The Physical Characteristics of Asbestos and Asbestos-Containing Materials
Identification of asbestos; aerodynamic characteristics; typical uses; physical appearance; a review of hazard assessment considerations; summary of abatement control options.
Potential Health Effects Related to Asbestos Exposure
The nature of asbestos-related diseases; routes of exposure; dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level; synergism between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure; latency period for disease.
Employee Personal Protective Equipment
Classes and characteristics of respirator types; limitations of respirators and their proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures; methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negative pressure fitting tests); qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures; variability between field and laboratory protection factors; factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair); the components of a proper respiratory protection program; selection and use of personal protective clothing, including use, storage, and handling of nondisposable clothing; regulations covering personal protective equipment.
State-of-the-Art Work Practices
Proper work practices for asbestos abatement activities, including descriptions of proper construction and maintenance of barriers and decontamination enclosure systems; positioning of warning signs; electrical and ventilation system lockout; proper working techniques for minimizing fiber release; use of wet methods; use of negative pressure ventilation equipment; use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums; proper cleanup and disposal procedures; work practices for removal, encapsulation, enclosure, and repair; emergency procedures for sudden releases; potential exposure situations; transport and disposal procedures; recommended and prohibited work practices. Discussion of new abatement-related techniques and methodologies may be included.
Personal Hygiene
Entry and exit procedures for the work area; use of showers; avoidance of eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing (gum or tobacco) in the work area. Potential exposures, such as family exposure, shall also be included.
Additional Safety Hazards
Hazards encountered during abatement activities and how to deal with them, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire and explosion hazards, scaffold and ladder hazards, slips, trips, and falls, and confined spaces.
Medical Monitoring
OSHA and EPA Worker Protection Rule requirements for physical examinations, including a pulmonary function test, chest x-rays, and a medical history for each employee.
Air Monitoring
Procedures to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers, including a description of aggressive sampling, sampling equipment and methods, reasons for air monitoring, types of samples, and interpretation of results, specifically from analysis performed by polarized light, phase-contrast, and electron microscopy analyses.
Respiratory Protection Programs and Medical Surveillance Programs
Insurance and Liability Issues
Contractor issues; worker’s compensation coverage and exclusions; third-party liabilities and defenses; insurance coverage and exclusions.
Record Keeping for Asbestos Abatement Projects
Records required by federal, state, and local regulations; records recommended for legal and insurance purposes.
Supervisory Techniques for Asbestos Abatement Activities
Supervisory practices to enforce and reinforce the required work practices and discourage unsafe work practices.
Contract Specifications
Discussion of key elements that are included in contract specifications.
Course Review
Review of key aspects