Asbestos
How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure
In order to avoid being exposed to asbestos, you must be aware of the locations it is likely to be found. If you do not know whether something is asbestos or not, assume that it is until it is verified otherwise. Remember that you cannot tell if floor or ceiling tiles contain asbestos just by looking at them.
The UW Madison Environmental Health and Safety Department can take samples from materials in order to determine whether or not they contain asbestos. If you need to have materials analyzed or tested for asbestos, please contact the General Safety Department. Never try to take a sample yourself unless you are licensed to do so.
If you do not know that a building material is asbestos free DO NOT DISTURB IT. Never:
- Drill
- Hammer
- Cut
- Saw
- Break
- Damage
- Move
- Disturb
any building materials or equipment which has not been proven to be asbestos free by a certified inspector.
If you need to do work that might involve asbestos (lifting ceiling tiles, repairing insulated pipelines, etc.), check with EHS to find out what can be done safely. For example, before moving any ceiling tiles to perform maintenance work, it will be necessary to ensure they do not contain asbestos. If they do contain asbestos, they will need to be removed by licensed asbestos abatement workers before the work may be performed.