Compliance with Federal and State occupational safety regulations is a top priority at Boston College. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is committed to working with each department to ensure the safety and health of all staff, faculty, and students. 

EHS administers and assists in coordinating the following occupational health and safety programs and services:

Maintaining Indoor Air Quality During Construction and Renovation Projects

Asbestos Management

The Asbestos Management Program (pdf) has been established to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for employees, students, contractors, and visitors by ensuring that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) will be managed, abated, and disposed in full compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations to reduce and eliminate exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The objectives of the Program include identification of asbestos materials, hazard communication and assessment, training, and proper project documentation associated with asbestos abatement projects in University facilities.

Work Practices

Boston College does not authorize its employees to engage in Class I, Class II, or Class III asbestos repair or removal activities, but instead utilizes licensed and certified outside contractors for these services. Employees shall not disturb or damage any identified confirmed or suspect ACM. Work may be conducted safely in and around areas containing properly maintained ACMs. Proper work practices shall be utilized as outlined in the Asbestos Management Program (pdf).

Employees should inform their immediate supervisor of any suspect asbestos building materials that are disturbed or damaged or have the potential to be damaged during planned activities.

Note: Building inspection reports containing suspect asbestos material bulk sample results are located in the EH&S office. Please contact Kathy Stone at x2-0300 for assistance.

Emergency Response Protocols

Emergency asbestos abatement may be required in response to unexpected incidents and uncontrolled events (Management Plan Section 7.6). In the event of a major asbestos fiber release, work shall stop, the area shall be isolated and occupants evacuated to avoid further disturbance and further access will be denied. Facilities Services and the EH&S Office should be notified immediately of the situation at (617) 552-0308 or (617) 552-3048.

General Work Practices and Procedures

  • Do not drill, sand, break, cut or disturb the asbestos material in any manner.
  • Do not allow airborne asbestos fibers to be released.
  • Prevent airborne asbestos fibers from being entrained into the building’s HVAC system.
  • Do not dry sweep the debris/material.
  • Do not walk in or track debris.
  • If possible, keep debris wet with a water spray bottle.
  • Do not allow public access to or through the area.
  • If an unexpected suspect or confirmed asbestos-containing material is discovered during renovation or maintenance work, do not disturb the material. Contact the EH&S office for a review of building inspection reports or required bulk sample analysis for asbestos content.

Training

Two-hour Asbestos Awareness training is provided initially upon employment to all worker who may work near or may impact asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during their normal routine work activities.

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