Part XIII. Accredited Asbestos Training Program Standards
18VAC15-20-700. General.
In all of the following accredited asbestos training program (training program) requirements, one day shall be equal to eight hours, inclusive of lunch and breaks.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.1, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-710. Worker training.
Asbestos abatement workers shall complete at least a four-day (32 hours) training program as outlined below. All training programs shall be approved by the board. The accredited asbestos training program shall include lectures, demonstrations, at least 14 hours of hands-on training, a training program review, and an examination.
The training shall address the following topics:
1. Physical characteristics of asbestos.
a. Identification of asbestos.
b. Aerodynamic characteristics.
c. Typical uses and physical appearance.
d. A summary of abatement control options.
2. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure.
a. The nature of asbestos-related diseases.
b. Routes of exposure, dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level.
c. Synergism between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure.
d. Latency period for disease.
3. Employee personal protective equipment.
a. Classes and characteristics of respirator types.
b. Limitations of respirators and their proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negative pressure fitting tests).
d. Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.
e. Variability between field and laboratory protection factors.
f. Factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair).
g. The components of a proper respiratory protection program.
h. Selection and use of personal protective clothing; use, storage, and handling of nondisposable clothing.
i. Regulations covering personal protective equipment.
4. State-of-the-art work practices.
a. Asbestos abatement activities including descriptions of construction and maintenance of barriers and decontamination enclosure systems.
b. Positioning of warning signs.
c. Electrical and ventilation system lock-out.
d. Working techniques for minimizing fiber release, use of wet methods, use of negative pressure ventilation equipment, use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums.
e. Clean-up and disposal procedures.
f. Work practices for removal, encapsulation, enclosure, and repair.
g. Emergency procedures for sudden releases.
h. Potential exposure situations, and transport and disposal procedures.
i. Recommended and prohibited work practices.
5. Personal hygiene.
a. 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.
b. Potential exposures, including family exposure.
6. Additional safety hazards.
a. 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.
b. Scaffold and ladder hazards.
c. Slips, trips and falls.
d. Confined spaces.
7. Medical monitoring.
a. OSHA requirements for a pulmonary function test.
b. Chest X-rays and a medical history for each employee.
8. Air monitoring.
a. Procedures to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers.
b. Focusing on how personal air sampling is performed and the reasons for it.
9. Relevant federal, state and local regulatory requirements, procedures and standards, with particular attention directed at relevant EPA, OSHA, and state regulations concerning asbestos abatement workers and Department of Transportation regulations (49 CFR 172 Subpart H), with emphasis on packaging requirements and marking of containers of ACM waste.
10. Establishment of respiratory protection programs.
11. Training program review. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.2, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-720. Examinations: Asbestos abatement worker.
Upon completion of an approved initial training program, a closed-book examination will be administered. Demonstration testing will also be permitted as part of the examination. Each examination shall cover the topics included in the training program. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill the training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter. The following are the requirements for an examination:
1. Fifty multiple choice questions; and
2. Passing score: 70% correct.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.3, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-730. Refresher training program.
A. Accredited asbestos refresher training programs shall be one day (eight hours) for asbestos abatement workers. The training programs shall review federal and state regulations, discuss changes to the regulations, if applicable, and developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial accredited asbestos training program shall be included in the accredited asbestos worker refresher training program:
1. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure;
2. Employee personal protective equipment;
3. State-of-the-art work practices (with emphasis on work practices for removal, encapsulation, encasement, enclosure and repair and proper working techniques for minimizing fiber release, use of wet methods, use of negative pressure ventilation equipment and the use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums);
4. Personal hygiene; and
5. Additional safety hazards.
B. A written closed-book examination shall be included in the refresher training program. The examination will consist of no fewer than 50 questions. The passing score will be 70% correct. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill the training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.4, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-740. Supervisor training.
Asbestos abatement supervisors shall complete a five-day (40 hours) training program as outlined below. The training program shall include lectures, demonstrations, training program review, examination, and at least 14 hours of hands-on training which allows supervisors the experience of performing actual tasks associated with asbestos abatement. The accredited asbestos supervisor training program shall address the following topics:
1. The role of the supervisor in the asbestos abatement process.
2. The physical characteristics of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
a. Identification of asbestos.
b. Aerodynamic characteristics.
c. Typical uses, physical appearance.
d. A review of hazard assessment considerations.
e. A summary of abatement control options.
3. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure.
a. The nature of asbestos-related diseases.
b. Routes of exposure, dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level.
c. Synergism between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure.
d. Latency period for disease.
4. Employee personal protective equipment.
a. Classes and characteristics of respirator types.
b. Limitations of respirators and their proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negative pressure fitting tests).
d. Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.
e. Variability between field and laboratory protection factors.
f. Factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair, dental work, weight loss or gain).
g. The components of a proper respiratory protection program.
h. Selection and use of personal protective clothing; use, storage and handling of nondisposable clothing.
i. Regulations covering personal protective equipment.
5. State-of-the-art work practices.
a. Work practices for asbestos abatement activities including descriptions of proper construction and maintenance of barriers and decontamination enclosure systems.
b. Positioning of warning signs.
c. Electrical and ventilation system lock-out.
d. Working techniques for minimizing fiber release, use of wet methods, use of negative pressure ventilation equipment, and use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums.
e. Clean-up and disposal procedures.
f. Work practices for removal, encapsulation, encasement, enclosure and repair.
g. Emergency procedures for sudden releases.
h. Potential exposure situations.
i. Transport and disposal procedures.
j. Recommended and prohibited work practices.
k. Discussion of new abatement related techniques and methodologies.
6. Personal hygiene.
a. Entry and exit procedures for the work area; use of showers; and avoidance of eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing (gum or tobacco) in the work area.
b. Potential exposures, such as family exposure, shall also be included.
7. Additional safety hazards.
a. 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.
b. Scaffold and ladder hazards.
c. Slips, trips and falls.
d. Confined spaces.
8. Medical monitoring. OSHA requirements for a pulmonary function test, chest X-rays and a medical history for each employee.
9. Air monitoring.
a. Procedures to determine airborne concentration of asbestos fibers, including a description of aggressive sampling, sampling equipment and methods.
b. Reasons for air monitoring.
c. Types of samples and interpretation of results, specifically from analysis performed by polarized light, phase-contrast, and electron microscopy analyses.
10. Relevant federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, procedures and standards including:
a. Requirements of TSCA Title II;
b. 40 CFR Part 61, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, Subparts A (General Provisions) and M (National Emission Standards for Asbestos);
c. OSHA Standards for Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134);
d. OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.1101);
e. EPA Worker Protection Rule, 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart G;
f. Requirements for Asbestos-Containing Waste Materials, 9VAC20-80-640; and
g. 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H, Department of Transportation regulations covering packaging, proper marking of shipping containers and shipping papers.
11. A review of NESHAP Guidance Documents.
a. Common Questions on the Asbestos NESHAP.
b. Asbestos NESHAP: Regulated Asbestos Containing Materials Guidance (EPA 340/1-90-018).
c. Asbestos NESHAP: Adequately Wet Guidance (EPA 340/1-90-019).
d. Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements for Waste Disposal: A Field Guide (EPA 340/1-90-016).
12. Respiratory protection programs and medical surveillance programs.
13. Insurance and liability issues.
a. Contractor issues, workers' compensation coverage, and exclusions.
b. Third-party liabilities and defenses.
c. Insurance coverage and exclusions.
14. Recordkeeping for asbestos abatement projects:
a. Records required by federal, state, and local regulations.
b. Records recommended for legal and insurance purposes.
15. Supervisory techniques for asbestos abatement activities. Supervisory practices to enforce and reinforce the required work practices and to discourage unsafe work practices.
16. Contract specifications. Discussions of key elements that are included in contract specifications.
17. Training program review. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.5, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-750. Examinations: asbestos abatement supervisors.
Upon completion of an approved accredited asbestos initial training program, a closed-book examination will be administered. Demonstration testing will also be permitted as part of the examination. Each examination shall cover the topics included in the training program. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill the training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter. The following are the requirements for an examination:
1. One hundred multiple choice questions; and
2. Passing score: 70% correct.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.6, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-760. Refresher training program.
A. Accredited asbestos refresher training programs shall be one day (eight hours) for asbestos abatement supervisors. The training program shall review federal and state regulations, discuss changes to the regulations, if applicable, and developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial accredited asbestos training program shall be included in the asbestos supervisor refresher training program:
1. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure;
2. Employee personal protective equipment; including medical monitoring and respiratory protection program;
3. State-of-the-art work practices (with emphasis on work practices for removal, encapsulation, enclosure and repair and proper working techniques for minimizing fiber release, use of wet methods, use of negative pressure ventilation equipment and the use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums);
4. Additional safety hazards and medical monitoring;
5. Review of the Asbestos NESHAP, OSHA and DOT requirements; and
6. Review of Virginia regulations concerning asbestos licensing, removal and disposal.
B. A written closed-book examination shall be included in the refresher training program. The examination will consist of no fewer than 50 questions. The passing score will be 70% correct. Persons who pass the refresher training program examination will receive a Certificate of Completion. The certificate shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.7, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-770. Inspector training.
Asbestos inspectors shall complete a three-day (24 hours) training program as outlined below. The training program shall include lectures, demonstrations, four hours of hands-on training, training program review and a written examination. The accredited asbestos inspector training program shall address the following topics:
1. Training program overview.
a. The role of the inspector in the asbestos abatement industry.
b. A discussion of inspection requirements and criteria for AHERA, NESHAP and state agencies.
2. Background information on asbestos.
a. Identification of asbestos, and examples and discussion of the uses and locations of asbestos in buildings.
b. Physical appearance of asbestos.
3. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure.
a. The nature of asbestos-related diseases.
b. Routes of exposure, dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level.
c. The synergism between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure.
d. Latency period for asbestos-related diseases, a discussion of the relationship of asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and cancer of other organs.
4. Functions/qualifications for inspectors.
a. Discussions of prior experience and qualifications for inspectors and management planners.
b. Discussions of the functions of an accredited inspector as compared to those of an accredited management planner.
c. Discussion of the inspection process including inventory of ACM and physical assessment.
5. Legal liabilities and defenses.
a. Responsibilities of the inspector, a discussion of comprehensive general liability policies, claims made and occurrence policies, environment and pollution liability policy clauses; state liability insurance requirements.
b. Bonding and relationship of insurance availability to bond availability.
6. Understanding building systems.
a. The relationship between building systems, including: an overview of common building physical plan layout; heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system types; physical organization; and where asbestos is found on HVAC components.
b. Building mechanical systems, their types and organization and where to look for asbestos on such systems.
c. Inspecting electrical systems, including appropriate safety precautions.
d. Reading building plans and as-built drawings.
7. Public/employee/building occupant relations.
a. Notification of employee organizations about the inspection.
b. Signs to warn building occupants.
c. Tactics in dealing with occupants and the press.
d. Scheduling inspections to minimize disruptions.
e. Education of building occupants about actions being taken.
8. Preinspection planning and review of previous inspection records.
a. Scheduling the inspection and obtaining access.
b. Building record review; identification of probable homogeneous areas from building plans or as-built drawings.
c. Consultation with maintenance or building personnel.
d. Review of previous inspection, sampling, and abatement records of a building.
e. The role of the inspector in exclusions for previously performed inspections.
9. Inspection for friable and nonfriable ACM and assessment of the condition of friable ACM.
a. Procedures to follow in conducting visual inspections for friable and nonfriable ACM.
b. Types of building materials that may contain asbestos.
c. Touching materials to determine friability.
d. Open return air plenums and their importance in HVAC systems.
e. Assessing damage, significant damage, potential damage, and potential significant damage.
f. Amount of suspected ACM, both in total quantity and as a percentage of the total area.
g. Type of damage.
h. Accessibility.
i. Material's potential for disturbance.
j. Known or suspected causes of damage or significant damage, and deterioration as assessment factors.
10. Bulk sampling/documentation of asbestos in schools.
a. Detailed discussion of the "Simplified Sampling Scheme for Friable Surfacing Materials" (EPA 560/5-85-030a October 1985).
b. Techniques to ensure sampling in a randomly distributed manner for other than friable surfacing materials.
c. Techniques for bulk sampling.
d. Sampling equipment the inspector should use.
e. Patching or repair of damage done in sampling; an inspector's repair kit.
f. Discussion of polarized light microscopy.
g. Choosing an accredited laboratory to analyze bulk samples.
h. Quality control and quality assurance procedures.
11. Inspector respiratory protection and equipment.
a. Classes and characteristics of respirator types.
b. Limitations of respirators.
c. Selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures for respirators.
d. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negative pressure fitting tests); qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.
e. Variability between field and laboratory protection factors.
f. Factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair, dental work, weight loss or gain).
g. The components of a proper respiratory protection program.
h. Selection and use of personal protective clothing.
i. Use, storage, and handling of nondisposable clothing.
12. Recordkeeping and writing the inspection report.
a. Labeling of samples and keying sample identification to sampling location.
b. Recommendations on sample labeling.
c. Detailing of ACM inventory.
d. Photographs of selected sampling areas and examples of ACM condition.
e. Information required for inclusion in the management plan by TSCA Title II section 203 (i)(1).
13. Regulatory review.
a. EPA Worker Protection Rule found at 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart G.
b. TSCA Title II.
c. OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.1101).
d. OSHA respirator requirements (29 CFR 1910.134).
e. The friable ACM in Schools Rule found at 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart F.
f. Applicable state and local regulations.
g. Differences in federal and state requirements where they apply and the effects, if any, on public and nonpublic schools, and commercial and public buildings.
14. Field trip.
a. Field exercise with a walk-through inspection.
b. On-site discussion of information gathering and determination of sampling locations.
c. On-site practice in physical assessment.
d. Classroom discussion of field exercise.
15. Training program review. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.8, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-780. Examinations: asbestos inspectors.
Upon completion of an accredited asbestos inspector training program, a closed-book examination will be administered. Each examination shall cover the topics included in the inspector training program. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter. The following are the requirements for examination:
1. One hundred multiple choice questions; and
2. Passing score: 70% correct.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.9, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-790. Refresher training program.
A. Accredited asbestos refresher training programs shall be one-half day (four hours) for inspectors. The training program shall review federal and state regulations, discuss changes to the regulations, if applicable, and review developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial accredited asbestos training program shall be included in the accredited asbestos inspector refresher training program:
1. Inspection for friable and nonfriable asbestos-containing material (ACM) and assessment of the condition of friable ACM;
2. Bulk sampling/documentation of asbestos in schools; and
3. Reinspection and reassessment techniques.
B. The use of exercises to encourage interactive learning and participation is suggested. These exercises may take the form of reviewing building plans, inspection reports, a video or photo walk-through of an area to be inspected and written interviews with maintenance personnel to draw upon items covered in the initial accredited asbestos inspector training program.
C. A written closed-book examination will be administered covering the topics included in the asbestos inspector refresher training program. The examination will consist of no fewer than 50 questions. The passing score will be 70% correct. Persons who pass the asbestos inspector refresher training program examination will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.10, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-800. Asbestos management planner training.
Asbestos management planners shall complete an accredited asbestos inspector training program as provided in 18VAC15-20-770 and a two-day accredited asbestos management planner training program. The two-day (16 hours) accredited asbestos training program shall include lectures, demonstrations, program review, and a written examination. The accredited asbestos management planner training program shall address the following topics:
1. Training program overview.
a. The role of the management planner.
b. Operations and maintenance programs.
c. Setting work priorities; protection of building occupants.
2. Evaluation/interpretation of survey results.
a. Review of TSCA Title II requirements for inspection and management plans as given in section 203(i)(1) of TSCA Title II.
b. Summarized field data and laboratory results; comparison between field inspector's data sheet with laboratory results and site survey.
3. Hazard assessment.
a. Amplification of the difference between physical assessment and hazard assessment.
b. The role of the management planner in hazard assessment.
c. Explanation of significant damage, damage, potential damage, and potential significant damage and use of a description (or decision tree) code for assessment of ACM; assessment of friable ACM.
d. Relationship of accessibility, vibration sources, use of adjoining space, air plenums and other factors to hazard assessment.
4. Legal implications.
a. Liability; insurance issues specific to management planners.
b. Liabilities associated with interim control measures, in-house maintenance, repair, and removal.
c. Use of results from previous inspections.
5. Evaluation and selection of control options.
a. Overview of encapsulation, enclosure, interim operations and maintenance, and removal; advantages and disadvantages of each method.
b. Response actions described via a decision tree or other appropriate method; work practices for each response action.
c. Staging and prioritizing of work in both vacant and occupied buildings.
d. The need for containment barriers and decontamination in response actions.
6. Role of other professionals.
a. Use of industrial hygienists, engineers and architects in developing technical specifications for response actions.
b. Any requirements that may exist for an architect to sign-off on plans.
c. Team approach to designing of high-quality job specifications.
7. Developing an operations and maintenance (O&M) plan.
a. Purpose of the plan.
b. Discussion of applicable EPA guidance documents.
c. What actions should be taken by custodial staff: proper cleaning procedures; steam cleaning and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuuming.
d. Reducing disturbance of ACM.
e. Scheduling O&M for off-hours; rescheduling or canceling renovation in areas with ACM.
f. Boiler room maintenance.
g. Disposal of ACM.
h. In-house procedures for ACM: bridging and penetrating encapsulants, pipe fittings, metal sleeves, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), canvas, and wet wraps; muslin with straps; fiber mesh cloth; mineral wool, and insulating cement.
i. Discussion of employee protection programs and staff training.
j. Case study in developing an O&M plan (development, implementation process, and problems that have been experienced).
8. Recordkeeping for the management planner.
a. Use of field inspector's data sheet along with laboratory results.
b. On-going recordkeeping as a means to track asbestos disturbance.
c. Procedures for recordkeeping.
9. Assembling and submitting the management plan.
a. Plan requirements in TSCA Title II section 203(I)(1).
b. The management plan as a planning tool.
10. Financing abatement actions.
a. Economic analysis and cost estimates.
b. Development of cost estimates.
c. Present costs of abatement versus future operations and maintenance costs.
d. Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act grants and loans.
11. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.11, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-810. Examinations: asbestos management planners.
Upon completion of an accredited asbestos management planner training program, a closed-book examination will be administered. Each examination shall cover the topics included in the management planner training program. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter. The following are the requirements for examination:
1. One hundred multiple choice questions; and
2. Passing score: 70% correct.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.12, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-820. Refresher training program.
A. Management planners shall attend both the management planner refresher training program of one-half day (four hours) and the inspector refresher training program of one-half day (four hours). The management planner refresher training program shall review federal and state regulations, discuss changes, if applicable, and review developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial accredited asbestos management planner training program shall be included in the asbestos management planner refresher training program:
1. Evaluation and interpretation of survey results;
2. Hazard assessment;
3. Evaluation and selection of control options; and
4. Developing an Operations and Maintenance plan.
B. The use of exercises to encourage interactive learning and participation is suggested. These exercises may take the form of reviewing inspection reports, a video or photo walk-through of a building to have a management plan prepared for and a review of reinspection or abatement reports to update or prepare a management plan to draw upon items covered in the accredited asbestos inspector training program and the initial accredited asbestos management planner training program.
C. A written closed-book examination will be administered covering the topics included in the asbestos management planner refresher training program. The examination will consist of no fewer than 50 questions. The passing score will be 70% correct. Persons who pass the asbestos management planner refresher training program examination will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.13, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-830. Asbestos project designer training.
Asbestos project designers shall complete a three-day (24 hours) training program as outlined below. The three-day asbestos project designer training program shall include lectures, demonstrations, a field trip, training program review, and a written examination. The three-day asbestos project designer training program shall address the following topics:
1. Training program overview.
a. The role of the project designer in the asbestos abatement industry.
b. Discussion of what a project design is.
2. Background information on asbestos.
a. Identification of asbestos; examples and discussion of the uses and locations of asbestos in buildings.
b. Physical appearance of asbestos.
3. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure.
a. Nature of asbestos-related diseases.
b. Routes of exposure, dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level.
c. The synergistic effect between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure.
d. The latency period of asbestos-related diseases; a discussion of the relationship between asbestos exposure and asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer of other organs.
4. Overview of abatement construction projects.
a. Abatement as a portion of a renovation project.
b. OSHA requirements for notification of other contractors on a multi-employer site (29 CFR 1926.1101).
5. Safety system design specifications.
a. Construction and maintenance of containment barriers and decontamination enclosure systems.
b. Positioning of warning signs.
c. Electrical and ventilation system lock-out.
d. Proper working techniques for minimizing fiber release.
e. Entry and exit procedures for the work area, use of wet methods, use of negative pressure exhaust ventilation equipment, use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums, proper clean-up and disposal of asbestos, work practices as they apply to encapsulation, enclosure, and repair, use of glove bags and a demonstration of glove bag use.
6. Field trip.
a. Visit a proposed abatement site or other suitable building site, including on-site discussions of abatement design.
b. Building walk-through inspection, and discussion following the walk-through.
7. Employee personal protective equipment.
a. Classes and characteristics of respirator types.
b. Limitations of respirators, proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negative pressure fitting tests).
d. Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.
e. Variability between field and laboratory protection factors, factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair, dental work and weight loss or gain).
f. Components of a proper respiratory protection program.
g. Selection and use of personal protective clothing, use, storage and handling of nondisposable clothing.
h. Regulations covering personal protective equipment.
8. Additional safety hazards.
a. Hazards encountered during abatement activities and how to deal with them.
b. Electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire and explosion hazards.
9. Fiber aerodynamics and control.
a. Aerodynamic characteristics of asbestos fibers.
b. Importance of proper containment barriers.
c. Settling time for asbestos fibers.
d. Wet methods in abatement.
e. Aggressive air monitoring following abatement.
f. Aggressive air movement and negative pressure exhaust ventilation as a clean-up method.
10. Designing abatement solutions.
a. Discussions of removal, enclosure, and encapsulation methods.
b. Asbestos waste disposal.
11. Budgeting/cost estimation.
a. Development of cost estimates.
b. Present costs of abatement versus future operations and maintenance costs.
c. Setting priorities for abatement jobs to reduce cost.
12. Writing abatement specifications.
a. Means and methods specifications versus performance specifications.
b. Design of abatement in occupied buildings.
c. Modification of guide specifications to a particular building.
d. Worker and building occupant health/medical considerations.
e. Replacement of ACM with non-asbestos substitutes.
f. Clearance of work area after abatement.
g. Air monitoring for clearance.
13. Preparing abatement drawings.
a. Use of as-built drawings.
b. Use of inspection photographs and on-site reports.
c. Particular problems in abatement drawings.
14. Contract preparation and administration.
15. Legal/liabilities/defenses.
a. Insurance considerations, bonding, hold harmless clauses, and use of abatement contractor's liability insurance.
b. Claims-made versus occurrence policies.
16. Replacement of asbestos with asbestos-free substitutes.
17. Role of other consultants.
a. Development of technical specification sections by industrial hygienists or engineers.
b. The multi-disciplinary team approach to abatement design.
c. The use and responsibilities of a project monitor on the abatement site.
18. Occupied buildings.
a. Special design procedures required in occupied buildings.
b. Education of occupants.
c. Extra monitoring recommendations.
d. Staging of work to minimize occupant exposure.
e. Scheduling of renovation to minimize exposure.
19. Relevant federal, state and local regulatory requirements. Procedures and standards including:
a. Requirements of TSCA Title II;
b. 40 CFR Part 61, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, Subparts A (General Provisions) and M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos);
c. OSHA standards for respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134);
d. EPA Worker Protection Rule, found at 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart G;
e. OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard found at 29 CFR 1926.1101; and
f. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard found in 29 CFR 1926.59.
20. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.14, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-840. Examinations: asbestos project designers.
Upon completion of an accredited asbestos project designer training program, a closed-book examination will be administered. Each examination shall cover the topics included in the asbestos project designer training program. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter. The following are the requirements for examination:
1. One hundred multiple choice questions; and
2. Passing score: 70% correct.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16:15, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-850. Refresher training program.
A. The accredited asbestos project designer refresher training program shall be one day (eight hours) in length. The training program shall review federal and state regulations, discuss changes to the regulations, if applicable, and review developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial project designer training program shall be included in the accredited asbestos project designer refresher training program:
1. Safety system design specifications;
2. Writing abatement specifications;
3. Employee personal protective equipment; and
4. Budgeting and cost estimation.
B. The use of exercises to encourage interactive learning and participation is suggested. These exercises may take the form of reviewing inspection reports, a video or photo walk-through of a building to prepare a response action, a review of a mock-up cost list of equipment and materials utilized for various response actions to be designed within certain budget constraints and recommending a response action based upon the cost, budget and material condition constraints.
C. A written closed-book examination will be administered covering the topics included in the asbestos project designer refresher training program. The examination will consist of no fewer than 50 questions. The passing score will be 70% correct. Persons who pass the asbestos project designer refresher training program will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.16, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-860. Project monitor training.
A. Asbestos abatement project monitors shall complete a five-day (40 hours) training program as outlined below. All training programs shall be approved by the board. The accredited asbestos training program shall include lectures, demonstrations, training program review, examination, and at least six hours of hands-on training which allows project monitors the experience of performing actual tasks associated with asbestos project monitoring. Those applicants who hold current supervisor or project designer accreditation need not complete the entire 40-hour accredited asbestos training program, but may complete the 16-hour portion of the training program described in subdivision B 1 of this section and take the examination. The comprehensive 40-hour accredited asbestos project monitor training program shall address the following topics:
1. The physical characteristics of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
a. Identification of asbestos.
b. Typical uses and locations in buildings, physical appearance.
c. A review of hazard assessment control options.
d. A summary of abatement control options.
2. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure.
a. The nature of asbestos-related diseases.
b. Routes of exposure, dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level.
c. Synergism between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure.
d. Latency period for disease; a discussion of the relationship between asbestos exposure and asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer of the other organs.
3. Employee personal protective equipment.
a. Classes and characteristics of respirator types.
b. Limitations of respirators and their proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negative pressure fitting tests).
d. Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.
e. Variability between field and laboratory protection factors.
f. Factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair, dental work, weight loss or gain).
g. The components of a proper respiratory protection program.
h. Selection and uses of personal protective clothing; use, storage, and handling of nondisposable clothing.
i. Regulations covering personal protection equipment.
4. State of the art work practices.
a. Work practices for asbestos abatement activities including description of proper construction and maintenance barriers and decontamination enclosure systems.
b. Positioning of warning signs.
c. Electrical and ventilation system lock-out.
d. Working techniques for minimizing fiber release, use of wet methods, use of negative pressure ventilation equipment, use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums. Entry and exit procedures for work area.
e. Clean-up and disposal procedures.
f. Work practices for removal, encapsulation, enclosure and repair. Use of glove bags and a demonstration of glove bag use.
g. Emergency procedures for sudden release.
h. Potential exposure situations.
i. Transport and disposal procedures.
j. Recommended and prohibited work practices.
k. Discussion of new abatement related techniques and methodologies.
5. Personal hygiene.
a. 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.
b. Potential exposures, such as family exposure, shall also be included.
6. Additional safety hazards as covered in OSHA CFR Parts 1926 and 1910 to include:
a. Hazards encountered during the abatement activities and how to deal with them, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire, and explosion hazards;
b. Scaffold and ladder hazards;
c. Slips, trips and falls; and
d. Confined spaces.
7. Medical monitoring. OSHA requirements for a pulmonary function test, chest x-rays and a medical history for each employee.
8. Respiratory protection programs and medical surveillance programs.
9. Insurance and liability issues:
a. Contractor issues, workers' compensation coverage, and exclusions.
b. Third-party liabilities and defenses.
c. Insurance coverage and exclusions.
10. Relevant federal, state and local regulatory requirements, procedures and standards including:
a. Requirements of TSCA Title II;
b. 40 CFR Part 61 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, Subparts A (General Provisions) and M (National Emission Standards for Asbestos);
c. OSHA Standards for respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134);
d. OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.1101);
e. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1926.59);
f. EPA Worker Protection Rule, 40 CFR Part 763;
g. Requirements of Asbestos-Containing Waste Materials, 9VAC20-80-640;
h. DOT 49 CFR Parts 171 and 172 Subpart H; and
i. Virginia asbestos licensing regulations.
B. The material outlined below encompasses the 16-hour accredited asbestos project monitor training program. Those applicants who are currently accredited as supervisors or project designers need only complete the 16-hour project monitor training program and examination. The comprehensive 40-hour project monitor training program includes the preceding topics and continues below.
1. Air monitoring.
a. NIOSH Asbestos Monitoring Procedure. Procedures to determine airborne concentration of asbestos fibers, including a description of aggressive sampling, sampling equipment and methods.
(1) Explanation of analytical methods, measures of precision, control of errors, collecting samples, fiber counts, sampling and calibration equipment, statistics, quality control techniques in sampling.
(2) Review of OSHA Asbestos Regulations 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F, 1-6.
b. Sampling strategy.
(1) Why samples are taken.
(2) Sampling inside and outside of containment area.
(3) Placement of pumps.
c. Reasons for air monitoring.
d. Types of samples and interpretation of results, specifically from analysis performed by polarized light, phase-contrast, and electron microscopy analyses.
e. Final clearance.
2. Overview of supervisory techniques for asbestos abatement activities to include the information covered in the accredited asbestos supervisor training program. A review of the required work practices and safety considerations.
3. Field trip.
a. Visit a proposed abatement site or other suitable building site, including on-site discussions of abatement design.
b. Building walk-through inspection and discussion following the walk through.
4. Fiber aerodynamics and control.
a. Aerodynamic characteristics of asbestos fibers.
b. Importance of proper containment barriers.
c. Settling time for asbestos fibers.
d. Wet methods in abatement.
e. Aggressive air monitoring following abatement.
f. Aggressive air movement and negative pressure exhaust ventilation as a clean-up method.
5. Project specifications. Discussion of key elements that are included in contract specifications.
a. Means and methods specifications versus performance specifications.
b. Considerations for design of abatement in occupied buildings.
c. Worker and building occupant health/medical considerations.
d. Replacement of ACM with nonasbestos substitutes.
e. Clearance of work area after abatement.
f. Use of as-built drawings.
g. Use of inspection photographs and on-site reports.
h. Particular problems in abatement drawings.
6. Conducting inspections.
a. Inspection prior to containment to assure condition of items and proper precleaning.
b. Inspection of containment prior to commencement of abatement to assure that containment is complete and proper.
c. Daily work and containment inspections.
d. Final visual inspection and a discussion of the ASTM E1368 method.
7. Recordkeeping and documentation.
a. Project logs.
b. Inspection reports.
c. Waste shipment record requirements (WSR).
d. Recordkeeping required by federal, state or local regulations.
e. Recordkeeping required for insurance purposes.
8. Role of project monitor in relation to:
a. Building owner;
b. Building occupants;
c. Abatement contractor; and
d. Other consultants.
9. Occupied buildings.
a. Special procedures recommended in occupied buildings.
b. Extra monitoring recommendations.
10. A review of NESHAP Guidance Documents.
11. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
12. Examination.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.17, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-870. Examination: asbestos project monitors.
Upon completion of an accredited asbestos project monitor training program, a closed-book examination will be administered. Each examination shall cover the topics included in the project monitor training program. Persons who pass the examination and fulfill training program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter. The following are the requirements for examination:
1. One hundred multiple choice questions; and
2. Passing score: 70% correct.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.18, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-880. Refresher training program.
A. The accredited asbestos project monitor refresher training program shall be one day (eight hours) in length. The training program shall review federal and state regulations, discuss changes to the regulations, if applicable, and review developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial accredited asbestos project monitor training program shall be included in the asbestos project monitor refresher training program:
1. State-of-the-art work practices;
2. Occupied buildings;
3. Employee personal protective equipment;
4. Fiber aerodynamics and control; and
5. Recordkeeping and documentation.
B. The use of exercises to encourage interactive learning and participation is suggested. These exercises may take the form of reviewing inspection reports, a video or photo walk-through of a building to determine a sampling strategy, a review of a mock-up abatement area to determine that containment is adequate, or review of a mock-up abatement area where a visual inspection may be performed.
C. A written closed-book examination will be administered covering the topics included in the asbestos project monitor refresher training program. The examination will consist of no fewer than 50 questions. The passing score will be 70% correct. Persons who pass the asbestos project monitor refresher training program examination will receive a Certificate of Completion as specified in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 § 16.19, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.
18VAC15-20-890. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR137-01-02 §§ 16.20 to 16.26, eff. September 1, 1994; amended, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 10, eff. April 1, 1997; Errata, 13:11 VA.R. 1219-1220 February 17, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 11, eff. May 1, 2000; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2002.