PENNSYLVANIA.STATERECORDS.ORG IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
close banner
Pennsylvania State Records
state records colored logo
LOGIN
CONTACT

Pennsylvania Asbestos Regulating Agencies

What is Asbestos Regulating Agencies in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania asbestos regulating agencies were necessitated by the dangers posed by asbestos exposure. After it was determined that asbestos exposure could lead to many serious health problems, Pennsylvania mesothelioma and asbestos laws were enacted. Along with them, Pennsylvania asbestos regulating agencies were tasked with enforcing these laws.

These agencies work to identify potential sources of exposure and ensure that these sources are properly mitigated to protect workers, residents, and others who may be at risk. In addition, these agencies also work to provide information and resources to those exposed to asbestos so that they can get the help they need.

Asbestos regulating agencies include the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The EPA also has an asbestos program, which works with state and local agencies to ensure that asbestos is properly managed.

The DEP is responsible for ensuring that asbestos-containing materials are properly disposed of and that public water supplies are not contaminated with asbestos. The Department of Health conducts surveillance and epidemiological studies on the health effects of asbestos exposure, provides information about the risks of exposure and operates a statewide registry of people who have been exposed to asbestos.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for enforcing occupational safety and health standards related to asbestos exposure. Ultimately, these agencies work together to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

When Was Asbestos Banned in Pennsylvania?

While asbestos was not officially banned in Pennsylvania until 1989, its use had been declining since the early 1970s. This is due to a number of factors, including public awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure and the availability of alternative materials that are less dangerous to work with. Asbestos was once widely used in various industries; however, its dangers are now well-known, and it is no longer used in new construction projects. Regardless, asbestos may still be used in some older buildings and in projects where the state specifically approves its use.

Pennsylvania Asbestos Regulations

There are several Pennsylvania statutes that provide for asbestos regulations in the state. The most notable is the Pennsylvania Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act enacted in 1986. This Act requires that all public and private buildings be inspected for asbestos and that a management plan is put in place to address any asbestos hazards that are found. The Act also requires the removal of asbestos-containing materials from all public and private buildings. In addition, the Act requires the reporting of asbestos exposure to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Another important statute is the Pennsylvania Asbestos Control Act, enacted in 1984. This Act requires the identification and control of asbestos-containing materials in all public and private buildings. It also requires the removal of asbestos-containing materials from all public and private buildings.

Yet another statute is the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act, which was enacted in 2008. This Act requires that all public and private buildings be smoke-free and ACM free.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health also has many regulations pertaining to asbestos. These regulations require reporting asbestos exposure, removing asbestos-containing materials from all public and private buildings, and controlling asbestos-containing materials in all public and private buildings.

These statutes and regulations are essential in protecting the public from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

What is the Role of Asbestos Regulators in Pennsylvania?

The following are some essential roles that asbestos regulators play in Pennsylvania:

  1. They ensure that all facilities and buildings are free of asbestos contamination.
  2. They develop and implement regulations to protect the public from asbestos exposure.
  3. They conduct inspections of facilities and buildings to ensure compliance with asbestos regulations.
  4. They investigate complaints of asbestos exposure and take appropriate action to protect the public.
  5. They provide information and education to the public about asbestos and its dangers.
  6. They work with other state and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated response to asbestos contamination.

Asbestos Regulatory Organizations in Pennsylvania

Several organizations in Pennsylvania work to regulate asbestos and protect public health. These organizations include the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), and the EPA.

The DEP is responsible for ensuring that asbestos-containing materials are properly disposed of and that businesses comply with state regulations. The DOH is responsible for researching the health effects of asbestos exposure and providing information to the public about how to protect themselves from exposure. The EPA regulates asbestos-containing products and has developed strict guidelines for safe use.

What is Pennsylvania OSHA's Role with Asbestos?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for protecting workers from asbestos exposure. In Pennsylvania, OSHA works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's Bureau of Labor Standards to ensure that workers are protected from asbestos exposure. Both of these organizations have their regulations and procedures for dealing with asbestos.

OSHA's role is to ensure that employers comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and its regulations. The OSH Act contains a general duty clause that requires employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. In addition, the Act contains specific provisions that address asbestos exposure.

The OSH Act requires employers to take steps to prevent workers from being exposed to asbestos. Employers must also provide workers with information about the hazards of asbestos and how to protect themselves.

In addition to the OSH Act, OSHA has issued a regulation requiring employers to have an asbestos management plan. The regulation requires employers to identify asbestos-containing materials in their workplace and take steps to control the exposure of workers to these materials.

Pennsylvania has its own asbestos laws and regulations that are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's Bureau of Labor Standards. These laws and regulations are similar to OSHA's, but they may differ in some respects.

For example, the Pennsylvania Asbestos Control Act requires employers to notify the Bureau of Labor Standards when they suspect that asbestos is present in their workplace. The notification must include information about the location of the asbestos and the type of work that will be done there.

The Department of Labor and Industry's Bureau of Labor Standards also has the authority to issue citations and penalties for violations of the asbestos laws and regulations.

Pennsylvania OSHA Asbestos Regulations

Pennsylvania's OSHA asbestos regulations are designed to protect workers from exposure to asbestos. The regulations require businesses to take steps to control the release of asbestos into the air, and provide for penalties for violations of the regulations. They also require businesses to provide training for workers who may be exposed to asbestos.

To comply with the regulations, businesses must:

  • Identify and label all asbestos-containing materials
  • Post warning signs in areas where asbestos is present
  • Keep work areas clean and free of dust
  • Use wet methods to control dust when working with asbestos-containing materials
  • Provide training for workers who may be exposed to asbestos
  • Use personal protective equipment when working with asbestos-containing materials.

To comply with Pennsylvania's OSHA asbestos regulations, businesses must also take steps to control the release of asbestos into the air. This can be done by using asbestos-containing materials in a way that minimizes the release of asbestos fibers or by using substitutes for asbestos-containing materials.

Penalties for violating Pennsylvania's OSHA asbestos regulations can include fines and imprisonment. Violations of the regulations can also result in civil liability.

When and How to Contact Pennsylvania OSHA

Since the OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers in the United States, Pennsylvania employees who have concerns about their workplace safety and health are encouraged to contact the OSHA.

When employees in Pennsylvania have concerns about their workplace safety and health, they are encouraged to contact the OSHA by phone at (800) 321-6742 or by visiting the website. The OSHA will then investigate the workplace to see if there are any health or safety hazards present. If the OSHA finds that there are indeed health or safety hazards present, they will take steps to correct the situation and help ensure that employees are protected from harm.

What is the EPA's Role with Asbestos in Pennsylvania?

The EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) role with asbestos is to make sure that this dangerous substance is properly managed and disposed of. The EPA has strict regulations in place regarding the use, storage, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

The EPA has put in place regulations to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos. These regulations require that contractors who work with asbestos-containing materials take special precautions to avoid releasing fibers into the air. For example, they must wet the materials before disturbing them, and they must use vacuums with HEPA filters to clean up any dust that is generated.

What is the Difference Between OSHA and EPA in Pennsylvania?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are both federal agencies that are responsible for protecting worker safety and health. In Pennsylvania, OSHA is responsible for enforcing occupational safety and health standards, while the EPA is responsible for protecting the environment from pollution.

Both OSHA and the EPA have different regulations that employers must follow in order to ensure the safety of their employees. For example, OSHA requires employers to provide their employees with a safe work environment, while the EPA requires employers to control environmental pollutants.

While both agencies are responsible for protecting workers, they have different jurisdictions. OSHA is responsible for enforcing safety and health standards in the workplace, while the EPA is responsible for protecting the environment from pollution.

What is the NIOSH's Role with Asbestos in Pennsylvania?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researches and recommends the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes those caused by exposure to asbestos.

Pennsylvania has its own set of regulations regarding asbestos exposure in the workplace. These regulations are based on NIOSH recommendations. Employers must follow these regulations to protect their employees from asbestos exposure.

The regulations of NIOSH are as follows:

  • Employers must equip employees with information about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
  • Employers must provide their employees with training on how to work with or around asbestos safely.
  • Employers must provide personal protective equipment to their employees while working with asbestos
  • Employers must monitor their employees' exposure to asbestos.
  • Employers must take measures to control employee exposure to asbestos.

Who is Responsible for Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania?

There are several different entities that may be held responsible for asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania. These include companies that manufactured or sold asbestos-containing products, businesses that used those products, and even the government.

Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products

Several companies manufactured asbestos-containing products, such as insulation, pipe covering, and fireproofing material. Most of these companies knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure but failed to warn consumers or take adequate precautions to protect workers. Hence, they can be held liable for the injuries and illnesses caused by their products.

Businesses That Used Asbestos Products

Many businesses use asbestos-containing products in their buildings or in their industrial operations. These businesses may also be held liable for the injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos. In most cases, the companies that manufactured the asbestos products may also be held responsible for the injuries caused by those products.

The Government

In some cases, the government may also be held responsible for asbestos exposure. This is most likely to occur when the government knew of the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn the public or take adequate precautions to protect workers.

Individuals Who Are Exposed to Asbestos

In some cases, individuals who are exposed to asbestos may also be held liable for their injuries. This is most likely to occur when the individual knew of the dangers of asbestos but failed to take adequate precautions to protect themselves or others.

How to Dispose of Asbestos Containing Material in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are specific guidelines that must be followed in order to ensure that ACM is disposed of in a way that protects public health and the environment.

The first step is to have any ACM evaluated by a certified asbestos inspector. Once the ACM has been inspected, it must be double-bagged in 6-mil thick plastic bags before it can be taken to a disposal site.

There are several types of disposal sites that are approved for ACM in Pennsylvania:

Class I landfills: These are specially designed landfill cells that have a minimum 3-foot thick clay liner and a leachate collection system. Class I landfills are the only disposal site that can accept friable ACM (materials that can be easily crumbled or pulverized by hand).

Class II landfills: These landfill cells also have a clay liner and leachate collection system, but they're not designed to accept friable ACM. Class II landfills can only accept non-friable ACM that has been double-bagged in 6-mil thick plastic bags.

Incinerators: Two types of incinerators are approved for disposing of ACM in Pennsylvania: rotary kiln incinerators and fluid bed incinerators.

Rotary kiln incinerators must meet certain emissions standards, while fluid bed incinerators must have a scrubber system to control emissions.

Cement kilns: Cement kilns are also approved for disposing of ACM, as long as the material is sent through the kiln when it's operating at its maximum temperature.

ACM disposal sites must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A list of licensed disposal sites can be found on the DEP website.

When transporting ACM to a disposal site, it is essential to follow all applicable regulations, including those governing the labeling and packaging of hazardous materials. ACM must be clearly labeled with the words "Asbestos Waste" and the type of ACM ( friable or non-friable). The waste must also be packaged in a way that will prevent it from leaking or becoming damaged during transport.

Further information on how to safely dispose of ACM in Pennsylvania can be obtained from the Pennsylvania DEP at (717) 787-7382.