MS Asbestos Abatement flashcards

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

AHERA accreditation disciplines

The five accredited disciplines are inspector, management planner, project designer, contractor/supervisor, and worker. Each requires a specific initial training course, passing exam, and periodic refresher to remain valid.

Worker initial training length

The AHERA worker initial course is 4 days. It covers asbestos hazards, abatement methods, personal protection, and regulations, and ends with a required written examination.

Contractor/supervisor training length

The contractor/supervisor initial course runs 5 days and includes supervision of abatement projects, worker protection, and hands-on training. A passing exam is required for accreditation.

Inspector training prerequisite

The inspector initial course is 3 days. An inspector accreditation is a prerequisite for the management planner course, so the inspector credential must be earned first.

Annual refresher requirement

Accredited individuals must complete an annual refresher course before their accreditation expires. Refresher length is half the initial course and includes an exam where required.

Respirator program under OSHA

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires a written respirator program, medical evaluation, fit testing, and training. These obligations are separate from AHERA accreditation and apply during abatement work.

Accreditation is state-specific

Accreditation is issued by the state or EPA-approved program where the work is performed. A certificate from one state does not automatically authorize work in another jurisdiction.

Ten working day notification

Many federal and state rules require notification to the regulatory agency at least 10 working days before certain abatement, renovation, or demolition projects begin.

Portal renewal submission

The certification portal is used to submit refresher certificates, renewal applications, and fees. Submitting before the expiration date prevents a lapse that may require retaking the initial course.

Required portal documents

Most portals require the training provider's course completion certificate, proof of prior accreditation, and payment. Applications are not reviewed until all required documents are uploaded.

Accreditation number use

Each accredited individual receives an accreditation number recorded in the portal. Employers and regulators use this number to verify current status and discipline.

Lapse and reinstatement

If accreditation lapses, the program may require retaking the full initial course rather than only a refresher. Rules vary by state, so the portal guidance governs reinstatement.

Portal data corrections

Name changes, added disciplines, and duplicate records are corrected through the portal's amendment or support process. Supporting documentation is usually required for each correction.

Keep submission confirmations

Portal confirmation numbers and uploaded documents serve as evidence of timely renewal. Inspectors may request them to verify that accreditation was maintained during a project.

Verifying an accreditation

The portal's public lookup or verification feature confirms an individual's discipline, status, and expiration date. Employers should verify before assigning regulated asbestos work.

Training provider identification

The portal application typically requires the training provider's name and course date. Providers must be accredited to deliver AHERA courses, and certificates show this information.

LEA inspection duty

AHERA requires each local education agency to inspect its school buildings for asbestos-containing building materials and to develop a written management plan based on the findings.

Management plan availability

The management plan must be kept at each school and at the LEA office. It must be available for inspection by parents, teachers, and regulators during normal hours.

Annual notification to parents

The LEA must annually notify parents, teachers, and employee organizations that the management plan is available and where it can be reviewed.

Designated person role

The LEA appoints a designated person responsible for implementing and updating the management plan, ensuring inspections and surveillance occur, and coordinating response actions.

Three-year reinspection

All asbestos-containing building materials must be reinspected every 3 years by an accredited inspector. Findings are used to update the management plan and response actions.

Six-month surveillance

Periodic surveillance of known asbestos-containing building materials must occur every 6 months. It checks for damage or deterioration and is documented in the management plan.

Response action types

AHERA response actions include repair, encapsulation, enclosure, removal, and operations and maintenance. Selection depends on material condition, accessibility, and disturbance potential.

Short-term worker awareness

Custodial and maintenance staff who may disturb asbestos-containing materials must receive awareness training at least every 12 months. Training covers recognition and avoidance of disturbance.

NESHAP applicability

40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M regulates asbestos during demolition and renovation of institutional, commercial, and industrial buildings. It sets inspection, notification, and work practice requirements.

Pre-demolition inspection

A thorough asbestos inspection must be completed before demolition or renovation. The owner or operator must retain the inspection report and make it available to regulators.

RACM definition

Regulated asbestos-containing material includes friable asbestos material and nonfriable material that will be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder during the project.

Wet removal requirement

Regulated asbestos-containing material must be kept adequately wet during removal and until it is collected and contained for disposal, reducing fiber release.

Waste labeling and disposal

Asbestos waste must be placed in leak-tight containers labeled as asbestos waste and disposed of at a site permitted to accept it. Shipping records are retained.

Emergency renovation notice

An emergency renovation may allow reduced notification time, but the operator must notify as soon as possible and document the emergency circumstances in project records.

HEPA filtration control

Local exhaust ventilation with HEPA filtration and negative pressure containment are standard controls used during abatement to prevent fiber migration outside the work area.

Demolition notification timing

Notification is required at least 10 working days before demolition begins. For renovation, notification is required before disturbing threshold amounts of regulated asbestos-containing material.