Laboratories analyzing samples for asbestos must be
implement the controls required by OSHA in 29 CFR
accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene
1926.62. Do not abate lead-based paint when a painted
Association (AIHA) or the National Institute for
surface is intact and in good condition, unless required
Standards and Technology's Voluntary Laboratory
for alteration or demolition. In child care centers, test all
Accreditation Program. Laboratories analyzing air samples
painted surfaces for lead and abate surfaces containing
by phase contrast microscopy must have demonstrated
lead-based paint.
successful partici-pation in the National Institute for
Asbestos-Containing Materials. Prior to design in a
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Proficiency in
facility to be renovated, a building evaluation by a
Analytical Testing program for asbestos.
qualified inspector will be performed. This evaluation will
On-site analysis by phase contrast microscopy may
include review of inspection reports and a site inspection.
be performed as required, provided that the analyst is
If asbestos damage or the possibility of asbestos
board-approved in the AIHA Asbestos Analysis Registry
disturbance during construction activity is discovered,
and provided that a quality assurance program is imple-
one of the following four corrective actions must be
mented, including recounting of a fraction of samples
taken: removal, encapsulation, enclosure or repair.
by a qualified laboratory. All final clearance transmission
All design drawings and specifications for asbestos
electron microscopy air samples must be analyzed in
abatement must be produced by a qualified specialist. The
accordance with the EPA AHERA protocol in 40 CFR 763,
guiding standards for this work are the GSA PBS IL-92-8
Appendix A of subpart E.
and OSHA and EPA regulations, in particular 29 CFR
1926.58, 40 CFR 61.140-157 and 49 CFR 171-180. In
Indoor Air Quality
general, projects should be designed to avoid or minimize
All products to be incorporated into the building, includ-
asbestos disturbance. The environmental standards will
ing finishes and furniture, should be researched regarding
be supplied by the regional office of GSA.
characteristics of off-gassing and noxious odors that will
All GSA construction work that disturbs asbestos must
affect indoor air quality.
be performed using appropriate controls for the safety of
workers and the public.
Soil Contamination
Regular inspection of the abatement work area and
The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compen-
surrounding areas should be performed on behalf of GSA
sation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) provides
to protect the interests of GSA, the building occupants
authority and distributes responsibility for cleanup of
and the public. Such inspections should include visual
contaminated soil, surface water and groundwater from
and physical inspection and air monitoring by phase
inactive hazardous substance disposal sites and from
contrast microscopy and/or transmission electron micro-
hazardous substances released into the environment that
scopy, as appropriate. Inspections should be performed
facility permits do not cover. If soil or water contamina-
under the supervision of a Certified Industrial Hygienist,
tion is a concern during construction of new buildings,
or individuals accredited under the Asbestos Hazard
major and minor alterations, and work in historic
Emergency Response Act (AHERA) for asbestos
structures, then the EPA regulations under 40 CFR should
abatement supervision.
be followed.
19
GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS
1.6
Environmental Policies & Practices
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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