Asbestos Session

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Asbestos Policies & Procedures Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Stephen Smith, REM East Baton Rouge, Energy Program Consulting Manager

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I t d ti /E iIntroduction/ExperienceWAP• State “Field Energy Inspector” for the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act

(ARRA) WAP for Louisiana.• Currently the “Energy Program Consulting Manager” for East Baton Rouge

City/Parish Government.Environmental/Asbestos• BS – Environmental Management Systems, LSU • Registered Environmental Manager (REM ); National Registry of Environmental

fProfessionals • LDEQ Certified Asbestos/Lead Inspector, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge,

LA; Certification Number – EAINR2010-004

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A b t O isbestos Overview

• Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts) heat-resistant fabrics packagingand transmission parts), heat resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

A

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WAP Cli t d W k H lth & S f tWAP Client and Worker Health & Safety

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities microscopic fibers become airborne andactivities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.


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C l Common places where Ah A b t b f d i hsbestos can be found in homes

• Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.

• Houses with insulation installed between 1930 and 1950 willHouses with insulation installed between 1930 and 1950 will likely have asbestos as insulation.

• Attic and wall insulation produced using vermiculite.• Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching

compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.


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C l Common places where Asbestos can be found in hh A b t b f d i homes

• Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.

• Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestosOlder products such as stove top pads may have some asbestos compounds.

• Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.

• Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.


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C l h A b t b f d i hCommon places where Asbestos can be found in homes

• Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.

• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

• Fireproofing of steel & pipes• High-temperature insulation

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C l Common places where Asbestos can be found in hh A b t b f d i homes

In SummarySurfaces

• Walls (Interior & E terior)• Walls (Interior & Exterior)• Flooring• Roofs• Piping (joints)

Insulation (vermiculite)

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F i bl & N F i blFriable & Non Friable

When weatherizing homes in the field, it is important to determine if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are friable or non-friable. Friability is the degree to which a solid substance can be broken up into smaller pieces with a minimum of effort. In the case of asbestos, friable usually refers to whether the mineral can theoretically be broken down by a human hand.

This is important, as it affects what measures can and cannot be performed in the home. (i.e. deferring/denying)

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FriableIF it can be crumbled or pulverized by hand.(do not actually do, definition is

theoretical)

• Examples include: insulation, acoustical plaster, paper products, pipe coverings, roll board, spackle or patching compounds

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Non FriableIF it cannot be crumbled or pulverized by hand. (do not actually do, definition

is theoretical)

• Examples include: asphalt/cement roofing products, asbestos cement, siding, vinyl asbestos floor tiles, base flashing, gaskets, packing material

Note: Handling of non friable ACM’s in an aggressive manner can cause them to become friable (sawing/drilling into walls).

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W th i ti H lth d S f t G idWeatherization Health and Safety Guidance

WAP Health & Safety issues regarding Asbestos can be found on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Program Notice (WPN) 11-6 page 4 Program Notice (WPN) 11-6, page 4 • http://waptac.org/data/files/website_docs/government/guida

nce/2011/wpn%2011-6.pdf.

Thi id f th li t & k h lth d f t -This guidance references the client & worker health and safety associated with field applications of addressing asbestos per the WAP (i.e. handling, removing, testing, etc)!

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Asbestos in siding walls ceilings etc WPN 11 6Asbestos - in siding, walls, ceilings, etc WPN 11-6

Action/Allowability• Removal of siding is allowed to perform energy conservation measures. All precautions

must be taken not to damage siding. Asbestos siding should never be cut or drilled. Recommended, where possible, to insulate through home interior.

Testing• Make sure systems are present, operable, and performing. Determine presence of at-

risk occupants.

Client Education• Discuss and provide information on appropriate use and maintenance of units and Discuss and provide information on appropriate use and maintenance of units and

proper disposal of bulk fuel tanks when not removed.

Training• Awareness of guidance.

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Asbestos in vermiculite WPN 11 6Asbestos - in vermiculite WPN 11-6

Action/Allowability• When vermiculite is present, unless testing determines otherwise, take precautionary

measures as if it contains asbestos, such as not using blower door tests and utilizing personal air monitoring while in attics Where blower door tests are performed it is a personal air monitoring while in attics. Where blower door tests are performed, it is a best practice to perform pressurization instead of depressurization. Encapsulation by an appropriately trained asbestos control professional is allowed. Removal is not allowed.

Testing• Assess whether vermiculite is present. Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of

1986 (AHERA) certified prescriptive sampling is allowed by a certified tester.( ) p p p g y

Client Education• Clients should be instructed not to disturb suspected asbestos containing material.

Provide asbestos safety information to the client. Formally notify client if test results are

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Asbestos in vermiculite WPN 11 6Asbestos - in vermiculite WPN 11-6

Client Education (cont’d)• positive for asbestos and signed by the client.

Trainingg• Audit training on how to recognize vermiculite. AHERA course for testing. AHERA or

other appropriately trained or certified asbestos control professional training for encapsulation.

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Asbestos on pipes furnaces other small covered surfacesAsbestos - on pipes, furnaces, other small covered surfacesWPN 11-6

Action/Allowability• Assume asbestos is present in covering materials. Encapsulation is allowed by an p g p y

AHERA asbestos control professional and should be conducted prior to blower door testing. Removal may be allowed by an AHERA asbestos control professional on a case by case basis.

Testing• AHERA testing is allowed by a certified tester.

Client Education• Clients should be instructed not to disturb suspected asbestos containing material.

Provide asbestos safety information to the client.

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Asbestos on pipes furnaces other small covered surfacesAsbestos - on pipes, furnaces, other small covered surfacesWPN 11-6

Training• AHERA course for testing and asbestos control professional training for abatement. g p g

How to identify asbestos containing materials.

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B t P ti f Sidi R l Best Practices for Siding Removal (in accordance with WPN 11-6)

1st - Ensure area is posted indicating a caution/hazard work area!

1) Provide isolation of the work area from occupied areas of the home using polyethylene barriers.

2) All areas and surfaces shall be cleaned and restored to original condition or better. Set a large piece of plastic on the ground around the perimeter of the home. This will catch the material that is being removed and make asbestos disposal easier.

3) B i i ll f b t idi ith t t3) Begin spraying a small area of asbestos siding with water to loosen the material. The water should be mixed with a small amount of household dish detergent to help the process along.

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4) Begin removing the siding in the area that is wet. This should be done by removing the nails first in an attempt to keep the pieces intact. If the siding does begin to break and fall apart, add more water to avoid the risk of more breakage and exposure to the asbestos fibers. Place the removed siding on the plastic laid around the perimeter of the home.

5) With the siding on the plastic sheeting, carefully gather all the asbestos siding that was removed Keep all the materials in theasbestos siding that was removed. Keep all the materials in the plastic so that it can be sealed. Place this into 6 mil asbestos bags, which can be obtained at any home improvement store.

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6) Close the bags by twisting the end and then wrapping it with duct tape. An asbestos warning label must be affixed to the exterior of the bags. Place all clothing worn as well as materials (such as wash rags) that were used into these bags as well.

7) Gather all the materials and take them to an authorized disposal site. This is the only place where the asbestos can be processed Upon request your state will provide a list ofprocessed. Upon request, your state will provide a list of facilities that are near you.

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8) All visible evidence of asbestos debris shall be removed using methods such as HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, wet brushing, wet scraping and other state-of-the-art techniques or better. Dry sweeping should be prohibited in the work area.

*Note: These “Best Practices” will depend on the jurisdictional authority.

• Short Demo/Video: http://www ecw org/wxdensepackinsulationShort Demo/Video: http://www.ecw.org/wxdensepackinsulation

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V i litVermiculite

Construction Applications -• Attic & Wall Insulation• Acoustic Finishes• Acoustic Finishes • Air Setting Binder Board • Fire Protection (internal/external) • Floor and Roof Screed (lightweight insulating concrete) • Sound Deadening Compounds• Sound Deadening Compounds

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V i lit I l ti R i i & Id tif iVermiculite Insulation– Recognizing & Identifying

Photographs or On-Site1. Particles2 Si2. Sizes3. Color

__________________________________________________________________YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT VERMICULITE CONTAINS ASBESTOS AND DO NOT DISTURB IT! Any disturbance could potentially release asbestos fibers into the air. __________________________________________________________________

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V i lit I l tiVermiculite Insulation– Recognizing & Identifying

• Vermiculite insulation is easy to identify with a visual inspection, as it is a granular, loose-fill pour-in insulation comprised of particles typically gray or brown or silverfish/gold in color, often with bits of reflective material included.

• Vermiculite particle sizes range from about 1/8" in diameter to more than 1/2" in diameter.Si l l f h b• Simple rule of thumb

Kitty Litter!!!!

R i i & Id tif i

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V i lit S l Ph tVermiculite Sample Photos

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V i lit T tiVermiculite – Testing (in accordance with WPN 11-6)

1) Wear disposable PPE over your clothes and put on an approved respirator.

2) Collect pieces of vermiculite from several areas to get a2) Collect pieces of vermiculite from several areas to get a representative sample. Not all of the pieces necessarily contain asbestos. Disturb the insulation as little as possible during collection, then place in a sealable plastic type bag.

3) Disposable protective clothes properly. Recommend using the f i d di l h d i h idi laforementioned disposal methods with siding removal.

4) Send the vermiculite samples to an asbestos testing lab using the method recommended by the laboratory.

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V i lit Vermiculite – Testing (in accordance with WPN 11-6)

Current testing practices for asbestos contamination in vermiculite are not always accurate.vermiculite are not always accurate.

Its recommended that caution should be used around all vermiculite…….Regardless of Test Results!!!!

T ti

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V i lit C t i i A b tVermiculite Containing Asbestos

What can you do to address Potential Hazards?• Do not run blower door, will likely make airborne. • Work around it• Work around it.• Make every effort to stay on the area’s with no vermiculite

(i.e. floor/ceiling joists).• Leave the area immediately after the disturbance.• Where PPE and be aware of actions and surroundingsWhere PPE and be aware of actions and surroundings.• Do Not Disturb it!!!!!!

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What measures can you still do?• Air Sealing• Repairs supporting Energy Efficient Efforts (i e minor roof• Repairs supporting Energy Efficient Efforts (i.e. minor roof

leaks, wall and ceiling repairs, etc)• Base loads retrofits

• Refrigerator assessments• CFL bulbs

• Digital ENERGY STAR Programmable (set back) Thermostat

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What measures can you still do?• Appliance repairs and replacement

* Hot Water Heaters Hot Water Heaters* Furnaces

• Venting (through walls, not attics)* Bathrooms* Stoves* Hot Water Heaters

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What measures can you still do?Simply put:

Any energy efficient retrofit measures can be performed in aAny energy efficient retrofit measures can be performed in a home containing vermiculite, as long as you do not disturb, remove, relocate, etc. the actual vermiculite!

However:Be cognizant of and cautious with activities being performed. g g pIdeally no disturbance is desired, but minimal disturbance may be unavoidable.

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H ti Pi I l ti R lHeating Pipe Insulation Removal (in accordance with WPN 11-6)

Note: An exception in the United States, where asbestos continues to be used in construction is cement asbestos pipes!

1) Don proper PPE.2) Everything needs to be cleared out of the room that can be

moved. You should turn off the water heater and as much of the electricity.

3) Cover all surfaces (with Visqueen or similar type material) except for the small area where from which you are removing the asbestos pipe insulation.

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4) Thoroughly wet the insulation with a mixture of dish detergent and water and scrape it off, immediately putting all asbestos pipe insulation removal waste into properly labeled asbestos disposal bags. As each bag gets filled, get rid of excess air and seal the bag with duct tape.

5) Use wet disposable rags to wipe down the area where the insulation was to remove residue. Then you should apply some latex paint or other encapsulation material to lock anylatex paint or other encapsulation material to lock any remaining asbestos to the surface.

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6) Clean the area. Tools need to be washed and the water put into the disposal bags, the plastic sheeting and all other waste needs to be put in the disposal bags, including your disposable safety gear. You need to use a HEPA wet/dry vacuum to clean the area to make sure all asbestos particles possible are removed.

7) Finally, you need to bring all the asbestos waste bags filled with the debris and waste from your asbestos pipe insulation removal to an approved landfillremoval to an approved landfill.

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Wh t d f ?When to defer?

In my experience, this will be directly affected by your agency t t i l l & t t d St t WAP contractor prices, local & state codes, State WAP

Guidelines & Directives, Priority List Measures, etc.

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• Friable or Non Friable• If existing ACM’s inhibit you from performing required/high

i it h th f ll i b t t li it d tpriority measures, such as the following, but not limited to:1. Sidewall Insulation2. Air Sealing (blower door guided)3. Attic insulation4. Venting5. Health & Safety!!!

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• Contractors/Agency in-house crews are not trained/certified to perform asbestos related work due to Health & Safety, lack of experience insurance etclack of experience, insurance, etc.

• Prices associated with asbestos related work is too expensive and will exceed ACPU and allowable incidental repairs.

• If work creates an unhealthy & unsafe environment for the clients and/or workers.

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Simply Put:There is no definitive way of know when to defer/deny a

it f WAP i d t b t !unit for WAP services due to asbestos!Units should be assessed individually on the conditions specific to that home.

However:Serving WAP clients is of the highest priority, and every effort should be made to avoid deferring/denying.

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At a minimum, provide client education on the specific b t it ti th t b d i i di id l h asbestos situations that are observed in individual homes.

The comfort , health, and safety of the WAP clients are most important !

Health & Safety is key when dealing with ASBESTOS!

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A b t A l t d t WAP!Asbestos – As related to WAP!

Q & AQ & A

Documents

Asbestos Session