Hazardous Materials Procedures
What to do when encountering specific hazardous materials on campus.
Hazardous Materials
Quick Hazardous Materials Summary
Asbestos
Stop work, don't disturb it, and notify your supervisor.
Stop work, don't disturb it, and notify your supervisor.
Lead
Stop work, don't disturb it, and notify your supervisor.
Stop work, don't disturb it, and notify your supervisor.
PCBs
Do not open or break ballasts; notify your supervisor.
Do not open or break ballasts; notify your supervisor.
Mold
Properly clean small areas; stop work and notify your supervisor for larger areas.
Properly clean small areas; stop work and notify your supervisor for larger areas.
Silica
Use wet methods and PPE; notify your supervisor if dust can't be controlled.
Use wet methods and PPE; notify your supervisor if dust can't be controlled.
Mercury
Do not touch it, keep people out, and notify your supervisor.
Do not touch it, keep people out, and notify your supervisor.
Radiation
Leave the area and notify your supervisor.
Leave the area and notify your supervisor.
Reporting & Assistance
How to Report Hazardous Materials
1. If the material needs to be removed to complete your work order:
- Request to have a phase added to the existing work order.
- Contact your Supervisor/Scheduler, OR
- Call Customer Service to request the phase.
2. If the material is NOT related to your current work order:
- Asbestos or Lead: Use the "Abatement Risk Assessment" tile in ReADY.
- All other hazardous materials: Use the "Customer Request" tile in ReADY.
Who Should I Contact?
Not sure who to contact?
Use the directory below to identify the EHS group responsible for the material or hazard.
Use the directory below to identify the EHS group responsible for the material or hazard.
| Group | Relevant Scope | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Building Materials | Asbestos Lead Mold (removal) |
abatement@fpm.wisc.edu | 608-265-5000 |
| Environmental & Occupational Health | Silica Mold (airborne) Respirators |
eoh@fpm.wisc.edu | 608-890-1992 |
| Chemical Safety | Mercury PCBs |
chemsafety@wisc.edu | 608-265-5700 |
| Radiation Safety | Radioactive materials | radiationsafety@wisc.edu | 608-262-3600 |
Material-Specific Procedures
Asbestos Procedure
If asbestos is suspected: Stop work, do not disturb the material, and notify your supervisor.
Lead Procedure
If lead is suspected: Stop work, do not disturb the material, and notify your supervisor.
PCBs Procedure
Important: Do not open or break ballasts. Notify your supervisor.
Mold Procedure
Remember: You can remove mold by yourself when the affected area is less than 10 square feet.
Silica Procedure
Required Control Measures
- Engineering Controls: Wet saw / wet methods, HEPA vacuum systems.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respirators (such as N95).
Mercury Procedure
Important: No testing is needed—mercury is always hazardous. Do not touch it, and clear the area immediately.
Radiation Procedure
If a radiation hazard is encountered: Leave the area and notify your supervisor.
