The main regulations covering asbestos are:

• The OSHA Asbestos Standards

• The EPA Worker Protection Rule

• The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Pollutants (NESHAP)

• The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

• The Asbestos Ban and Phase-Down Rule

• The Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA)

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Here, we will cover the OSHA standard, particularly as it pertains to training.

 

OSHA Asbestos Standards

In general, OSHA covers all public and private sector employers in all 50 states and territories under federal jurisdiction. OSHA is authorized to conduct workplace inspections at any time without an employers consent.  In addition, employees have the right to file a complaint with OSHA without penalty. 

 

Information & Training Requirements

 

An employer must provide trainings for all employees who install asbestos-containing products or who perform asbestos related operations. The training must be completed before an initial assignment and every year after and is based on classifications:

 

Asbestos Work Classifications

• Class I: Activities involving the removal of TSI and/or surfacing ACM/PACM

• Class II: Activities involving the removal of ACM, which is not TSI or surfacing material

• Class III: Repair and maintenance operations where ACM, including TSI and surfacing materials, is likely to be disturbed

• Class IV: Maintenance and custodial activities during which employees contact but do not disturb ACM/PACM, and activities to clean up dust, waster, and debris resulting from Class I-III activities

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 Training Requirements

• Class I: 4 day asbestos abatement worker training outlined in the EPA Model Accreditation Plan

• Class II: must include training topics outlined by OSHA, including hands-on for a minimum of 8 hours

• Class III: equivalent of 16-hour maintenance and custodial training detailed in the AHERA regulations

• Class IV: equivalent to the requirements for EPA 2 hour awareness training outlined in AHERA

 In addition to training, the standards cover: exposure levels, exposure assessment and monitoring, regulated areas and warning signs, respiratory protection and protective clothing. All of which are covered in an initial training course.

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Need a training? Here is what we offer at ESHI to keep you compliant and licensed.

 

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