ND Asbestos Abatement key terms

Any material that contains more than 1 percent asbestos and is friable, or becomes friable when handled, or is nonfriable but will likely be crumbled or pulverized during normal use or demolition. RACM triggers specific handling, packaging, and disposal rules.

A material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Friability drives risk because fibers are easily released into air and inhaled.

Nonfriable asbestos-containing material such as packings, gaskets, resilient floor coverings, and asphalt roofing products. It is not regulated as RACM unless it becomes friable or is sanded, ground, cut, or abraded.

Nonfriable asbestos-containing material other than Category I, such as asbestos cement sheet and shingles. It is treated as RACM if it is likely to be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder during demolition or renovation.

Material assumed to contain asbestos because it has not been sampled or analyzed, typically thermal system insulation and surfacing material installed before a cutoff date. PACM must be treated as asbestos-containing until proven otherwise by sampling.

Any material or product that contains more than 1 percent asbestos by weight, as determined by polarized light microscopy analysis. The 1 percent threshold is the regulatory line between ACM and non-ACM.

Collecting physical pieces of suspect material for laboratory analysis to determine asbestos content. Proper sampling uses clean tools, avoids cross-contamination, and follows a documented sampling plan with adequate numbers of samples per homogeneous area.

A surface or material of uniform color, texture, and composition, installed at the same time. Inspectors sample each homogeneous area separately because asbestos content can vary between areas.

The standard laboratory method for identifying asbestos fibers in bulk samples. It uses refractive index and optical properties to identify mineral type and estimate percentage of asbestos present.

A microscopy method used to count airborne fibers on membrane filters. It counts all fibers meeting size and shape criteria but cannot distinguish asbestos from other fibers, so it is paired with other methods for confirmation.

A high-magnification method that identifies asbestos fibers by their crystal structure and elemental composition. It is used for clearance air monitoring and for distinguishing asbestos from non-asbestos fibers.

Collecting airborne samples to measure fiber concentration during or after abatement work. Results are used to assess worker exposure, verify engineering controls, and confirm that an area is safe for reoccupancy.

An air sample collected in the breathing zone of a worker using a pump and filter cassette worn on the body. It measures individual exposure and is compared against permissible exposure limits.

Post-abatement air sampling performed inside the work area and surrounding spaces to confirm that fiber levels are below the required clearance threshold. Clearance must be achieved before containment is removed or the area is reoccupied.

The legal limit on airborne asbestos concentration to which a worker may be exposed over a work shift. Employers must keep exposures at or below the limit and use controls and monitoring to verify compliance.

A short-term ceiling on airborne asbestos exposure measured over a brief sampling period, typically 30 minutes. Exposures must not exceed this ceiling at any time during the shift.

An exposure value calculated by averaging airborne concentrations over a defined period, usually an 8-hour shift. It accounts for varying exposure levels across tasks and is compared to the permissible exposure limit.

A sealed containment built around the work area and kept under negative pressure with exhaust fans and HEPA filtration. The pressure differential prevents fibers from escaping into occupied spaces.

A high-efficiency particulate air filter rated to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. It is used on vacuums, negative air machines, and respirators to capture asbestos fibers.

A sequence of connected rooms-clean room, shower, and equipment room-that workers pass through when entering and leaving a containment. It prevents fibers from being carried out on clothing, skin, or equipment.

Protective gear worn by abatement workers, including respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and boot covers. PPE is the last line of defense after engineering and work-practice controls.

A test that verifies a respirator seals properly against the wearer's face. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used, and fit testing must be repeated periodically and whenever facial conditions change.

A program of health evaluations, including medical history and physical exams, offered to workers with significant asbestos exposure. It aims to detect health effects early and document exposure history.

A work practice of wetting asbestos-containing material with amended water before and during removal to suppress fiber release. Keeping material wet reduces airborne concentrations and is required for most abatement work.

Water mixed with a surfactant that lowers surface tension so it penetrates asbestos-containing material more effectively. It is used to wet material and control dust during removal.

A sealed plastic bag with built-in sleeves and gloves used to remove small amounts of asbestos from pipes, valves, or fittings without building a full containment. It confines fibers and debris during removal.

A careful examination of the work area for visible dust, debris, and residue after abatement and cleaning. It is performed before clearance air sampling and again after containment removal.

The physical barrier system-plastic sheeting, framing, and seals-that isolates the abatement work area from surrounding spaces. It keeps fibers from migrating and protects building occupants.

A written document that records the location, type, condition, and quantity of asbestos-containing materials found during an inspection. It forms the basis for management planning and abatement design.

A written plan that describes how asbestos-containing materials in a building will be managed, including response actions, timelines, and responsibilities. It is developed from inspection findings and updated over time.

A program of ongoing practices-cleaning, work practices, training, and periodic surveillance-that keeps asbestos-containing material in good condition and prevents disturbance. It is used where removal is not immediately required.

Periodic re-inspection of known asbestos-containing materials to check for damage, deterioration, or disturbance. Findings are documented and used to update the management plan and trigger response actions.

A written specification that defines the scope, methods, engineering controls, and clearance criteria for an asbestos abatement project. It guides contractors and forms the basis for monitoring and acceptance.

The person who observes abatement work on behalf of the building owner to verify that the project design and regulations are followed. The monitor documents conditions, work practices, and clearance results.

A trained individual who performs hands-on removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of asbestos-containing material under supervision. Workers must complete approved training and follow work-practice and safety requirements.

The person responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing abatement work and ensuring compliance with regulations and the project design. Supervisors must hold the required certification and ensure worker safety.

Applying a sealant to asbestos-containing material to bind fibers and prevent release. It does not remove the material, so the asbestos remains in place and must be managed.

Constructing an airtight barrier around asbestos-containing material to isolate it from occupied space. The material stays in place, and the enclosure must be labeled and maintained.

A document that tracks asbestos waste from the generation site to the disposal facility. It records quantities, transporter, and disposal location and must be retained to demonstrate proper disposal.