Asbestos Management

1.  Purpose. The purpose of this Order is to identify the minimum Public Buildings Service (PBS) requirements necessary to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applicable State and local asbestos regulations for Federally owned facilities under the jurisdiction, custody and control of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), including facilities operating under a GSA delegation of authority. This Order also applies to facilities leased by GSA in accordance with the lease provisions regarding asbestos.

2.  Authority.  

• 41 C.F.R. § 102-80 establishes real property policy asbestos requirements for PBS and other Federal agencies.
• OSHA 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1001 establishes asbestos requirements for general industry.
• OSHA 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1101 establishes asbestos requirements for the construction industry.
• EPA 40 C.F.R. Part 61 Subpart M, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, establishes requirements for asbestos demolition and disposal.
• EPA 40 C.F.R. Part 763, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Abatement Reauthorization Act establishes asbestos training requirements (Model Accreditation Plan) for inspectors and management planners performing work in Federal facilities.
• EPA 40 C.F.R. Part 302.4, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act establishes reporting requirements for asbestos released into the environment.

3. Background. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in a large assortment of commercial and industrial products due to its good insulating and tensile strength properties. Microscopic fibers from broken or deteriorated asbestos products can lead to disease or cancer when inhaled. Federal (referenced OSHA and EPA standards), state and local regulations exist to limit human exposure and environmental contamination of asbestos-containing materials in Federal and commercial facilities through strict asbestos management, demolition, and disposal requirements.

4.  Cancellation. PBS 1000.1, dated March 25, 2015, is hereby canceled by this Order.

5.  Scope and Applicability. This Order is intended to meet the applicable OSHA and EPA asbestos standards for all Federally owned facilities under the jurisdiction, custody and control of GSA, including facilities operating under a GSA delegation of authority. The Order also applies to GSA leased facilities as leases awarded by GSA must include contractual requirements for asbestos certification and related information.