Managing Asbestos - A Planning Guide for Facility Managers
- Champion Environmental
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
For facility managers, maintaining older commercial buildings involves more than keeping the lights on and systems running. Hidden risks such as asbestos can create significant safety, compliance, and liability challenges if not properly addressed. While asbestos is most often associated with structures built before the 1980s, it’s important to note that some imported building products have contained asbestos in more recent years. This means that both older and newer facilities may benefit from an Asbestos survey, monitoring, and management in Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, and Cedar Park.
This guide outlines the key steps for assessing, planning, and managing asbestos safely, helping facility managers protect occupants, maintain compliance, and avoid costly disruptions.
Understanding the Risk
Asbestos was once prized for its heat resistance and durability, making it common in insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring, and roofing materials. In older commercial buildings, these materials may still be present. When disturbed during renovation, maintenance, or even routine wear, asbestos fibers can become airborne and hazardous.
Although regulations have greatly reduced domestic asbestos use, it is still present in certain materials. Facility managers should remain alert to this possibility, even in later-constructed buildings that incorporate overseas products.
Step 1: Assessment
The first step in asbestos management is understanding what materials may be present in your facility. A professional asbestos inspection can identify suspect materials, review building records, and prioritize areas of concern. For Central Texas facilities, an inspection is not just a precaution — it is a foundation for regulatory compliance and long-term planning.
Step 2: Testing
Visual inspections alone cannot confirm the presence of asbestos. Laboratory testing under EPA- and OSHA-approved methods is essential. Partnering with a qualified asbestos professional ensures samples are collected safely and results are accurate. Testing establishes a baseline that informs all future decisions.
Step 3: Planning
Once materials are identified and tested, facility managers should work with professionals to create an asbestos management plan. This plan typically includes:
A clear inventory of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Procedures for safe handling and maintenance.
Communication strategies for staff, contractors, and occupants.
Steps for regulatory reporting and recordkeeping.
A documented plan ensures your facility can respond quickly to emergencies and routine maintenance without violating safety requirements.
Step 4: Mitigation
Not all asbestos needs immediate removal. Depending on the condition of the material, strategies may include encapsulation, enclosure, or controlled abatement. Removal is generally considered when asbestos materials are damaged, friable, or impacted by renovation work. Facility managers should rely on certified asbestos contractors who understand both safety and compliance requirements.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring
Asbestos management is not a one-time effort. Regular inspections and updates to the management plan help ensure continued safety. Staff awareness training and contractor communication reduce the risk of accidental disturbance. Documenting each step reinforces compliance and demonstrates a proactive approach to regulators.
Regulatory Considerations Asbestos management falls under multiple regulatory frameworks, including OSHA worker safety standards and EPA environmental guidelines. In Texas, additional requirements apply for surveys, notifications, licensing, and clearance procedures.
To make these rules easier to navigate, Champion has prepared a plain-language summary of Texas asbestos requirements for facility managers. This resource highlights the key obligations around inspections, notifications, and licensed professionals — without the legal jargon.
(For those who want to read the regulations directly, the official Texas Department of State Health Services asbestos program site links are below.)
Common Misconceptions (Optional Section)
“All asbestos must be removed immediately.” Not necessarily. In many cases, managing asbestos in place under a formal plan is safer, more cost-effective, and fully compliant.
“Newer buildings are asbestos-free.” While less common, asbestos-containing products may still be present. Facility managers should not assume newer facilities are risk-free.
“Small projects don’t need asbestos review.” Even minor renovations can disturb asbestos-containing materials. A proactive check prevents costly stoppages and potential exposure.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a complex issue for facility managers, particularly in commercial properties across Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, and Cedar Park. A structured plan — starting with assessment and testing, and extending through planning, mitigation, and monitoring — protects both people and property.
Champion Environmental Services is licensed by the State of Texas to provide professional asbestos inspections, surveys, testing, and management planning. For a consultation tailored to your facility, contact Champion today.
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