Asbestos FAQ
This is a document that answers frequently asked questions regarding Asbestos on campus.
What is the Hazardous Building Materials (HBM) program?
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.
How do I know if a building material contains asbestos?
Always assume building materials contain asbestos until they are assessed by HBM, tested by licensed individuals, and verified as non-asbestos-containing material.
- HBM is responsible for assessment of all building materials. 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.
How do I request an asbestos assessment, abatement, or air sampling?
- 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.
Example Description:
“Assess the wiring in the NW corner of mechanical space B301 in MSC.”
“Assess the wiring in the NW corner of mechanical space B301 in MSC.”
Can I transport ACM or presumed ACM (PACM) in my vehicle?
Transport Restriction:
Only properly licensed vehicles can legally transport ACM or PACM.
Only properly licensed vehicles can legally transport ACM or PACM.
Contact your supervisor if you are unsure whether your vehicle is properly licensed.
My supervisor and/or I have access to WALMS. Is the information reliable?
Do not rely on WALMS alone.
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.
Can I have access to WALMS or UW’s asbestos test results?
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.
I was exposed to asbestos. What do I do?
Required Action:
You must complete and submit the Employee’s Work Injury and Illness Report to your supervisor within 24 hours of the occurrence of injury or illness.
Employee Work Injury & Illness Report (PDF) You must complete and submit the Employee’s Work Injury and Illness Report to your supervisor within 24 hours of the occurrence of injury or illness.
Contact HBM Program Staff