Asbestos
Asbestos is the name for a group of natural minerals that separate
into strong, very fine fibers. Because it is heat resistant and extremely
durable, asbestos has been used for thermal, acoustic, and decorative purposes,
and to insulate boilers, pipes, and many construction materials and appliances.
Asbestos becomes a health hazard when it degrades into microscopic
fibers. This can happen when asbestos material is crumbled, and is known as
"friable" asbestos. Once emitted to the atmosphere, these fibers can
remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, and can easily lodge in
body tissues when inhaled. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is known to cause
"asbestosis", a chronic disease of the lungs which can lead to
certain health conditions.
At Fort Rucker, our older buildings may contain asbestos.
Buildings built between 1945 and 1978 are most likely to contain friable
asbestos. Many areas have already been surveyed and tested. Do not disturb or
remove any material which is labeled as an asbestos-containing material (or
which looks like it) without first contacting a subject matter expert who can
advise you:
- All military
units, garrison offices, contractors and tenant organizations - contact
your safety officer or environmental officer(EO)/environmental point of
contact (EPOC) to initiate discussions on any issues. The
organization's safety officer or EO/EPOC should contact DPW-ENRD at (334)
255-1656 to elevate and discuss necessary procedures for any issues.
- Housing
residents -
contact the Picerne Housing Office.
- To report a
possible problem with existing or suspected asbestos (all buildings
besides family housing): Submit a service order
to the DPW Service Order Desk at (334) 255-9041/9042.
Several federal agencies are charged with regulating asbestos
products and wastes. Fort Rucker adheres to all regulations listed in the
references below. The different agencies are described below along with their
area of responsibility:
- Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - sets limits for worker
exposure on the job
- Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) - regulates asbestos in
consumer products (and has banned the use of asbestos in certain products)
- Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) - regulates the management
and disposal of asbestos-containing material, and has set deadlines for
elimination of asbestos in certain products. The EPA also requires
pre-work notices and specific work practices to be used during demolition
and renovation projects involving asbestos materials.
- Department of
Transportation (DOT) - regulates the
transportation of asbestos materials. Asbestos must be loaded, handled,
and unloaded in a manner that will minimize occupational exposure to
airborne asbestos.
- States - many
states and local governments have enacted standards which may be more
stringent than the federal standards above.
Documents:
Please see the Environmental Documents page for program-specific environmental documents and work instructions.
References:
AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and
Enhancement Chapter 9-2.b, Asbestos Management
AR 385-10 (The Army Safety Program)
40 CFR 61-763 (EPA regulations)
29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA
standard)