The Asbestos General Awareness-Online training course that is required for all UW employees was replaced with a newly refreshed video, thanks to a collaboration between EH&S and UWTV. The video contains awareness-level training regarding asbestos-containing building materials in UW facilities and potential hazards for building occupants.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used widely in the past century in building and other consumer products. Asbestos fibers are a hazard because, if disturbed, they can reach deep into the lungs.
The Asbestos General Awareness-Online training course communicates what asbestos is, the hazards and health effects, where asbestos may be found in UW owned buildings, and how asbestos is managed at the UW.
All new hires must:
- Complete the Asbestos General Awareness-Online training course. For best results, view the video on a desktop or laptop computer.
- Talk with their supervisor about any special considerations in the work area and how to avoid asbestos exposure.
Any UW employee who notices damaged building materials should contact UW Facilities to request cleanup and repair, and contact EH&S with any health-related concerns about potential exposure to asbestos and other regulated building materials.
Please visit the Asbestos and Other Regulated Building Materials webpage to learn more about asbestos and how it is managed at the UW.
- UW Asbestos Management Plan
- UW APS 12.1 – Managing Asbestos and Other Regulated Building Materials
- EH&S Focus Sheet – Asbestos
For more information, please contact EH&S at ehsdept@uw.edu or 206.543.6388.