Asbestos Program
Asbestos Program Manager
928-269-5215
Environmental Department
Air Quality Program Manager
P.O. Box 99110
Yuma, Arizona 85369-9110
Fax: 928-269-5216
Asbestos Program
Asbestos Policy
It is the policy of MCAS Yuma to provide a safe and healthful working and living environment for all personnel. Established asbestos control safety procedures will be adhered to in order to effectively eliminate the hazards of asbestos exposure. Training will be provided to all MCAS Yuma personnel who have the potential for asbestos exposure, in accordance with references (a) The “Green Book” (b) 29 CFR 1910.1101 Asbestos in the Construction Industry, and (c) 29 CFR 1910.1101 General Industry Standard for Asbestos. To assure maximum safety in the maintenance and repair of the facilities at MCAS Yuma the following items are directed:
- It should be specified that non asbestos-containing materials be purchased, used, or approved for use on existing and proposed Marine Corps facilities.
- Structures constructed, repaired, and /or maintained prior to 1988 should be assumed to contain asbestos unless appropriate sample analysis proves otherwise.
- Asbestos-containing materials that are identified as being in a safe (intact) condition on existing facilities do not represent a hazard until there is a need to remove or physically disturb the material.
- Large-scale testing and removal of ACM on MCAS Yuma facilities should not be implemented solely to alleviate a potential asbestos hazard.
Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that separate into strong, very fine fibers. The fibers are heat-resistant and extremely durable, and because of these qualities, asbestos has become very useful in construction and industry. In the home or at work it may or may not pose a health hazard to the occupants, depending on its condition. When it can be crushed by hand pressure or the surface is not sealed, to prevent small pieces from escaping, the material is considered FRIABLE. In this condition fibers can be released and pose a health risk. However, as long as the surface is stable and well sealed against the release of its fibers and not damaged, the material is considered safe until damaged in some way.
Health Concerns
Asbestos tends to break down into dust of microscopic size fibers. Because of their size and shape, these tiny fibers remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily penetrate body tissues after being inhaled or ingested. Because of their durability, these fibers can remain in the body for many years and thereby become the cause of asbestos related diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 10 to 30 years after the exposure. Therefore, long before its effects are detectable, asbestos related injury may have already occurred. There is no safe level of exposure known; therefore exposure to friable asbestos should be avoided.
Points to Remember
Asbestos is only dangerous when it’s deteriorated to the point where its tiny fibers can be released into the air and inhaled. If the material is solid (in appearance and to touch) and maintained in good condition, it presents no problem.
Identifying Asbestos
Do not rely on visual determinations. It is prudent to treat material, which could contain asbestos as if it does, until and unless reliable analysis proves otherwise. If there is suspect material in your area, please call the Asbestos Program Manager at 269-5215.
Location of ACM
Asbestos inspections of most of the buildings and structures on the base have been conducted on an as-needed basis. The Asbestos-Containing Materials and Operational and Maintenance Plan is based upon materials, assumed and confirmed to contain asbestos, identified in the inspections. Copies of the inspection results and any abatement activities that have been conducted are located in the Asbestos Program Manager’s Office and at BSD.
Areas that ACM could be found are:
- Building exterior surfaces
- Automotive materials: brake shoes and pads, clutch discs and gaskets
- Insulation wall and ceiling
- 9 inch floor tile and adhesives
- Furnace, boilers, heaters, piping and insulation
- Interior surfaces walls and ceilings
- Electrical equipment
- Built-in equipment
- Appliances
In the event of an asbestos fiber release, immediately notify the Asbestos Program Manager of the disturbance or episode causing the fiber release.
Prohibit access to the area.
Contact the Spill Team, or the Fire Department for emergency response.
Prior Proper Planning
Prior to any work being performed in an office space or on any facility, a Work Request is needed to inspect the building for ACM and Lead Based Paint for the scope of work being performed.
Training
The Environmental Department offers a 2 hour Asbestos and Lead Awareness Training once a month. Also a 24-hour training module is offered which contains the Asbestos and Lead Awareness Training. Call 269-3201 for more information.