What constitutes a "Structural Member" in a facility?

A "Structural Member" in a facility refers specifically to components that play a crucial role in supporting the weight of the structure and enabling its stability. This includes elements such as beams, columns, and load-bearing walls, which are integral to the building's framework and overall integrity. The term encompasses any part of the structure that carries loads, either from the roof, floors, or other components, ultimately redistributing these loads to prevent structural failure.

Understanding the characteristics of structural members is essential, especially in contexts like asbestos inspection, where identifying such components is critical for assessing potential asbestos-containing materials. Most structures will have non-load-bearing walls or decorative elements; however, these serve a different purpose and do not contribute to the building's structural stability. Furthermore, electrical fixtures and fittings are functional components that do not have any supporting role in terms of the building's load-bearing capabilities. Knowing the distinction allows inspectors to appropriately assess and manage the presence of hazardous materials in relation to structural integrity.