Generally speaking, the standard covers any construction before 1981. For example, in a building started in 1980 and completed several years later, only that part of the building built before 1981 is covered by the presumption rule. The Asbestos standard applies to all occupational exposures to asbestos. Once all of the ACM or PACM has been removed, the exposure or potential exposure to asbestos no longer exists. Therefore, the Asbestos standard would no longer apply.
Feasibility is decided on a case by case basis.
The investigation would focus on such areas as degree of employee exposure, available controls, current industry practice, and the unique circumstances surrounding the case. In addition, resilient flooring material installed no later than 1980 must be identified as asbestos-containing. The definition clearly specifies that only certain limited materials are PACM, and is not the subject of interpretation. OSHA would consider actions that a reasonable employer would take in a given situation. OSHA determined that buildings constructed after January 1981 are less likely to have asbestos-containing materials installed in them, but this is not for certain.