Abestos Information

University departments that hire contractors to perform small renovation projects are responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations enforced by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Examples of work that commonly disturb asbestos materials include floor tile removal, carpet removal, installation/demolition of walls.

Building materials that may contain asbestos, such as floor tiles, floor tile mastic, sheetrock mud, ceiling tiles, sprayed on ceiling texture and fireproofing are commonly disturbed during renovation projects. Failure to identify the presence of asbestos in these materials prior to renovations may result in exposure to building occupants to asbestos fibers. For this reason, SC DHEC requires that an asbestos inspection be conducted prior to beginning such work. If asbestos materials will be disturbed during the work, certain work practices and control measures are required by SC DHEC and OSHA.

If your department directly contacts and hires a contractor for renovations, please call Ken Mixon, USC Environmental Health and Safety, at 777-5269 for more information on how to ensure compliance with these regulations.