AHERA Asbestos Supervisor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Six regulated asbestos forms

Chrysotile (serpentine) plus five amphiboles: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. All are hydrated silicate minerals that form fibers.

Respirable fiber dimensions

Fibers longer than 5 micrometers with an aspect ratio of at least 3:1 are counted. Fibers about 5-20 micrometers long and under 0.5 micrometer wide reach the deep lung.

Mesothelioma latency period

Mesothelioma typically develops 20-50 years after first exposure. Risk rises with cumulative dose but can occur at relatively low exposures, especially with amphibole fibers.

Smoking and asbestos synergy

Cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure interact multiplicatively for lung cancer risk. The combined risk greatly exceeds the sum of either risk alone.

Pleural plaques significance

Pleural plaques are the most common radiographic finding of asbestos exposure. They indicate past exposure but are not malignant and may calcify over decades.

AHERA regulation citation

AHERA is implemented through 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E. It governs inspection, management planning, and abatement in K-12 schools.

OSHA construction asbestos standard

29 CFR 1926.1101 applies to construction work including abatement, demolition, and renovation. The general industry standard is 29 CFR 1910.1001.

OSHA PEL and excursion limit

The permissible exposure limit is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The excursion limit is 1.0 f/cc over 30 minutes.

OSHA work classes I-IV

Class I is removal of thermal system insulation and surfacing material; Class II other ACBM removal; Class III repair and maintenance; Class IV cleanup and maintenance.

NESHAP demolition notice

Under 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M, notice is generally given to EPA or the delegated state at least 10 working days before demolition or renovation begins.

EPA large-scale abatement threshold

A project is large-scale at 160 square feet of surfacing material, 260 linear feet of pipe insulation, or 35 cubic feet of other friable material.

Coverall sealing practice

Disposable coveralls with attached hoods are taped at cuffs, boot tops, and zipper flaps. Gloves are worn under the cuff so fibers cannot enter.

Respirator cleaning frequency

Reusable respirators are cleaned and disinfected after each use, inspected for damage, and stored so they are protected from dust, sunlight, and deformation.

Amended water purpose

Amended water is water mixed with a surfactant. It wets friable asbestos more effectively than plain water, suppressing fiber release during removal.

Glove bag use

A glove bag is sealed around a pipe, material is wetted and removed inside, and the bag is collapsed and sealed for disposal without releasing fibers.

Negative air machine function

HEPA-filtered negative air machines maintain lower pressure inside containment so air flows inward. Exhaust is directed outdoors away from intakes and occupied spaces.

Encapsulation versus enclosure

Encapsulation coats the material surface to bind fibers; enclosure builds a rigid airtight barrier around it. Both require ongoing inspection rather than removal.

Three-stage decontamination unit

The unit has a clean room, shower room, and equipment room in sequence. Workers pass through the shower when moving between dirty and clean sides.

Shower requirement

Workers must shower with soap and water before leaving the decontamination unit and before breaks outside the regulated area to remove fibers from skin and hair.

Prohibited activities in work area

Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, and applying cosmetics are prohibited in the work area and decontamination unit to prevent ingestion of fibers.

Personal air sampling location

Personal samples are collected in the breathing zone near the collar using a calibrated pump and filter cassette. Results are reported in fibers per cubic centimeter.

PCM versus TEM analysis

Phase contrast microscopy counts fibers but cannot identify asbestos type. Transmission electron microscopy identifies fiber type and counts thinner fibers for clearance.

Bulk sample analysis method

Bulk samples are analyzed by polarized light microscopy to identify fiber type and friability. Point counting or gravimetric methods may supplement the analysis.

AHERA clearance criterion

Airborne fiber concentration inside and outside containment must be below 0.01 f/cc by TEM, and visual inspection must pass before clearance is granted.

Minimum respirator for asbestos

A half-mask air-purifying respirator with HEPA P100 filters is the minimum for most asbestos work. Full-facepiece and PAPR units give higher protection.

Fit testing frequency

Fit testing is required before initial respirator use and at least annually thereafter. Qualitative or quantitative methods are acceptable for tight-fitting respirators.

User seal check

Before each use, the wearer covers the cartridge inlets and inhales gently, then exhales gently, checking for leakage around the face seal.

Medical surveillance trigger

OSHA requires medical surveillance for employees exposed above the PEL or excursion limit 30 or more days per year, and for negative-pressure respirator wearers.

Record retention periods

Exposure records are kept 30 years. Medical records are kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years and are available to employees and their representatives.

Exposure result notification

Employees must be informed of their exposure monitoring results within 15 working days of receipt, either individually in writing or by posting the results.

Pre-abatement document review

The supervisor reviews specifications, drawings, and the inspection report to confirm material location, quantity, and type before mobilization and resolves ambiguities in writing.

Worker training hours

Class I and II asbestos work requires at least 40 hours of training. Class III and IV work requires shorter courses, with annual refresher training for all covered workers.