UFC 1-900-01
1 DECEMBER 2002
activities and the materials that are regulated. Two materials used extensively in
buildings are asbestos and lead-based paint (LBP). Both of these are occupational
health hazards and require special management and removal in compliance with OSHA
and USACE safety standards. Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) address
Asbestos Abatement activities, including demolition and Lead Hazard Control Activities
,. (See various specifications in Division 13 Special Construction Series. Contracts for
demolition activities should include these UFGS, as appropriate. For in-house activities,
the procedures described in the UFGS should be implemented.
3-4.1 Demolish (Safety). Demolition contractors are required by OSHA to take
appropriate safety measures when removing hazardous waste and operating heavy
mechanical equipment. Noise, dust, and falling debris are the major environmental
problems associated with mechanical demolition. Airborne asbestos and/or lead-
containing dust is possible if either is found in high concentrations. Suitable measures
to prevent dust formation during wrecking should be instituted. Other hazardous
materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and mercury may also be
encountered in demolition debris. All workers must be protected in accordance with
applicable OSHA regulations.
3-4.2 Recycle (Safety). Recycling, with the separation of materials, increases the
number of tasks performed and creates additional physical and environmental exposure
to hazards. Effective implementation of OSHA, USACE, and Navy safety and health
regulations will control exposure of hazards to personnel performing recycling
operations. There may be some concern about asbestos and LBP-contaminated
materials being introduced into the recycled materials market. Effective removal of
asbestos, LBP, PCB, mercury, and other hazardous materials must be monitored to
ensure that they are not recycled into feedstock. Generally, recycling does not pose a
hazard to the public.
3-4.3 Recover (Safety). Recovering materials may result in additional occupational
exposure to physical and environmental hazards. Workers need to take extra safety
precautions when manually removing building components, including asbestos and
LBP. Effective implementation of OSHA, USACE, and Navy safety and health
regulations will control exposure of hazards to personnel performing recycling
operations.
3-4.4 Deconstruct (Safety). Deconstruction, like recycling, is labor intensive,
increases the number of tasks performed, and creates additional physical and
environmental exposure to hazards. Effective implementation of OSHA, USACE, and
Navy safety and health regulations will control exposure of hazards to personnel
performing deconstruction operations.
3-5 RISK. Certain risks are associated with jobsite physical and environmental
hazards. The government is responsible for requiring and enforcing appropriate control
measures, but the contractor is ultimately responsible for maintaining appropriate
control measures. There is typically no risk to the public if a demolition project is
performed in accordance with prevailing safety and environmental standards.
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