852 Asbestos Safety

Training for Work in Regulated Areas

Class I Training

Employees removing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or presumed asbestos containing materials (PACM) such as thermal system insulation must be trained in accordance with EPA's Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) for asbestos abatement worker. This training is outlined in 40 CFR 763. This is a four-day training course that includes lectures, demonstrations, at least 14 hours of hands-on training, individual respirator fit testing, course review, and an examination. This level requires eight-hour annual refresher training.

Class II Training

Employees engaged in work involving ACM or PACM, such as roofing, flooring, siding materials, ceiling tiles, or transite panels, must be trained in:

• the methods of recognizing asbestos,
• the health effects of asbestos,
• the relationship between smoking and asbestos in producing lung cancer,
• the nature of operations that could result in exposure to asbestos, and
• the importance of all protective controls to minimize exposure (including engineering, work practice, PPE, etc).

Training must also include:

• the use and limitations of control measures;
• medical surveillance program requirements;
• the content of the asbestos standard, including appendices, smoking cessation programs, and
• the requirements for posting signs and affixing labels; and the meaning of any legends on those signs and labels.

This training must last at least eight hours and include hands-on training. Employees must have an annual refresher, although there is no specific time duration for the refresher training.

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