NESHAPs Overview
NESHAPs is part of EPA regulations that for asbestos addresses renovation and demolition activities. These are designed to protect the general public from asbestos exposure, but they are often not followed by building owners and contractors. Here are the highlights:
NESHAPs applies to all public building and apartments with 4 or more units. Most likely the place you work is a public building. If someone is going to do remodeling at your place of work or your apartment, these regulations are supposed to protect you from asbestos exposure.
Private homes are exempt. State and local rules may still apply.
You cannot disturb materials without first determining if asbestos is present. This means either a professional inspection with lab tests or certification from the building engineer that originally signed off on the building (buildings built before 1981 or so will require an inspection.)
An asbestos professional must perform the inspection.
If the quantity of regulated asbestos containing material exceeds certain thresholds, then professionals will be required to remove the material before proceeding. The thresold is 160 square feet (and 260 linear feet for pipes).
You must provide notification to the appropriate regulating body at least 10 days in advance. This gives them time to evaluate your plan and make sure it is properly designed.
State and Local laws may be more strict. State laws often mirror NESHAP, but they often include stricter elements.
For more information, see Asbestos NESHAP Explained (.pdf)
Asbestos NESHAPs regulations are in place to protect the public from asbestos exposure. It is good to be familiar with NESHAPs because many building owners and construction contractors ignore these regulations.
0 commentaires: