MIOSHA Sponsors Symposium to Help Companies Protect Workers and Citizens from Asbestos Hazards
Contact:
Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280
Agency:
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
April 28, 2010 - Many cities throughout Michigan are using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to demolish vacant and deteriorating housing and other structures to improve city environments. Many cities/companies are unaware that MIOSHA asbestos standards require an asbestos building survey in buildings constructed prior to 1981.
Construction trades routinely renovate and demolish buildings and, consequently asbestos may be disturbed, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne. Not only does this expose construction employees and the general public to significant health hazards, but it also potentially exposes the companies involved to substantial legal liabilities. Past experience indicates that much of the exposure is linked to workers who unknowingly remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials.
"Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their workers and the general public from the hazards associated with the improper removal and/or disturbance of asbestos," said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski. "MIOSHA rules require the controlling authority of a demolition/renovation project to obtain and review a building survey prior to conducting any asbestos-related work activity."
The Asbestos for General Industry Standard (Part 305) requires an asbestos building survey at all worksite areas where asbestos may be contacted. The Asbestos Standards for Construction (Part 602) requires a survey of the worksite before construction work subject to the standard begins. It is the employer's responsibility to obtain and review the building survey prior to conducting any work activities that may involve contact and/or disturbance of asbestos-containing material.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used in more than 3,000 different products over the last 100 years for its insulating, acoustical and fire protective properties. Common products that contain asbestos are pipe insulation, floor and ceiling tile, spray-on fireproofing and boiler wrap insulation.
Improper removal and/or disturbance of asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause:
Lung cancer,
A lung disease known as "asbestosis," and
Mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities.
The MIOSHA Asbestos Program is sponsoring a day-long symposium on May 6th titled, "Michigan Asbestos Symposium for Trainers/Contractors." The symposium will provide the latest program information on a wide range of asbestos issues. Both MIOSHA and Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) staff will provide the training.
Training topics will include:
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approach to single-family dwelling;
EPA National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) issues;
Notification forms and issues;
Training, licensing and accreditation issues;
Demolition and renovation issues;
Enforcement of standards;
Investigation procedures; and
Acceptable work practices.
WHAT: Asbestos Symposium
WHERE: Michigan State Police Training Academy - Lansing
WHEN: Thursday, May 6th
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: $20.00 Per Person - In advance
$40.00 Per Person - At the door
Includes Course Materials & Lunch
TO REGISTER: Lansing Safety Council (517) 394-4614 or www.safetycouncil.org
and select "class calendar"
DEADLINE: Register by April 30th
The meeting site and parking are accessible. Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products, in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. People with disabilities requiring additional services (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting should call 517.322.1809. DELEG is an equal opportunity employer/program.
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