Welcome to the Clemson University asbestos management page. Please see the information on this page to answer any questions.
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What is Asbestos Management?
A common building material for many years, most older buildings, including Clemson University facilities, have some asbestos-containing building materials. Non-friable asbestos, which is asbestos bound into a solid matrix such as floor tile, mastic (the glue used for floor tiles and carpeting and wallboard) are found in several buildings on campus. As long as the integrity of these materials is maintained, they do not present a hazard to occupants.
The University implements a rigorous asbestos management program to ensure that any asbestos-containing material is properly managed, maintained, and eventually removed. As required by regulation, the University maintains an Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Plan that has strict controls when any activity is undertaken having the potential to disturb these materials. Testing is required to determine the presence of these materials prior to any such activity. If asbestos is found, strict regulations govern its removal prior to any renovation or demolition that could potentially disturb these materials.
Any activity which might disturb asbestos-containing materials—such as cutting, drilling, nailing, or otherwise penetrating any building material—requires prior review to ensure no asbestos will be disturbed. These reviews are entirely free and may be initiated by contacting the Asbestos Program Manager.
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What kind of asbestos should I be concerned with?
Asbestos may be found in many different products, such as:
- Sprayed on fire proofing and insulation in buildings
- Insulation for pipes and boilers
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Putties, caulks, and cement
- Roofing shingles
- Siding shingles
- Wall and ceiling texture
- Joint compound
- Plasters
Depending on the product, the amount of asbestos in it may be <1% to as much as 100%.
When left intact and undisturbed, asbestos containing materials pose no health risk to occupants. Non-friable Asbestos Containing Materials - ceiling tiles, floor tiles, laboratory bench tops, shingles, fire doors, siding shingles, etc. - will not release asbestos fibers unless they are damaged in some way, such as cutting, sanding or scraping. Wrapped asbestos insulation presents no hazard unless the protective covering is damaged and the asbestos is actually exposed.
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How do I handle and dispose of asbestos?
Asbestos containing materials may only be handled or disposed of by trained professionals – do not handle it yourself.
If you need to alter or dispose of a building material and you suspect it contains asbestos contact the Asbestos Program Manager for assistance.
Please see our Waste Handling and Disposal Information page for more information.
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How do I access the Asbestos Testing Database?
Please contact the Asbestos Program Manager for access details to this Clemson Staff only database.
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I have more questions...
Contact the Asbestos Program Manager for additional assistance.
