Part III. Entry
18VAC15-20-31. Application procedures.
All applicants seeking licensure shall submit an application with the appropriate fee specified in 18VAC15-20-52. Application shall be made on forms provided by the department.
By signing the application or submitting it electronically to the department, the applicant certifies that he has read and understands the board's statutes and regulations.
The receipt of an application and the deposit of fees by the board does not indicate approval by the board.
The board may make further inquiries and investigations with respect to the applicant's qualifications to confirm or amplify information supplied.
Applicants will be notified if their application is incomplete. Applicants who fail to complete the process within 12 months after the date the department receives the application shall submit a new application and fee.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2006.
18VAC15-20-32. Qualifications for licensure - individuals.
A. General. Applicants shall meet all applicable entry requirements at the time application is made.
B. Name. The applicant shall disclose his full legal name.
C. Age. The applicant shall be at least 18 years old.
D. Address. The applicant shall disclose a physical address. A post office box is only acceptable when a physical address is also provided.
E. Specific entry requirements.
1. Worker. Each individual applying for an initial asbestos worker license shall provide proof of successful completion of (i) an EPA/AHERA or board-approved initial accredited asbestos worker training program and all subsequent EPA/AHERA or board-approved accredited asbestos worker refresher training programs or (ii) an EPA/AHERA or board-approved initial accredited supervisor training program and all subsequent EPA/AHERA or board-approved accredited asbestos supervisor refresher training programs. The training certificate must indicate that the training was taken within 12 months preceding the date the department receives the application.
2. Supervisor. Each individual applying for an initial asbestos supervisor license shall provide proof of successful completion of an EPA/AHERA or board-approved initial accredited supervisor training program and all subsequent EPA/AHERA or board-approved accredited asbestos supervisor refresher training programs. The training certificate must indicate that the training was taken within 12 months preceding the date the department receives the application.
3. Inspector.
a. Each individual applying for an initial asbestos inspector license shall provide:
(1) Proof of successful completion of an EPA/AHERA or board-approved initial accredited inspector training program and all subsequent EPA/AHERA or board-approved accredited asbestos inspector refresher training programs; and
(2) Evidence of experience in performing asbestos inspections in buildings or industrial facilities, including collecting bulk samples, categorizing ACM, assessing ACM and preparing inspection reports. The amount of experience required is dependent on the applicant's formal education and is as follows:
(a) An applicant with a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, physical science or a related field shall have at least six months' experience or have completed a minimum of five inspections;
(b) An applicant with a two-year associate's degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, physical science or a related field shall have at least 12 months' experience or have completed a minimum of 10 inspections; or
(c) An applicant with a high school diploma shall have at least 24 months' experience or have completed a minimum of 15 inspections.
b. Experience may be obtained by:
(1) Conducting asbestos inspections in jurisdictions outside of Virginia in accordance with all federal, state and local statutes.
(2) Conducting asbestos inspections under the direct supervision, as defined in this chapter, of a licensed inspector or EPA-accredited inspector where no license is required. All reports prepared by the unlicensed individual shall be signed by the licensed or EPA-accredited inspector in charge. The licensed or EPA-accredited inspector assumes responsibility for all sampling and reports prepared by the unlicensed individual.
4. Management planner.
a. Each individual applying for an initial asbestos management planner license shall provide:
(1) Proof of successful completion of an EPA/AHERA or board-approved initial accredited management planner training program and all subsequent EPA/AHERA or board-approved accredited asbestos management planner refresher training programs; and
(2) Evidence of experience evaluating inspection reports, selecting response actions, analyzing the cost of response actions, ranking response actions, preparing operations and maintenance plans and preparing management plans. The amount of experience required is dependent on the applicant's formal education and is as follows:
(a) An applicant with a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, physical science or a related field shall have at least six months' experience or shall have completed a minimum of five management plans.
(b) An applicant with a two-year associate's degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, physical science or a related field shall have at least 12 months' experience or shall have completed a minimum of 10 management plans.
(c) An applicant with a high school diploma shall have at least 24 months' experience or shall have completed a minimum of 15 management plans.
b. Experience may be obtained by:
(1) Preparing management plans or conducting asbestos inspections in jurisdictions outside of Virginia in accordance with all federal, state and local statutes; or
(2) Preparing management plans or conducting asbestos inspections under the direct supervision, as defined in this chapter, of a licensed management planner or inspector, or EPA-accredited management planner or inspector where no license is required. All reports prepared by the unlicensed individual shall be signed by the licensed or EPA-accredited management planner or inspector in charge. The licensed or EPA-accredited management planner or inspector assumes responsibility for all sampling and reports prepared by the unlicensed individual.
5. Project designer.
a. Each individual applying for an initial asbestos project designer license shall provide:
(1) Proof of successful completion of an EPA/AHERA or board-approved initial accredited project designer training program and all subsequent EPA/AHERA or board-approved accredited asbestos project designer refresher training programs; and
(2) Evidence of experience in the preparation of project designs or project specifications. The amount of experience required is dependent on the applicant's formal education and is as follows:
(a) An applicant with a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, physical science or a related field shall have six months' experience or shall have completed a minimum of five project designs.
(b) An applicant with a two-year associate's degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, physical science or related field shall have 12 months' experience or shall have completed a minimum of 10 project designs.
(c) An applicant with a high school diploma shall have at least 24 months' experience or shall have completed a minimum of 15 project designs.
b. Experience may be obtained by:
(1) Preparing asbestos project designs in jurisdictions outside of Virginia in accordance with all federal, state and local statutes.
(2) Preparing asbestos project designs under the direct supervision, as defined in this chapter, of a licensed asbestos project designer, or EPA-accredited asbestos project designer where no license is required. All project designs prepared by the unlicensed individual shall be signed by the licensed EPA-accredited project designer in charge. The licensed or EPA-accredited project designer assumes responsibility for all project design reports prepared by the unlicensed individual.
6. Project monitor.
a. Each individual applying for an initial asbestos project monitor license shall provide:
(1) Proof of (i) a current certification by EPA as an asbestos project designer or asbestos supervisor and successful completion of a board-approved asbestos project monitor training program of 16 hours, including the examination or (ii) successful completion of a board-approved asbestos project monitor training program of 40 hours, including examination. Only project monitor training programs that are board approved shall be accepted for meeting the training requirement; and
(2) Evidence of 160 hours of experience in performing asbestos project monitoring through field work on project sites. This includes, but is not limited to, evaluating and monitoring asbestos work practices, collecting environmental asbestos air samples during abatement, performing visual inspections and taking final air samples to grant clearance for asbestos abatement projects.
b. Experience may be obtained by:
(1) Acting as an asbestos project monitor in jurisdictions outside of Virginia in accordance with all federal, state and local statutes.
(2) Acting as an asbestos project monitor under the direct supervision, as defined in this chapter, of a licensed asbestos project monitor or an accredited asbestos project monitor where no license is required. All project monitoring reports prepared by the unlicensed individual shall be signed by the licensed or accredited project monitor in charge. The licensed or accredited project monitor assumes responsibility for all reports and documents prepared by the unlicensed individual.
F. Experience and education verification. Each application for inspector, management planner, project monitor and project designer shall include a completed Experience Verification Form signed by a supervisor verifying the applicant's experience. In lieu of a verifying signature for experience, an applicant who is self employed may submit a copy of three completed inspections, management plans, project designs or project monitor reports, whichever is applicable. A letter from a supervisor verifying the experience may be submitted in lieu of the Experience Verification Form. If verification of a degree is required, the Education Verification Form shall be sent directly from the school to the department.
G. Conviction or guilt. The applicant shall not have been convicted or found guilty, regardless of adjudication, in any jurisdiction of any felony or of any misdemeanor involving lying, cheating or stealing or any violation while engaged in environmental remediation activity that resulted in the significant harm or the imminent and substantial threat of significant harm to human health or the environment, there being no appeal pending therefrom or the time of appeal having lapsed. Any plea of nolo contendre shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this section. The record of conviction, finding or case decision shall be considered prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt. The board, at its discretion, may deny licensure or certification to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.
H. Standards of practice and conduct. Applicants shall be in compliance with the standards of practice and conduct set forth in 18VAC15-20-400 through 18VAC15-20-450 and 18VAC455 through 18VAC15-20-459.1, as applicable at the time of application to the board, while the application is under review by the board, and at all times when the license is in effect.
I. Standing. The applicant shall be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed and the applicant shall not have had a license that was suspended, revoked or surrendered in connection with any disciplinary action in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure in Virginia. The board, at its discretion, may deny licensure or certification to any applicant based on disciplinary action by any jurisdiction.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2006.
18VAC15-20-33. General qualifications for licensure: firms.
A. Each firm applying for a license shall meet the requirements of this section.
B. The applicant shall disclose the name under which the business entity conducts business and holds itself out to the public. The firm shall register trade or fictitious names, when applicable, with the State Corporation Commission in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia before submitting an application to the board.
C. The applicant shall disclose the firm's mailing address and the firm's physical address. A post office box is only acceptable as a mailing address when a physical address is also provided.
D. Applicants shall meet the additional requirements listed in this subsection for the firm's form of organization:
1. Corporations. Applicants shall have been incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia or, if a foreign corporation, shall have obtained a certificate of authority to conduct business in Virginia from the State Corporation Commission in accordance with requirements governing corporations pursuant to Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia. Corporations shall be in good standing with the State Corporation Commission at the time of application to the board and at all times when the license is in effect.
2. Limited liability companies. Applicants shall have obtained a certificate of organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia or, if a foreign limited liability company, shall have obtained a certificate of registration to do business in Virginia from the State Corporation Commission in accordance with requirements governing limited liability companies pursuant to Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia. Companies shall be in good standing with the State Corporation Commission at the time of application to the board and at all times when the license is in effect.
3. Partnerships. Applicants shall have a written partnership agreement. The partnership agreement shall state that asbestos abatement services of the partnership shall be under the direction and control of the appropriate asbestos abatement licensee.
E. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, the applicant shall disclose the following information about the firm and its owners, officers, managers, members, and directors, as applicable:
1. All felony convictions;
2. All misdemeanor convictions involving lying, cheating, or stealing; and
3. Any conviction resulting from engaging in environmental remediation activity that resulted in the significant harm or the imminent and substantial threat of significant harm to human health or the environment.
Any plea of nolo contendre or finding of guilt, regardless of adjudication or deferred adjudication, shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this section. The board, at its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
F. The applicant shall report (i) the suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration in connection with a disciplinary action by any jurisdiction and (ii) whether the firm, owners, officers, managers, members, or directors have been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure and while the application is under review by the board. The board, at its discretion, may deny licensure to an applicant based on disciplinary action by any jurisdiction.
G. The board may deny the application of an applicant who is shown to have a substantial identity of interest with a person whose license or certificate has been revoked or not renewed by the board. A substantial identity of interest includes (i) a controlling financial interest by the individual or corporate principals of the person whose license or certificate has been revoked or has not been renewed or (ii) substantially identical owners, officers, managers, members, or directors, as applicable.
H. An applicant shall not knowingly make a materially false statement, submit falsified documents, or fail to disclose a material fact requested in connection with an application submitted to the board.
Statutory Authority
§54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2006; Errata 23:5 VA.R. 791 November 13, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. September 1, 2019; Volume 36, Issue 15, eff. May 1, 2020.
18VAC15-20-33.1. Qualifications for asbestos contractor license.
In addition to the requirements of 18VAC15-20-33, each applicant for an asbestos contractor license shall hold a valid Virginia contractor license issued by the Virginia Board for Contractors with an asbestos contracting specialty and shall be in compliance with all other requirements found in Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia governing the regulation of contractors.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. September 1, 2019.
18VAC15-20-33.2. Qualifications for asbestos analytical laboratory license.
A. In addition to the requirements of 18VAC15-20-33, each applicant for an asbestos analytical laboratory license shall submit evidence of meeting the standards to perform one or more of PLM, PCM, or TEM analysis.
1. For PLM analysis, one of the following:
a. Current NVLAP accreditation demonstrated by submittal of a copy of the Certificate of Accreditation, Scope of Accreditation, and documentation of proficiency with the application;
b. The asbestos analytical laboratory is rated "proficient" in the BAPAT Program and maintains the training and quality control document such as is necessary to demonstrate competency in performing analysis; or
c. The asbestos analytical laboratory is accredited under the IHLAP and maintains the training and quality control documentation such as is necessary to demonstrate competency.
2. For PCM analysis, each analyst shall have completed the NIOSH 582 or NIOSH 582 Equivalency course. In addition, at least one of the following must be satisfied:
a. At fixed laboratory sites, one of the following qualifications must be met:
(1) The asbestos analytical laboratory is accredited under the IHLAP and maintains the training and quality control documentation such as is necessary to demonstrate competency;
(2) The asbestos analytical laboratory is rated "proficient" in the IHPAT Program and maintains the training and quality control document such as is necessary to demonstrate competency in performing analysis; or
(3) Each analyst is listed in the AAR and has a performance rating of "acceptable" for the most recent AAT round.
b. For onsite analysis, one of the following qualifications must be met:
(1) The asbestos analytical laboratory is rated "proficient" in the IHPAT Program and maintains the training and quality control document such as is necessary to demonstrate competency in performing onsite analysis for each onsite analyst;
(2) The asbestos analytical laboratory is accredited under the IHLAP and maintains compliance with the requirements of its accreditation, as well as the training and quality control document such as is necessary to demonstrate competency in performing onsite analysis for each onsite analyst; or
(3) Each analyst is listed in the AAR and has a performance rating of "acceptable" for the most recent AAT round.
3. For TEM analysis, a current accreditation by NVLAP to analyze asbestos airborne fibers using TEM. A copy of the NVLAP Certificate of Accreditation, Scope of Accreditation, and documentation of NVLAP proficiency shall be submitted with the application.
B. The applicant shall name a responsible individual for the asbestos analytical laboratory.
C. Any branch office of an asbestos analytical laboratory shall complete a branch office application from the board. Each branch office shall name a resident responsible individual at each branch office.
D. The branch office application shall provide the information contained in subsection A of this section for the applicable branch office.
E. Any of the training and quality control documentation required to be maintained pursuant to this section shall be provided to the board upon request.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. Month September 1, 2019.
18VAC15-20-34. Qualifications for accredited asbestos training program approval.
A. Training programs desiring board approval shall meet the minimum requirements established in this chapter. Persons requesting approval as an accredited asbestos training program to prepare training program participants for licensure requirements shall submit an accredited asbestos Training Program Review and Audit Application with the following required information:
1. Training provider's business name, physical address, mailing address, and phone number.
2. Copies of approval letters issued by EPA or other states granting approval of asbestos training programs presented by the provider.
3. Applicable fee specified in 18VAC15-20-52.
4. The training program curriculum.
5. A narrative explanation that states how the training program meets the requirements for approval in the following areas:
a. Length of training in hours.
b. Amount and type of hands-on training.
c. Examinations (length, format and passing score).
d. Topics covered in the training program.
e. Assurances of test security and how exams are administered.
6. A copy of all training program materials including, but not limited to, student manuals, instructor notebooks, handouts, and training aids.
7. A copy of the examination(s) used and applicable answer sheets.
8. The names and qualifications, including education and experience, of each instructor and subject areas that each instructor will teach.
9. A description of and an example of a certificate that will be issued to students who successfully complete the accredited asbestos training program. The certificate shall contain the information required by this chapter.
10. A proposed training program date for auditing purposes. The proposed date will be confirmed or an alternate date will be proposed within 10 business days after receipt of a complete accredited asbestos training program submission and the required fee.
B. A complete submission shall consist of all information required by this section. Receipt of application and deposit of fees by the department in no way indicates approval of a training program.
C. A complete application shall be submitted to the department no less than 45 days prior to the requested audit date.
D. Upon receipt of a completed application, a preliminary review will be conducted to ensure all written material and other documentation is accurate and up to date. If any deficiencies are noted, a letter will be sent to the applicant indicating the deficiencies and necessary steps to correct them. All deficiencies noted during the preliminary review shall be corrected prior to the on-site audit.
E. Upon successful completion of the preliminary review, an on-site audit shall be conducted to complete the application process. If any deficiencies are noted during the audit, the training provider will be informed, either in writing or verbally, and offered an opportunity to correct them. Once the audit is complete and any deficiencies corrected, a letter of approval will be sent to the accredited asbestos training program.
F. All accredited asbestos training programs approved by the board shall have a monitored, final written examination, except for asbestos workers needing an oral examination. The board recommends the examination include a practical component to test skill in asbestos abatement techniques. Students shall obtain a minimum examination grade of 70% correct. Records of the participant's examination shall be maintained in accordance with this chapter.
G. Letters of approval for accredited asbestos training programs shall be maintained at the business address listed on the approval letter and made accessible to the public. Each provider of an approved accredited asbestos training program shall maintain all records at the business address. The required records shall be available for review upon demand by the board or its representatives.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2006.
18VAC15-20-40. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 3.2, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2006.
18VAC15-20-50. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 3.3, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 10, eff. April 1, 1997; Volume 16, Issue 11, eff. May 1, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 3, eff. December 1, 2006.