HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO REQUEST AN ASBESTOS INSPECTION?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that may be present in certain building materials, particularly in older facilities. When asbestos-containing materials remain intact and undisturbed, they generally do not pose a health risk. However, maintenance, renovation, demolition, and construction activities that disturb these materials can release airborne asbestos fibers and create a potential exposure hazard.

The University of North Texas Asbestos Program helps prevent asbestos exposure during maintenance, renovation, demolition, and construction activities. Risk Management Services coordinates with Facilities and project stakeholders to determine whether asbestos-containing materials may be present and to ensure work is completed safely and in compliance with applicable requirements.

Projects involving renovation, demolition, utility work, ceiling access, wall penetrations, flooring removal, or disturbance of building materials typically require asbestos review before work begins.

An asbestos inspection must be requested before any activity that may disturb building materials, including cutting, drilling, sanding, grinding, fastening, demolition, renovation, or similar work. This requirement also applies to work above ceiling tiles and to mounting, anchoring, fastening, or attaching items to walls, ceilings, floors, or other building surfaces.

Submit an Asbestos Request for Inspection at least two (2) weeks before the planned start of work whenever a project may disturb:

• Wallboard, drywall, sheetrock, joint compound, or ceiling tiles

• Thermal System Insulation (TSI), including pipe insulation, pipe fittings, insulation wraps, and related materials

• Ductwork insulation, duct lining, duct mastic, or associated HVAC materials

• Spray-applied fireproofing, soundproofing, or insulation

• Carpet, carpet backing, carpet adhesive, or carpet mastic

• Floor tile, vinyl flooring, sheet flooring, flooring mastics, or associated adhesives

• Caulk, sealants, waterproofing materials, mastics, or adhesives

• Cooler, freezer, or cold-room insulation

• Fume hood panels, laboratory benchtops, laboratory casework components, or similar laboratory materials

• Any building material not composed entirely of wood, metal, concrete, glass, or plastic

When in doubt, request an inspection before beginning work. Work that disturbs suspect materials must not proceed until asbestos status has been verified.