Asbestos Spill Response

Note:  Report All spills by calling EH&S at X-2252, or after hours, Campus Safety at X-2222.

Over the years, there have been thousands of products and applications that contain asbestos.  Examples of  materials found at Connecticut College that may contain asbestos are pipe and boiler insulation, ceiling tiles and associated glue daubs, 9"x9" floor tiles and mastic, older window pane glazing, roofing materials, fire doors and wall plaster.  If intact and undamaged, these materials are considered to be perfectly safe.  However, if asbestos containing materials (ACM) are damaged, airborne fibers could pose a serious health threat.  If you discover damaged or spilled ACM, or presumed asbestos containing material (PACM), you should take the following actions:

• Secure all fans, A/C units, and other ventilation.
• If you do not know whether something is asbestos or not, assume that it is, until it is proven otherwise.
• Contact the Director of EH&S before attempting to clean up the damaged ACM.  The Director of EH&S will coordinate the clean up, and arrange for air testing if indicated.  If the Director of EH&S is unavailable, contact the Work Control Desk directly, at extension 2253.
• Disturb the material as little as possible.  Take measures to prevent others from disturbing the damaged material.
• Prevent the spread of the spilled material by keeping people from walking through the area by closing the door and posting warning signs.

 Clean-up Procedures:

• Avoid stirring up dust. Never use brooms, brushes or ordinary vacuum cleaners.  The only approved vacuum cleaner for asbestos work, is one equipped with a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter. 
• Always use wet methods. Thoroughly spray the spilled material with a soapy water solution, prior to commencing the clean up. Clean up the spilled asbestos by carefully wiping the wet material.
• Never use compressed air to remove ACM dust.
• Properly dispose of the ACM and contaminated cleaning materials into a polyethylene “Asbestos” bag. The asbestos bag should be taken to the service building, where it will be stored in the HAZWASTE Storage Trailer, pending proper disposal.

For Connecticut College's Asbestos Awareness Program, click on the "Employee Safety Programs & Policies" link to the left.

Last Modified: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 13:40