AK Asbestos Abatement cheat sheet

Asbestos exposure causes asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers; risk increases with cumulative dose.

OSHA PEL: 0.1 f/cm³ 8-hr TWA; STEL: 1.0 f/cm³ 30-min; excursion limit: 1.0 f/cm³ averaged over 30 min.

EPA AHERA defines asbestos-containing material (ACM) as any material containing >1% asbestos by weight.

OSHA Class I work: removal of TSI and surfacing ACM/PACM; Class II: removal of other ACM; Class III: repair/removal of small amounts; Class IV: maintenance/cleanup.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1); no safe threshold has been established.

Latency for asbestos-related diseases is typically 10–40 years after first exposure.

NESHAP (40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M) regulates asbestos emissions during demolition/renovation; applies to facilities and thresholds.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 covers construction asbestos work; 29 CFR 1910.1001 covers general industry.

Bulk samples must be analyzed by PLM (polarized light microscopy) per EPA Method 600/R-93/116 or TEM for airborne.

Presumed ACM (PACM): materials that may contain asbestos but have not been sampled; treat as ACM until proven otherwise.

Friable ACM can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.

Category I nonfriable: asphalt roofing, shingles, gaskets; Category II: all other nonfriable (e.g., transite).

Surfacing material: sprayed or troweled-on ACM (fireproofing, acoustical); TSI: thermal system insulation.

Adequate wetting and gentle handling reduce fiber release during sampling; use mini-enclosures or glove bags as needed.

Homogeneous areas: materials of similar composition and date; number of samples per area depends on size (e.g., AHERA: 3 samples for surfacing, 7 for TSI).

Bulk sample results report asbestos type and percentage; if <1%, material is not ACM under AHERA but may still require caution.

Minimum PPE for Class I work: full-body disposable coveralls, head covering, foot covering, and gloves; no exposed skin.

Respirator selection: half-mask APR with HEPA filters for ≤10× PEL; full-face APR for ≤50× PEL; PAPR for ≤100× PEL; supplied-air for higher.

Protective clothing must be removed in the equipment room before entering the clean room; vacuum with HEPA before removal.

Disposable coveralls must be disposed of as asbestos waste; reusable clothing must be laundered in a facility equipped to handle asbestos.

Eye protection: goggles or full-face respirator required when wet methods or chemicals are used.

Hepa vacuum and wet methods are primary engineering controls; PPE is last line of defense.

Respirator fit testing: qualitative (e.g., saccharin, Bitrex) or quantitative (e.g., PortaCount) annually; user seal check each use.

Medical evaluation required before fit testing and respirator use; written clearance by PLHCP.

Respirator program elements: written program, medical evaluation, fit testing, training, maintenance, and recordkeeping.

Annual fit testing required; additional fit test before use if facial changes (e.g., weight change, dental work).

Medical surveillance: baseline exam within 30 days of assignment and annually thereafter for employees exposed at or above PEL.

Medical exam includes medical and work history, physical exam, and may include chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1).

Employer must provide medical exams at no cost; employee receives copy of physician's written opinion.

Respirator use requires no facial hair that interferes with sealing surface; eyeglasses cannot break seal (use spectacle kits).

HEPA filters (P100, N100, R100) must be used for asbestos; dust/mist filters are not acceptable.

Supplied-air respirators: pressure-demand mode required; escape provisions for abrasive blasting or high concentrations.

Containment: critical barriers (two layers of 6-mil poly) at openings; floors covered with 6-mil poly; walls covered as needed.

Negative pressure enclosure: use HEPA air filtration units (AFUs) to maintain -0.02 in. w.g. differential; monitor with manometer.

Decontamination unit: clean room, shower, equipment room in series; workers pass through shower before entering clean room.

Entry/exit through decon unit only; double flap doors or weighted curtains; airlocks where required.

Work area preparation includes shutting off HVAC, sealing vents, and posting warning signs at access points.

Isolation of electrical and other hazards; lockout/tagout as necessary.

Wet methods: saturate ACM with amended water (surfactant) before and during removal to reduce fiber release.

Engineering controls include local exhaust ventilation (LEV) with HEPA filtration and glove bags for small operations.

Removal sequence: remove ACM in small sections, wet thoroughly, and lower (do not drop) into disposal bags.

For pipe insulation: use glove bag or wrap; cut in sections, wet, and seal ends.

Surfacing ACM: remove using wet methods and HEPA vacuum; use amended water and mist.

Negative pressure must be maintained during removal; if pressure loss occurs, stop work and correct.

Daily cleanup: HEPA vacuum and wet wipe all surfaces; no visible debris at end of shift.

Worker decontamination: HEPA vacuum clothing, then shower before leaving; no asbestos dust on street clothes.

Small-scale, short-duration work (Class III) may use mini-enclosures or glove bags; full containment for large projects.

Final cleaning: HEPA vacuum all surfaces, wet wipe, and visually inspect; then air monitoring for clearance.

Asbestos waste must be placed in leak-tight, sealed containers (e.g., 6-mil poly bags, drums) labeled as asbestos waste.

Waste bags: double bag, gooseneck seal, and label with OSHA warning and generator info.

Transport: use covered vehicles; NESHAP requires waste shipment records (WSR) and disposal at approved landfill.

Landfill must be permitted to accept asbestos; waste must be covered immediately upon disposal.

Decontamination of equipment: HEPA vacuum and wet wipe before removal from containment; bag used filters as waste.

Personal decontamination: shower and change clothes before leaving site; contaminated clothing disposed of as waste.

Recordkeeping: retain waste manifests, disposal receipts, and training records for required periods (e.g., 30 years for medical records).

Do not reuse disposable bags or containers; do not compact or break asbestos waste.

Personal air monitoring: representative sampling of employees; results compared to PEL/STEL.

Clearance air monitoring: after final cleaning, use PCM or TEM; TEM is more sensitive and required for some protocols (e.g., AHERA).

Clearance criteria: often <0.01 f/cm³ by PCM or <70 structures/mm² by TEM (AHERA).

Air samples: use calibrated pumps, HEPA filter cassettes, and proper flow rates (e.g., 0.5–5 L/min).

Recordkeeping: exposure monitoring records retained 30 years; training records for duration of employment plus 30 years.

Medical records: retained for duration of employment plus 30 years.

Air monitoring results must be communicated to employees within 15 working days of receipt.

Clearance requires visual inspection first; air monitoring follows successful visual clearance.