UCSD CAMPUS NOTICE University of California, San Diego |
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ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICE March 15, 1994 MANAGEMENT SERVICE OFFICERS AND SAFETY COORDINATORS SUBJECT: Asbestos--Notice to Employees (Connelly Act, AB 3713) State law requires notification to all UCSD personnel of the presence of asbestos in certain building materials used in the construction of University buildings. Environment, Health and Safety has conducted an extensive survey to identify those areas at UCSD where asbestos-containing building materials exist. Updated copies of this survey will be maintained at the following locations: All Libraries, public service desks EH&S, TPCS 450 Physical Plant Services, Campus Services Complex Facilities Design and Construction, TPC 470 Medical Center, Plant Services Medical Center, Facilities Management SANDNET Users, Login EHS1\IHGUEST Almost all buildings at UCSD, with the exception of those built in the past few years, contain non-friable asbestos materials in public access areas. These materials include vinyl asbestos floor tiles and/or linoleum sheet flooring as well as the mastic used to secure them. In addition, some laboratory and machine shop areas have benches and/or fume hoods constructed of transite and/or colorlith. The asbestos in these materials is bonded with vinyl, epoxy, cement or other materials and under normal conditions does not pose any danger. If the material is cracked, drilled, sanded, or otherwise disturbed, however, it could result in the release of asbestos fibers into the air which could present a health risk. Such work should only be done by trained personnel using proper personal protection and containment equipment. Some other areas contain sprayed-on acoustical material or ceiling tiles containing asbestos. These materials are somewhat friable, but do not present a problem if they are not disturbed. Only trained workers with the proper equipment should perform work that would have the potential to disturb such materials. Some of the fire doors used in stairwell smoke towers, and the entrances to mechanical rooms and cores in the larger buildings also contain asbestos. These doors are usually wooden and have a metal label on the inside edge or top identifying them as having a type "B" fire rating or a rating of one hour or greater. Many of the larger buildings have asbestos materials in areas of restricted public access such as mechanical rooms and cores. These materials include insulation on boilers, heat exchangers, and some hot and cold water plus steam supply lines. Asbestos was not used in air system ductwork. In a few instances, asbestos insulated pipes are in public access areas. As long as the outer canvas cover or metal sheathing on the pipes is intact, the insulation presents no health problem. If the protective covering is disturbed, call the Service Referral Desk (x42930) and report the problem. Please disseminate this information to all new employees in your respective departments. The data base for asbestos is continually updated as asbestos-containing building materials are either removed or appropriately sealed. If you have any questions, or would like more information about asbestos, please contact the Asbestos Control Coordinator, Denise Devall-Hall in the EH&S Office at x46748. Martha M. Malter Director Environment, Health & Safety |