National Institute of Building Sciences: Recommended Practices and Procedures for Operations and Maintenance

Abstract

The presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings has been a serious concern and significant financial consideration to facility owners and managers for almost two decades. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers proper management of ACMs a necessary part of responsible facility operations. The National Institute of Building Sciences, with a grant from the EPA and with additional funding from the General Services Administration, has prepared a guidance document to assist owners and managers in selecting and using proper maintenance and operational work practices around, and on, ACMs. This article describes this guidance document and the method with which it was developed. Conclusions are drawn about the feasibility of managing asbestos in place.