Operating Instruction 5.24.2.3 Asbestos Operations and Maintenance
System Procedures
Chapter 5 – Administration
Part 1. Purpose
To ensure Minnesota State colleges and universities are in compliance with state and federal regulations related to asbestos; minimize the potential for exposure of employees, students and visitors to asbestos; and protect institutions from liabilities associated with asbestos.
Part 2. Regulatory Standards
Regulatory requirements supporting this operating instruction are from the following US Code, Federal Agency Regulations (CFR), State Statutes, and State Agency Rules:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Minnesota Rules and Statutes
Part 3. Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. It is fire proof, chemical and heat resistant, non-conductive, and very durable. For these reasons it was used in many products including building materials and other products. There is no ban in the USA on the production of or import of asbestos or ACM, except for the manufacture, import, processing and distribution of: corrugated paper, commercial paper, specialty paper, flooring felt, and any new uses of asbestos.
Part 4. Asbestos Coordinator
The president shall appoint an Asbestos Coordinator. The Asbestos Coordinator has the responsibility to ensure requirements identified in the system Asbestos Maintenance and Operations Technical Manual are implemented and followed.
Part 5. Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Program
Minnesota State is committed to protecting the health and safety of building occupants from unsafe exposure to asbestos. Classrooms, offices, or work spaces may contain intact or damaged ACMs or presumed ACMs (PACM). In view of the potential health hazards, extensive training requirements, and medical surveillance obligations for asbestos workers, all asbestos operations other than Class IV operations as defined by the USEPA must be conducted by personnel certified by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to perform asbestos related work. The Asbestos Coordinator shall review and determine the allowable asbestos operations college or university employees can perform.
Part 6. Asbestos Technical Manual
Colleges and universities are expected to follow instructions in the supporting manual to this operating instruction, Asbestos Maintenance and Operations Technical Manual.
Date of Adoption: 02/21/18
Date of Implementation: 02/21/18
Date of Last Review:
Date and Subject of Revision: No Additional HISTORY.