Part V. Approval of Training Programs and Courses
18VAC15-21-220. Application procedures for accredited asbestos training program approval.
A. Training programs desiring board approval must 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 must submit the appropriate application form along with the following:
1. Training provider's business name, physical address, mailing address, and telephone number.
2. Copies of documentation of approval of the asbestos training program issued by EPA or other states, if applicable.
3. Applicable fee specified in 18VAC15-21-180.
4. The training program curriculum.
5. A narrative explaining 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 student manuals, instructor notebooks, handouts, and training aids.
7. A copy of the examination used and applicable answer sheets.
8. The name and documentation of the qualifications of the training manager. The training manager employed by the applicant must meet the requirements of 18VAC15-21-230.
9. The names and documentation of the qualifications of each principal instructor and subject areas that each principal instructor will teach. Principal instructors must meet the requirements of 18VAC15-21-240.
10. An example of the completion certificate that will be issued to students who successfully complete the accredited asbestos training program.
11. 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 asbestos training program application.
B. An application must contain all information required by this section.
C. An application must be received by the department no less than 45 days prior to the requested audit date.
D. Upon receipt of an application, a preliminary review will be conducted to ensure compliance with this chapter. The applicant will be notified if the application is incomplete or is deficient. All deficiencies must be corrected prior to the onsite audit.
E. Upon completion of the preliminary review, the board will conduct an onsite audit. The applicant will be notified of any deficiencies identified during the audit. All deficiencies must be corrected prior to approval of the application.
F. Onsite audits are not required for final approval of asbestos courses with a primary location that is out of state, to be conducted solely out of state, so long as the course is currently approved by a MAP state. Proof of MAP state approval must be submitted with the application.
G. All training programs must have a monitored, final written examination.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-230. Training manager qualifications.
An accredited asbestos training program must employ a training manager who:
1. Has a minimum of two years of experience in teaching adults; or
2. Has a minimum of three years of experience in the asbestos abatement industry.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-240. Principal instructor qualifications.
A. An accredited asbestos training program must use principal instructors who:
1. Have a minimum of 24 hours of asbestos-specific training; and
2. Have a minimum of two years of experience in the asbestos abatement industry or a minimum of two years of experience in teaching adults.
B. Guest instructors are exempt from instructor qualifications and are limited to no more than two hours of training per day.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-250. Accredited asbestos training program requirements.
In all of the accredited asbestos training program requirements, one day is equal to eight hours, inclusive of lunch and breaks.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-260. Initial worker training.
A. An initial worker training program must last a minimum of four days. The worker training program must include lectures, demonstrations, at least 14 hours of hands-on training, a training program review, and an examination.
B. The worker training program must 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 proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (e.g., 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 and 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, and 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, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire, and explosion hazards, and how to deal with them.
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.
C. Upon completion of the worker training program, the training program must administer a closed-book examination. Each examination must cover the topics required by this section.
1. Each examination must have 50 multiple choice questions.
2. The passing score on the examination must be 70%.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-270. Worker refresher training program.
A. A worker refresher training program must be at least one day. The worker refresher training program must review federal and state regulations and discuss changes to the regulations, if applicable, and developments in state-of-the-art procedures. A review of the following topics from the initial worker training program must be included in the worker refresher training program:
1. Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure;
2. Employee personal protective equipment;
3. Personal hygiene; and
B. A written closed-book examination must 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 Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-280. Initial supervisor training.
A. An initial supervisor training program must last a minimum of five days. The supervisor training program must include lectures; demonstrations; at least 14 hours of hands-on training, which must permit supervisors to have actual experience performing tasks associated with asbestos abatement; a training program review; and an examination.
B. The supervisor training program must 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 and 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 proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (e.g., 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 and 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, must also be included.
7. Additional safety hazards.
a. Hazards encountered during abatement activities, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire, and explosion hazards, and how to deal with them.
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 Title II (§ 2641 et seq.) of the Toxic Substance Control Act (15 USC § 2601 et seq.);
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, 9VAC20-81-620; and
g. Department of Transportation regulations (49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H) 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.
C. Upon completion of the supervisor training program, the training program must administer a closed-book examination. Each examination must cover the topics required by this section.
1. Each examination must have 100 multiple choice questions.
2. The passing score on the examination must be 70%.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-290. Supervisor refresher training program.
A. A supervisor refresher training program must be one day. The supervisor refresher training program must 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 must 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. Additional safety hazards and medical monitoring;
4. Review of the asbestos NESHAP, OSHA, and Department of Transportation requirements; and
5. Review of Virginia regulations concerning asbestos licensing, removal, and disposal.
B. A written closed-book examination must 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 as specified in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-300. Initial inspector training.
A. An initial inspector training program must last a minimum of three days. The inspector training program must include lectures, demonstrations, at least four hours of hands-on training, a training program review, and an examination.
B. The inspector training program must 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 and a discussion of the relationship of asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer of other organs.
4. Functions of and 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, including 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, and 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. Pre-inspection planning and review of previous inspection records.
a. Scheduling the inspection and obtaining access.
b. Building record review and 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 and 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 (e.g., 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).
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 § 203(i)(1) of the Toxic Substance Control Act (15 USC § 2601 et seq.).
13. Regulatory review.
a. EPA Worker Protection Rule found at 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart G.
b. Title II (§ 2641 et seq.) of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
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. Onsite discussion of information gathering and determination of sampling locations.
c. Onsite 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.
C. Upon completion of the inspector training program, the training program must administer a closed-book examination. Each examination must cover the topics required by this section.
1. Each examination must have 100 multiple choice questions.
2. The passing score on the examination must be 70%.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-310. Inspector refresher training program.
A. An inspector refresher training program must be one-half day. The inspector refresher training program must 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 must be included in the accredited asbestos inspector refresher training program:
1. Inspection for friable and nonfriable ACM and assessment of the condition of friable ACM;
2. Bulk sampling and documentation of asbestos in schools; and
3. Reinspection and reassessment techniques.
B. 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 Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-320. Initial management planner training.
A. An initial management planner training program must last a minimum of two days. The management planner training program must include lectures, demonstrations, a training program review, and an examination.
B. The management planner training program must 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 and interpretation of survey results.
a. Review of Title II (§ 2641 et seq.) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 USC § 2601 et seq.) requirements for inspection and management plans as given in § 203(i)(1) of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
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 the design 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, including bridging and penetrating encapsulants, pipe fittings, metal sleeves, polyvinyl 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. Ongoing recordkeeping as a means to track asbestos disturbance.
c. Procedures for recordkeeping.
9. Assembling and submitting the management plan.
a. Plan requirements in § 203(i)(1) of the of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
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.
C. Upon completion of the management planner training program, the training program must administer a closed-book examination. Each examination must cover the topics required by this section.
1. Each examination must have 100 multiple choice questions.
2. The passing score on the examination must be 70%.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-330. Management planner refresher training program.
A. A management planner refresher training program must be one-half day and 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 must 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. 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 Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-340. Initial project designer training.
A. An initial project designer training program must last a minimum of three days. The project designer training program must include lectures, demonstrations, a field trip, a training program review, and an examination.
B. The project designer training program must 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 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. 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; 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 onsite 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 (e.g., positive and negative pressure fitting tests).
d. Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.
e. Variability between field and laboratory protection factors and factors that alter respirator fit (e.g., facial hair).
f. Components of a proper respiratory protection program.
g. Selection and use of personal protective clothing and 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 and 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 and 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 onsite reports.
c. Particular problems in abatement drawings.
14. Contract preparation and administration.
15. Legal, liabilities, and 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 Title II (§ 2641 et seq.) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 USC § 2601 et seq.);
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.
C. Upon completion of the project designer training program, the training program must administer a closed-book examination. Each examination must cover the topics required by this section.
1. Each examination must have 100 multiple choice questions.
2. The passing score on the examination must be 70%.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-350. Project designer refresher training program.
A. A project designer refresher training program must be one day. The project designer refresher training program must 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 must be included in the accredited asbestos project designer refresher training program:
1. Safety system design specifications;
2. Writing abatement specifications; and
3. Employee personal protective equipment.
B. 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 Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-360. Initial project monitor training.
A. An initial comprehensive project monitor training program must last a minimum of five days. The project monitor training program must include lectures; demonstrations; at least six hours of hands-on training, which must permit project monitors the experience of performing actual tasks associated with asbestos project monitoring; a field trip; a training program review; and an examination.
B. A comprehensive initial project monitor training program must 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 and 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; 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 proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures.
c. Methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (e.g., 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 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, and 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, must also be included.
6. Additional safety hazards as covered in 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926 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 Title II (§ 2641 et seq.) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 USC § 2601 et seq.);
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, 9VAC20-81-620;
h. Department of Transportation 49 CFR Parts 171 and 172 Subpart H; and
i. Virginia asbestos licensing regulations.
11. 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, and quality control techniques in sampling.
(2) Review of 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F, §§ 1926.150 through 1926.155.
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.
12. 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.
13. Field trip.
a. Visit a proposed abatement site or other suitable building site, including onsite discussions of abatement design.
b. Building walk-through inspection and discussion following the walk-through.
14. 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.
15. 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 and medical considerations.
d. Replacement of ACM with non-asbestos substitutes.
e. Clearance of work area after abatement.
f. Use of as-built drawings.
g. Use of inspection photographs and onsite reports.
h. Particular problems in abatement drawings.
16. Conducting inspections.
a. Inspection prior to containment to ensure condition of items and proper precleaning.
b. Inspection of containment prior to commencement of abatement to ensure that containment is complete and proper.
c. Daily work and containment inspections.
d. Final visual inspection and a discussion of the ASTM E1368 method.
17. 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.
18. Role of project monitor in relation to:
a. Building owner;
b. Building occupants;
c. Abatement contractor; and
d. Other consultants.
19. Occupied buildings.
a. Special procedures recommended in occupied buildings.
b. Extra monitoring recommendations.
20. A review of NESHAP guidance documents.
21. A review of key aspects of the accredited asbestos training program.
22. Examination.
C. Applicants who are currently accredited by EPA as an asbestos supervisor or asbestos project designer may complete a 16-hour initial project monitor training program. A 16-hour initial project monitor program must include lectures; demonstrations; a least six hours of hands-on training, which must permit project monitors the experience of performing actual tasks associated with asbestos project monitoring; a training program review; and an examination. The 16-hour project monitor training program must cover the topics required by subdivisions B 11 through B 22 of this section.
D. Upon completion of the project monitor training program, the training program must administer a closed-book examination. The examination for the comprehensive initial project monitor training program must cover the topics required by subsection B of this section. The examination for the 16-hour initial project monitor training program must cover the topics required by subdivisions B 11 through B 22 of this section.
1. Each examination must have 100 multiple choice questions.
2. The passing score on the examination must be 70%.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.
18VAC15-21-370. Project monitor refresher training program.
A. A project monitor refresher training program must be one day. The training program must 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 must be included in the asbestos project monitor refresher training program:
1. Occupied buildings;
2. Personal protective equipment;
3. Fiber aerodynamics and control; and
4. Recordkeeping and documentation.
B. 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 Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 2, 2026.