Asbestos won’t poses risk unless you disturb it. Old buildings and homes built between 1950 and 1973 could be positive for the presence of asbestos. If the materials are damaged, they can release fibres into the air which when inhaled can cause serious lung disorders.
The prime concerns of government are regulating the management and safety procedures of maintaining, repairing and removing asbestos containing materials. In line with that, several asbestos regulations and laws were passed in order to minimize the potential hazards of asbestos as well as protect the public from its harmful effects.
Here are a few government concerned in creating asbestos regulations:
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The concern of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is asbestos regulation in consumer products. It is to provide general information about asbestos that could be present in the home. The CPSC is also responsible for setting up guidelines for repairing and removing asbestos as well as laboratories for asbestos testing.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the main government instrumentality that handles asbestos regulation to protect the general public as the ACMs exposure are often accomplished through airborne particles of the mineral.
There are two different asbestos regulation that EPA enforces. These are:
– Clean Air Act (CAA). It aims to clear the air of pollutants and contaminants. The asbestos related problems are addressed under section 112 , entitled National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos. The standard work practices to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure while engaged in activities are established.
– Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). There are two other asbestos regulation branching under the TSCA: AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) and ASHARA (Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Re-authorization Act).
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
It is primarily set up to protect workers from asbestos exposure in the workplace. The agency also has asbestos regulation to protect employees from asbestos exposure in connection with their work. Technical assistance, consultation program are offered by the agency. The Asbestos Advisor 2.0 is other services provided by this agency which is a software program that allows building owners to find out if they have sufficiently complied with the current federal asbestos regulations. You can visit their website for more information, or contact the Asbestos Watch Toowoomba.
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