CITY OF PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AIR MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO: All Interested Parties Date: February 23, 1998 FROM: Ed O?Neill, Operan'ons Manager, AsbeStos Control Unit Wk] SUBJECT: VINYL ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE MASTIC ABATEMENT PROJECTS The City of Philadelphia?sAsbestos Control Regulations (ACR) regulate friable asbestos abatement projects. E?'ective immediately, all ?oor ?le and mastic projects will be considered ?'iable asbestos abatement projects unless the abatement contractor submits an alternative abatement plan. Air Management Services (AMS) approval of the alternativemethod is required prior to the start of each proJ?ect - - Typical ?oor tile removal methods such as mechanical chipping (hand or machine) result in the ?oor tile being broken up into numerous small fragments. Mastic removal by mechanical .(shot blast) methods has similar results. These removal methods render the ?oor tile or mastic materials friable and will be subject to of the requirements of the ACR and the US. EPA NESHAP, including permits and an independent asbestos project inSpector for major projects, air monitoring, work area preparation standards, and disposal requirements. Contractors may apply for alternative removal methods and submit with the noti?cation a non-?iable removal work plan prior to project start up. Work plan methods must include the use of heat from infrared mac-Irina, or buildinga dyke and?aoding with waterliquid nitrogen for ?oor tile removal or chemical applications for mastic removal. These methods when properly utilized allow the tiles and/or mastic to be removed with minimum damage and would not be subject to the'ACR AMS must review and approve each abatement plan and alternative 7 method request for each project prior to the contractor starting the project. If the undertaking is approved by AMS as a non-friable project the noti?cation and worker certi?cation requirements apply. The connector must ensure that the material remains non-friable during removal and disposal. Critical barriers and clearance air sampling are strongly recommended and should be listed on the alternative method requeSI. Other federal, state, and local requirements may also apply. If you have any questions please call (215) 685-7576.