Virginia Administrative Code › Title 1 - ADMINISTRATION › Agency 30 - DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES › Chapter 20 - SURVEY STANDARDS FOR THE INSPECTION OF HOSPITALS FOR THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS › Section 1VAC30-20-90 - Assessment of conditions and prioritization for remedial action

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
Upon completion of the on-site inspections and the
				  calculation of the relative exposure potential assessment, recommendations
				  shall be made regarding future response actions.
A number of factors are used to determine the exposure number
				  and, subsequently, the priority level. One of the most important factors among
				  those listed in Appendix A of this standard is the friability factor.
				  Friability is the ability to crumble, pulverize, or powderize a dry material by
				  hand pressure or which under normal use or maintenance emits or can be expected
				  to emit asbestos fibers into the air. The determination of friability is
				  straight forward and is explained in Appendix A of this Standard. Friability is
				  a multiplicative factor and can increase the final exposure number as much as
				  33% to 100%.
Another factor important in determining exposure potential is
				  the mechanism for fiber transportation. This transport mechanism may be an air
				  plenum or it can be the simple opening and closing of a door. High occupant
				  activity can cause fibers to be become entrained, and even water damage can be
				  a means of fiber transport. A number of the factors mentioned above are
				  addressed in the field and scored on the algorithm. One of the most serious
				  situations is to have a highly friable material in a nonducted supply air
				  plenum. Another serious concern is to have a highly friable material in a
				  return air plenum. No matter what the transport mechanism is, corrective
				  procedures will need to be designed and implemented to reduce or eliminate the
				  transportation of fibers.
Five priority levels have been defined for those areas found
				  to contain asbestos. These priority levels are a function of the exposure
				  number. (For explanation of exposure numbers, please see Appendix A). A
				  priority ranking is an excellent means of designing a phased abatement
				  program.
The following is a detailed explanation of each priority
				  level:
Significant hazard area. Areas placed in this category are
				  those that are considered to pose a significant potential hazard to human
				  health. The proper response to this priority is to immediately isolate the area
				  and repair, encapsulate, enclose or remove the material before access is
				  allowed. Any response other than removal must leave the material not accessible
				  or not friable.
Priority Level I.
Areas placed in this priority category are those that are
				  felt to pose a high exposure potential. Materials in these areas are usually in
				  very poor condition with material possibly laying about on the floor. However,
				  there is the possibility for the material to be in good condition and still
				  exhibit a high potential for exposure, depending on other factors such as
				  friability, accessibility, air movement and vibration. Fireproofing is a
				  material that can exhibit this condition. These are the areas that should be
				  addressed first.
The response action recommended for items in this level are
				  to repair the material by encapsulation, enclosure or by any other means which
				  will render the material not friable and to institute a plan designed to insure
				  that the material does not become friable, or remove the material using
				  competent, licensed personnel.
Priority Level II:
Areas listed in this level have materials that are not in as
				  poor condition as those listed in Priority Level I but still pose a relatively
				  high potential for exposure. In some cases the difference between a Priority
				  Level I area and Priority Level II may be access to the area and the material.
				  The corrective action plan for these areas should be to properly repair of the
				  material and to institute a plan to insure that the material does not become
				  friable, or remove the material using competent, licensed personnel.
Priority Level III:
These areas pose a moderate exposure potential; however, with
				  time these materials will deteriorate and should be abated. Corrective action
				  should be aimed at eliminating the factors causing the material to deteriorate
				  and to making repairs. A plan will be necessary to monitor the condition of
				  these materials to insure that they do not become friable after repairs are
				  made.
Priority Level IV:
These materials currently have a relatively low exposure
				  potential. Make minor repairs to the material and institute a plan to insure
				  the material remains not friable or remove the material using competent,
				  licensed personnel.
Determination of priority levels:
The determination of Priority Level I areas and Priority
				  Level II areas is based on considerable experience and compiled with standard,
				  recognized approaches to prioritization based on industry standards.
The priority levels are graduational by design. An area that
				  falls in the upper portion of Priority Level II should be considered to pose a
				  higher exposure potential than an area that falls in the lower portion of
				  Priority Level II.
Finally, it is strongly recommended that in any area that is
				  scheduled to undergo renovation or demolition, a complete survey be conducted
				  to confirm the asbestos content of all suspect materials that could contain
				  asbestos. Materials that contain asbestos must be removed prior to commencement
				  of any renovation or demolition work in which the asbestos containing material
				  will be disturbed by the project. Any removal of asbestos materials must be by
				  personnel properly licensed by the Department of Professional and Occupational
				  Regulation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 2.1-424 and 2.1-526.14 of the Code of Virginia.