Asbestos Project Manager Checklist
Instructions
The elements of this checklist should be completed for each proposed demolition, renovation, asbestos abatement, or any other building-related project that includes the disturbance of potential asbestos-containing material (ex: demolition of walls and floor surfaces, replacing a boiler with asbestos insulation, maintenance to plumbing systems, HVAC, etc). Review each question carefully. For each question listed here, there is a corresponding supplementary section with background and additional information to assist you in your asbestos project. Although this checklist focuses on asbestos abatement as the result of planned demolition, renovation, and/or maintenance work, information regarding emergency asbestos abatement is included in supplementary section 10. Contact EH&S with any questions you may have at (617) 495-2060.
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| Asbestos Procedure for Facility and/or Project Managers | ||
| 1. Has the area to be demolished or renovated been surveyed for asbestos-containing materials? | Supplemental Material 1 | |
| 2. Was the survey conducted by a licensed Massachusetts Asbestos Inspector? | Supplemental Material 2 | |
| 3. If any asbestos-containing materials have been identified, has a licensed Massachusetts Asbestos Abatement Contractor that has been reviewed by EH&S been retained to abate the asbestos prior to disturbance? (Also see this section for a discussion of coordination through General Contractors.) | Supplemental Material 3 | |
| 4. Has the contractor arranged for use of the Harvard University Asbestos Waste Shipment Record (AWSR) for disposal of all asbestos waste? | Supplemental Material 4 | |
| 5. Has the contractor proposed a waste disposal site (landfill) that is recommended by the University? | Supplemental Material 5 | |
| 6. Has the Abatement Contractor submitted an Asbestos Notification Form, ANF-001, to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection with copies to Harvard EH&S? | Supplemental Material 6 | |
| 7. Does this project involve demolition or construction? If so, has the General Contractor submitted a Notification Prior to Construction or Demolition, form BWP AQ 06, to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection? | Supplemental Material 7 | |
| 8. Has a licensed asbestos consultant been retained to oversee the abatement work and conduct the final visual inspection and air clearance? | Supplemental Material 8 | |
| 9. Have the building occupants and affected abutters been notified in advance that asbestos abatement work will take place? | Supplemental Material 9 | |
| 10. Is asbestos abatement required as the result of an emergency to health, safety or the environment? | Supplemental Material 10 | |
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in naturally occurring rocks and deposits. There are several kinds of asbestos fibers, all of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. Asbestos has been used in a wide variety of building materials, such as pipe and boiler insulation, floor tile and mastic, wall and ceiling materials such as decorative and acoustical plasters or tiles, and exterior siding and roofing materials. Asbestos was used in a product for one or more of the following reasons: (1) to strengthen the product; (2) for thermal insulation; (3) for acoustical or thermal insulation on surfaces; and (4) for fire protection.
Asbestos-containing materials must be identified prior to disturbance for any scheduled or unscheduled demolition, renovation, repair, maintenance or other activity which may disturb such materials. Facility and Project managers are responsible for the identification of asbestos-containing materials within either their respective facilities or scope of their projects. This is arranged by contacting an Asbestos Consultant. Asbestos Consultants are responsible for performing inspections and surveys in accordance with the conditions of their Massachusetts Asbestos Inspection license, their contract, all applicable Federal, state and local requirements and Harvard University Policy.
What is Asbestos Abatement?
Asbestos abatement is the term that is used to refer to any removal, repair, encapsulation, enclosure or cleanup of asbestos-containing materials.
Facility and Project Managers are responsible for ensuring that asbestos-containing materials are abated in accordance with the policy of the University and all applicable Federal, state, and local regulations. Facility and Project Managers arrange asbestos abatement by contacting a Contractor. Contractors are responsible for performing abatement work in accordance with the conditions of their Massachusetts Asbestos Abatement Contractors license, their contract, all applicable Federal, state and local requirements and Harvard University policy.
This manual is designed to assist Facility and Project Managers in taking the appropriate steps when the demolition or renovation of a building involves the disturbance of suspect or known asbestos-containing materials. Managers should complete the entire checklist to ensure compliance with asbestos regulations. For each checklist item numbered below, you may turn to the individual supplements for specific procedures, contacts, and/or pertinent background information.
