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be similar to the way it has treated lead paint
in residential buildings, schools, and child care
facilities. While it is unlikely that lead paint has
been used recently in your building, it is possible
that it may exist in older layers of paint on
office walls, window sills, door jambs, and other
places. As a consequence, ODs should expect
in the future that if they are renovating an older
office building or one known to have lead paint
they are likely to have to implement many of
the same practices used in residential and other
child-occupied buildings when disturbing lead
paint.
Even if not known to exist in an office
building, a contractor may also find unknown
asbestos in hidden areas of office space repairs
or renovations. Asbestos is a set of naturally
occurring minerals that
were commonly used in
building materials such as
insulation, floor tiles, and
roofing coatings because
of their fire retardant and
strengthening properties.
While there are health
concerns associated with
asbestos, they are most related
to workers involved
in mining, manufacturing, and demolition activities
involving asbestos and not those who work
in an office environment.
In 1989, EPA relied on its authority in TSCA
to ban the manufacture and importation of
asbestos in many products. However, the ban
did not require asbestos-containing materials to
be removed from existing structures, like commercial
office spaces. Therefore, it is not unusual
to find older flooring that remained in place
because it was so durable, boilers or pipes, or
other areas of offices with some asbestos-containing
materials. According to EPA, materials
that contain asbestos that are in good condition
can be left in place if it will remain undisturbed.
However, if the renovations or repairs that are
As healthcare practitioners and
business owners, optometrists are
already concerned about the
wellbeing of their patients and
employees. Looking into this safety
issue may help meet that goal when
planning repairs or renovations for
your office.
planned for an office will disturb asbestos or
if the asbestos is in poor condition, i.e. easily
pulverized to dust by hand pressure or “friable,”
then EPA and occupational health and safety
regulations require it to be handled by trained
personnel who can identify, isolate and contain
the asbestos, and use proper techniques for
disposal.
Tips
As healthcare practitioners and business owners,
optometrists are already concerned about
the wellbeing of their patients and employees
and following these tips may help meet that goal
when planning repairs or renovations for your
office:
• If the building is older or there may be lead
paint or asbestos in the
building, hire a trained
professional to identify
any materials requiring
worker protection or
special precautions.
• Ask your contractor
whether there are plans
in place to deal with lead
paint and asbestos properly
if it is discovered in
the middle of the project and whether workers
are provided the required personal protection
equipment.
• Do not ask your office staff to handle materials
that could contain lead paint or asbestos and
do not allow them to enter areas that are being
isolated for lead paint or asbestos removal.
• If you think that lead paint or asbestos is being
mishandled or that there was improper exposure
to those materials, consult an attorney regarding
your obligations and options.
For more information regarding lead paint and
asbestos, EPA has websites dedicate to both
topics that can be located by searching for “EPA
asbestos” or “EPA lead paint.”
7 Id.
8 See Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, Tox FAQs for Asbestos (visited Nov. 4, 2011).
9 See 40 CFR 763.160 et seq.
10 See EPA Asbestos Website (visited Nov. 4, 2011).
11 See 40 CFR 763.120 et seq.; 29 CFR 1926.1101 et seq.
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