Asbestos
At Oklahoma State University, Facilities Management (FM) remains responsible for asbestos oversight and compliance in accordance with university policy and applicable federal and state regulations.
While Facilities Management no longer operates a dedicated Asbestos Shop, FM continues to manage asbestos-related coordination, assessment, and regulatory compliance across campus.
Our Responsibilities
- Maintaining asbestos compliance in university-owned facilities
- Coordinating asbestos inspections and assessments
- Managing abatement activities through approved contractors
- Ensuring regulatory documentation and record retention
- Supporting renovation and construction projects requiring asbestos evaluation
All Asbestos-related work is conducted according to rules and regulations set forth by the Oklahoma State Department of Labor. Provided by approved and licensed outside providers.
Contact Information
Put in a workorder
Work Control Phone: 405-744-7154
For questions call Tyler Toland: 405-744-4238
Asbestos- What Is It?
Asbestos is a generic term for a group of minerals known for their strength. flame and heat resistance. and seemingly indestructible qualities.
Once considered a "miracle mineral." asbestos was used for many years in building
construction. It can be found in many forms and places. Asbestos was used in boiler and pipe insulation. plasters. floor tile. electrical insulation. and as a fireproofing material on structural members in buildings. It has also been sprayed on ceilings and walls as acoustic insulation.
Because of its indestructible qualities, asbestos is harmful to the human body. The body cannot digest, break down, or change asbestos; it can only attempt to encapsulate it with scar tissue.
Several types of asbestos were banned by the EPA in the mid-70s due to concern over the health effects (especially cancer) associated with exposure to such materials.It is important to remember that asbestos generally has been found to be hazardous to humans when it is inhaled into the lungs.
Asbestos occurs naturally as a fiber; individual fibers are so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Most asbestos is not hazardous in its original, undisturbed state; only when it is disturbed does it release asbestos fibers.
Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases do not occur soon after exposure. Those who are sick today because of asbestos may have been exposed 20 to 40 years ago. Controlling exposures now will prevent disease and suffering decades later.
You can visit the state of Oklahoma page located here"What is Asbestos"for a detailed description and frequently asked questions.