Hazardous Materials Procedures
What to do when encountering specific hazardous materials on campus.
Hazardous Materials Summary
- Asbestos: Stop work, don’t disturb it, and notify your supervisor.
- Lead: Stop work, don’t disturb it, and notify your supervisor.
- PCBs: Do not open or break ballasts; notify your supervisor.
- Mold: 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.
- Mercury: Do not touch it, keep people out, and notify your supervisor.
- Radiation: Leave the area and notify your supervisor.
EHS Directory
| Group | Relevant Scope | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Building Materials |
|
abatement@fpm.wisc.edu | 608-265-5000 |
| Environmental & Occupational Health |
|
eoh@fpm.wisc.edu | 608-890-1992 |
| Chemical Safety |
|
chemsafety@wisc.edu | 608-265-5700 |
| Radiation Safety |
|
radiationsafety@wisc.edu | 608-262-3600 |
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.
Asbestos Procedure
Lead Procedure
PCBs Procedure
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
