Asbestos FAQ

HBM provides the campus community with guidance, support, and resources to conduct their workplace duties and studies in a safe environment. HBM focuses on workplace hazards and improvements to safety measures across all areas of campus.

• HBM is responsible for assessment of all building materials. Always assume building materials contain asbestos until they are assessed by HBM, tested by licensed individuals, and verified non-asbestos containing material. Do not assume contractors have knowledge of potential asbestos-containing material (ACM) for their project.
• If you have Operations and Maintenance certification and the material is less than 3 lineal feet or 3 square feet, you can presume the building materials to contain asbestos and proceed with your project. If it is more than 3 lineal feet or 3 square feet, contact your supervisor and/or HBM.

• Request an HBM assessment or service by submitting an FP&M service request via ReADY Assetworks. If there is an existing work order, request an assessment phase to be added.
• Include photos and a detailed description of the specific location and material with the request (e.g., "Assess the wiring in the NW corner of mechanical space B301 in MSC").

Only properly licensed vehicles can legally transport ACM or PACM. Contact your supervisor if you are unsure if your vehicle is properly licensed.

Never assume that WALMS (Wisconsin Asbestos and Lead Abatement Management System) is a correct source of information. Additional testing has found that listed non-ACM materials may contain asbestos. Contact the HBM team for guidance.

WALMS is not an accurate source of information nor is it UW property. Currently, test results are only available to the HBM team to ensure proper guidance is provided on handling material.