Asbestos - Iowa

Iowa incorporates by reference the federal regulations for asbestos; however, the state adds further requirements. A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

Encapsulation shall be used only when the asbestos fibers are firmly bonded to the underlying surface or the asbestos is not accessible for removal.

Encapsulation shall not be used on material that is deteriorated or delaminated, that shows extensive damage, in areas where contact damage may occur, or areas with or probable water damage.

Sealants shall be applied with airless spray equipment at low-pressure settings and reapplied periodically whenever there is danger of airborne asbestos fibers.

All encapsulated asbestos sources shall be inspected every 6 months.

Previously encapsulated asbestos materials shall be removed prior to demolition of any building.

Accurate records must be maintained and provided to the owner of the building on the type of sealant used and the nature of the material and substrate encapsulated.

Whenever solvent-based sealants are used, the employees shall use an appropriate respirator to be provided by the employer.

When using latex paint as a sealant:

• Latex paint must have a vehicle content of at least 60 percent by weight and vehicle resin solids of at least 25 percent by weight. Coverage must not exceed 100 square feet per gallon.
• An initial light coat must be applied with additional coats applied at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the previous coat only after the previous coat has dried. Coats of contrasting color are recommended.

All monitoring of airborne asbestos levels must comply with the federal regulation, 1910.1001.

Other encapsulation methods may be used provided the method constructs an impermeable enclosure to prevent friable asbestos from becoming airborne.

Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used to prevent employee exposure to asbestos as specified in 1910.134.

At least one supervisor/contractor must be at an asbestos project at all times while work is in progress. Asbestos workers must have access to a supervisor/contractor throughout the duration of the project.

To ensure that you are in compliance with these requirements, click on the following links to view the state and federal regulations regarding asbestos:

Asbestos

Iowa: Iowa Administrative Code, Part 875, Labor Services Division, Chapter 10, General Industry Safety and Health Rules

875-10.2(88) Applicability of standards

875-10.3(88) Incorporation by reference

875-155.1(88B) Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation

Citations

Federal: 29 CFR 1910.1001 and Appendices A through J