Asbestos Training Program Requirements
Asbestos training is an extremely important component of the Asbestos Safety Program. The employer should develop it so employees know why it is important to be protected against airborne asbestos. Some important things to remember are:
- The training program should include initial training before the employee is exposed to fiber levels that are either anticipated or measured at or above permissible exposure limits (PEL). Annual training is required thereafter.
- Provide the training at no cost to the employee.
- Employers must ensure employee participation in the program.
Conduct all training in a manner and language in which the worker is able to understand and includes the following topics:
- health effects of asbestos exposure;
- the relationship between smoking and asbestos in producing lung cancer;
- methods for recognizing asbestos, to presume certain building materials contain asbestos;
- the quantity, location, manner of use, release, and storage of asbestos, and the specific nature of operations which could result in exposure to asbestos;
- the engineering controls and work practices associated with the employee's job assignment;
- the specific procedures implemented to protect employees from exposure to asbestos, such as appropriate work practices, emergency and clean-up procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used;
- the purpose, proper use, and limitations of respirators and protective clothing, if appropriate;
- the purpose of, and a description of the medical surveillance program;
- the content of OSHA's asbestos standards for general industry, construction, or shipyard operations, as appropriate;
- smoking cessation program material and other public health organization information; and,
- posting signs and affixing labels and the meaning of the required sign and label legends.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-1. Initial asbestos training should be conducted before the employee exposed to fiber levels that are either anticipated or measured _____.
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