New Asbestos Protections

In yet another AFSCME health and safety victory, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule for the protection of asbestos workers. The regulation applies to state and local workers in states where they are not covered by OSHA rules. The safeguards are equivalent to OSHA’s.

Insulation, fireproofing and flooring materials installed in buildings constructed before 1980 must be presumed to contain asbestos and handled accordingly, unless they are tested and found to be asbestos-free. The new EPA rule lowers the legal exposure limits and includes much stricter requirements for operations that disturb asbestos-laden materials. EPA’s changes greatly strengthen protections for custodial and building-maintenance staff.

EPA’s action stems from AFSCME efforts put forth over many years. The union first petitioned and then sued EPA for an asbestos inspection rule a decade ago.