Physical Characteristics of Asbestos
Identification of asbestos, aerodynamic characteristics, typical uses, and physical appearance, and a 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 and a discussion of the relationship of asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancers of other organs.
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; use, storage, and handling of non-disposable clothing; and 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; and recommended and prohibited work practices.
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.
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 a pulmonary function test, chest x-rays, and a medical history for each employee.
Air Monitoring
Procedures to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers, focusing on how personal air sampling is performed and the reasons for it.
Relevant Federal, State and Local Regulatory Requirements, Procedures, and Standards
Particular attention directed at relevant EPA, OSHA, and state regulations concerning asbestos abatement workers.
Establishment of Respiratory Protection Programs
Course Review
Review of key aspects of the training course.