The University of South Carolina recognizes that asbestos-containing materials (ACM) may release asbestos fibers into the air when not properly managed, and that this can pose a health risk to university faculty, staff, students, contractors and visitors. It is the policy of the university to comply with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations pertaining to the management, removal and disposal of ACM.
Asbestos is a generic term used to describe any of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Because of several desirable characteristics, asbestos was incorporated into a number of widely used products.
The potential for exposure to asbestos fibers exists only when the material that contains asbestos is disturbed or becomes damaged. When left intact and undisturbed, these materials do not pose a health risk.
The university’s Asbestos Management Plan establishes policies and procedures to ensure the safe and compliant management of asbestos-containing materials associated with university activities.
For any information on this management plan, please contact our industrial hygienist Ty Russell.