OHSA Asbestos Regulation Awareness for Homeowners

For OSHA, asbestos regulations govern and regulate the presence and handling of asbestos containing materials or ACM in the workplace. OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is charged with enforcing federal EPA regulations concerning asbestos. They estimate that as many as 1.3 million workers come into contact with asbestos, mostly in the construction industry. Those who physically remove or repair the carcinogenic fiber come into the most contact with it, but demolition crews encounter it as well. In addition, shipyard workers and those employed in the manufacture of insulation, textiles and friction products such as brake pads are exposed to it. Although OSHA and EPA rules do not apply to homeowners, their findings and recommendations have implications for private residences. 

Where Asbestos Can Be Found

Homes built during a more than 60-year span in the 20th century, from the 1920s well into the mid 1980s almost without a doubt have asbestos somewhere in one material or several. Asphalt roofing shingles, roof felt, lining for pipes and heating ducts, vinyl tiles, underfloor, adhesives, batt and blown insulation, drywall and wall texture are just some of the materials that once were manufactured with asbestos. As you may well know, these are precisely the materials that help to make up almost every home. Homes built after 1986 should not have any ACM, but the vast majority of homes still do somewhere. 

OSHA Awareness for Homeowners

OSHA requires, according to section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, that employers provide a place to work for their employees that is free of hazards that have been recognized to cause serious injury or even death. Since asbestos has long been recognized to be carcinogenic, this includes ACM. At first glance, this does not seem to pertain to homeowners at all. However, OSHA has numerous regulations on the books that detail the proper handling of asbestos, how to do it safely and what steps to take when it is encountered. Because so many homes still have asbestos products, this same information can be of great help to homeowners. 

When Asbestos is Dangerous

Asbestos only becomes a health hazard when its minute particles become airborne. The dust is inhaled which can then lead to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, an extremely virulent cancer. EPA guidelines recommend that, when found in homes, asbestos be left untouched. In its solid state it is not a hazard. Floor tile, for instance, provided it stays intact, releases no hazardous dust. In homes, old insulation, popcorn-like wall texturing and damaged ACM can quickly lead to asbestos in a friable state. That is, asbestos fibers that are likely to go airborne. When this happens, it is dangerous. 

How to Deal with Asbestos

Asbestos that is friable in the home needs to be either encapsulated or enclosed. Removal is usually not recommended as it could ultimately stir up more hazardous dust. Encapsulation is the process of properly sealing the ACM, while enclosure is designed to contain it in a permanent, airtight space so it poses no threat. Homes slated for demolition will have to have the asbestos removed, though. It is always recommended that you hire a professional firm to deal with ACM. It requires cordoning off the area, keeping everything constantly moist and disposing of the ACM according to regulation standards. In addition, a vast amount of safety gear is required when handling asbestos. 

Homeowners can learn a lot from OSHA standards regarding asbestos. From OSHA, you can learn about when and when not to remove or repair asbestos and, should you be forced to do it, how to go about it safely.