Pre-Abatement Planning and Preparation
Domain focus
This domain tests pre-abatement planning: scope, notifications, containment design, utility isolation, worker protection, and emergency arrangements.
Core rules
- Define the scope from the inspection and assessment: which materials, quantities, access routes, and work methods. Identify the competent person and required training.
- Notify the owner, occupants, and required agencies; obtain permits; confirm landfill acceptance and waste route. NESHAP notification timing is separate from state licensing.
- Isolate HVAC, electrical, fire alarms, and other building systems. Build critical barriers and containment before removal. Plan negative pressure and decontamination.
- Verify medical clearance, fit testing, respirator availability, and PPE. Plan waste staging, transport, and emergency response.
- Protect occupants by scheduling, signage, and preventing access to regulated areas.
Worked example
A hospital will abate basement pipe insulation while upper floors remain occupied. The plan must isolate the basement HVAC zone, seal openings, maintain negative pressure with HEPA exhaust, establish a decontamination unit, notify occupants and the fire department, and schedule waste removal. The plan must also state how fire alarms and emergency egress remain functional. Document the plan and review it with the crew before containment is built.
Traps
Do not start containment before notification and utility isolation. Do not assume a negative-pressure machine is enough without sealing openings. Do not forget occupant notification or emergency egress. Do not treat a state permit as a substitute for NESHAP notification.