avoid disturbing the material.
Building owners should inform occupants about the presence of ACM by distributing written notices, posting signs or labels in a central location where affected occupants can see them, and holding awareness or information sessions. Some states and localities have “right-to-know” laws that may require that all occupants, workers, and visitors in buildings with ACM be informed that asbestos is present. OSHA also requires warning signs to be displayed at each regulated area so that an employee may read the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area.
Building owners should inform new employees about the presence of ACM before they begin work. OSHA requires this notification for employees who will perform housekeeping activities where ACM may be disturbed. Additional steps may be needed for illiterate or non-English speaking workers and other occupants who may encounter language difficulties. For example, owners should consider providing information sessions in languages other than English where a significant number of workers, occupants, or visitors do not speak English. Furthermore OSHA regulations require that employers ensure employees can comprehend the warning signs posted. Owners may wish to consider developing a warning label system for illiterate workers showing them pictures about potential hazards of disturbing ACM and showing them where ACM is located. Translations of the warning labels should be provided by the owner for non-English speaking personnel.
Information for Occupants (workers, tenants and others)
Occupants should be notified for two reasons: (1) There may be a potential hazard in their vicinity; and (2) informed persons are less likely to disturb the material and cause fibers to be released into the air. All employees and tenants or tenant representatives likely to disturb ACM should be included in the notification program on a continuing basis. The specific information given to types of building occupants will vary. For example, because building maintenance and service workers carry out certain tasks that office workers or tenants do not perform, they should receive additional information. Most important, operations and maintenance workers should receive the training they need to perform their tasks safely. For information on training requirements, see the OSHA regulations at 29 CFR § 1910.1001(j)(7) (PDF) (53 pp, 408K, about PDF).
Whatever its form, the information given to building occupants and workers should address the following points to the extent they reflect building conditions:
