Project 0-5884
Handling Issues for Lead and Asbestos in Bridge Construction
Abstract
The goal of this research was to survey the state of the regulatory environment and
common practices in other state DOTs to learn how other states deal with the issue
of lead-based paint and asbestos-containing materials in bridge maintenance and repair
for the state's 32,000 existing bridges. The survey included 40 questions to all 50
state DOTs, with 39 responding. The survey responses were evaluated to formulate primary
recommendations intended to decrease TxDOT liability in the short term. Among the
primary recommendations were to train TxDOT
personnel on appropriate OSHA regulations, limit TxDOT worker exposure to hazardous
materials, and establish oversight of contractor controls and safety protocols. The
study also led to several secondary recommendations to designed to limit TxDOT liability
in the long term, such as conducting a study of all bridges to determine the exact
location, quantity, and nature of both LBP and ACM, conduct a study of ambient air
monitors to measure airborne lead concentrations, and determine the economics of encasing
ACM and LBP wastes in concrete.
Project PI: Audra N. Morse
Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Transportation (TechMRT)
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Address
Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, TX 79409-1023 -
Phone
806.742.3523 -
Email
techmrt.outreach@ttu.edu