What action should be taken after confirming the presence of asbestos-containing material?

After confirming the presence of asbestos-containing material, developing an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan is a crucial step. This plan outlines how to manage the asbestos safely in place, ensuring that it does not pose a risk to occupants or workers.

An O&M plan typically includes regular inspections, maintenance procedures, and emergency response actions. This systematic approach allows for the monitoring and control of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring they remain intact and undisturbed while also providing guidelines for workers who may inadvertently come into contact with these materials. The goal is to minimize exposure and risk associated with asbestos.

While creating a maintenance schedule is an important aspect of the O&M plan, it is not sufficient on its own without a comprehensive strategy for managing the potential hazards of asbestos. Similarly, although immediate removal of asbestos may seem like a proactive response, it is not always necessary or advisable. Removal should only be conducted when the material is damaged or poses an imminent health risk, and it typically requires specialized training and certification.

Reporting to local safety authorities can be important in some contexts, especially if there are regulatory requirements or if there is a significant risk involved. However, the immediate and most responsible course of action after initial confirmation of asbestos is to develop and implement an O&M plan