Asbestos - Asb

1Asb Q: Who conducts the 6-month asbestos surveillance and how is it documented?

1Asb A: The facility head custodian or his/her representative conducts and documents the 6-month asbestos surveillance using the Six Month Surveillance Report form.

2Asb Q: When are the 6-month asbestos surveillance walk through observations performed?

2Asb A: The head custodian or his/her representative will conduct these walk-throughs in early April and October.  He/she will complete a Six Month Surveillance Report form and forward it to Environmental (Adolph Flores or Peter Swerzenski) by April 15th and October 15th. Reports can by e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), fax (271-3330), or the pony (Facilities Services/920). An example of a completed Six Month Surveillance Report is provided. 

3Asb Q: Who provides the initial 2 hour asbestos awareness training and what is covered?

3Asb A: Training sessions are provided by Environmental Programs at least twice a year (normally during the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks) with scheduling coordinated through Operations and Plant Services.  Materials covered include:
 

• Asbestos and its various uses and forms    
• Health effects associated with asbestos exposure 
• Locations of ACBM (asbestos-containing building material) identified throughout each school building in which they work    
• How to recognize damaged, deteriorated, and delaminated ACBM 
• Name and telephone number of the SAISD designated Person 
• The availability and location of the management plan 
• The SAISD Hazard Communication Program, container labels, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) availability and employee rights (utilizing the Environmental Programs website). 

Copies of training materials are available from Environmental Programs upon request.

4Asb Q: How are jobs involving asbestos prioritized?

4Asb A: Asbestos removal (or abatement work) will be performed in the following order of priority:

1. Immediate safety and health issues involving ACM (e.g., the release of free asbestos fibers), support of bond related activities (e.g., bond funded renovations),

2. Support of the campus asbestos management plan (AMP) or required maintenance activities,

3. Removal of intact friable ACM (e.g., pipe and boiler insulation, sprayed-on ceilings, etc.)

4. Support of campus initiatives to renovate and remodel areas with ACM,

Elimination of all accessible ACM from campus, and aesthetics.

5Asb Q: Does asbestos floor tile and mastic (glue) pose a hazard to students, staff and visitors?

5Asb A: ACM flooring (such as 9" by 9" floor tile and black mastic containing greater than 1% asbestos) that is well maintained does not pose a hazard to students, staff or visitors.  Unless the floor tile is mechanically beaten, chipped, sanded or otherwise machined there is little, if any potential for fiber release from ACM floor tile or mastic.  However, AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) requires that ACM flooring be maintained with at least two or more coats of wax.

6Asb Q: Where can I get additional information about asbestos?

6Asb A: Questions regarding the campus asbestos management plan (AMP) can be directed to either Adolph Flores (SAISD Asbestos Technician) or Peter Swerzenski (SAISD asbestos "designated person" @ 210-271-3322.  You can also check out the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Asbestos Program website at:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/asbestos/default.shtm,

or call TDSH at (512) 834-6773 ext. 2454 or (800) 572-5548 Ext. 2454

7Asb Q:  What is asbestos-containing material (ACM)?

7Asb A:  "Asbestos-containing material (ACM)" means any material containing more than 1% asbestos.

8Asb Q:  If may campus does not have a "library" were can I view the AMP?

8Asb A:  Campus administration should have a copy of the AMP available for viewing by students, staff, contractors, etc. Campus administration should inform you as to the availability and location of the AMP. Notification can be by use of a modified version of the Campus AMP Poster. Environmental Programs (at 210-271-3322) should be contacted if you cannot find or access the AMP.