What you need to know
EH&S has overall responsibility to assure compliance with the regulations that govern the management of regulated building materials.
However, it is the responsibility of each organizational unit and/or department involved in the planning, leasing or selling of real estate, capital construction and demolition projects, maintenance, repair and renovation of University properties to develop specific safety plans that meet the requirements of all EH&S policies and procedures for the management of all regulated building materials.
Many of the buildings on the campus were constructed in the mid 1900’s with Denny Hall being the oldest building, constructed in 1894. Asbestos was used during the construction of buildings through the 1970’s, thus many buildings on campus are known to have asbestos-containing building materials. These materials are routinely inspected, and if in poor condition, it is removed or clearly labeled in restricted areas. Remaining asbestos-containing materials are in good physical condition.
While intact, asbestos does not pose a hazard, but if disturbed, an individual can develop mesothelioma or lung cancer if chronically exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Due to the presence of the variety and prevalence of asbestos-containing materials on campus, EH&S has developed a University of Washington Asbestos Management Plan. This plan specifies the requirements that all organizational units and departments must adhere to when managing asbestos-containing materials within their respective organizations.
Requirements for the management of other regulated building materials that may pose health and environmental hazards that are less prevalent than asbestos in building materials are covered in individual focus sheets.