Hazardous materials can be found in campus facilities in a variety of uses. Managing these hazards, through identification and engineering controls, is the responsibility of the facility owners and managers. Hazardous building materials (HBMs) can be part of operational and mechanical equipment, roofing systems, and interior or exterior finishes. Due to widespread use, HBMs are ubiquitous in the built environment and regulations state that certain building materials are HBMs until they are sampled, regardless of construction date.
Examples of hazardous materials used in equipment include mercury in fluorescent lamps, ballasts, or thermometer switches, ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons in refrigerants, such as those used in air conditioners or water fountain chillers; radioactive elements, particularly americium-241, in smoke detectors, and tritium commonly used to illuminate exit signs. Roofing systems, interior and exterior finishes can contain asbestos, lead, mold, and poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Asbestos can also be found in walls systems, flooring, and thermal system insulation. Lead paint applications include military and industrial applications, exterior finishes, and parking lots. Mold is generally the result of moisture entering the building (for example a roof leak) or inadequate ventilation of an indoor moisture source (for example a shower room). Caulks used to seal metal window frames and as expansion joints of masonry, concrete, and stone can contain PCBs.
A thorough building survey to identify and quantify the HBMs is recommended to prevent risk and liabilities associated with improper disposal and adverse exposures to building occupants. HBMs may be present as remnants in legacy buildings or in products manufactured today. Baseline surveys should be completed and updated during construction projects. A survey will consist of field work to assess the building(s) and the preparation of a survey report. The survey report should document the type, location, and condition of each HBM identified. The survey report can be used to prepare an operations and maintenance (O&M) plan. The O&M plan summarizes safety protocols, training requirements, regulatory notifications, and disposal requirements and can be used by workers planning to disturb HBMs (either through due to a planned project or emergency repairs) to develop safe work practices. In general, if the equipment is properly functioning and finishes are in-tact, HBMs can likely remain in-place; however, workers (both facility employees and outside contractors) need to be aware of the hazardous and trained on how to protect themselves and the environment. Identification of HBMs early in the planning stages of a construction schedule allots adequate time for securing work permits with regulatory agencies and completion of abatement work. In many situations, abatement firms are unable to work alongside another trade due to the type of work performed. Proper identification and management of HBMs coupled with planning can avoid costly project delays and potential fines from regulators.
Submitted by Heather Shoemaker, GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. For more information please contact me at 267-464-3622.
