NJ Asbestos Abatement flashcards

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

Negative air pressure

A containment condition where air pressure inside is lower than outside, preventing fiber escape. Maintain at least -0.02 inches of water column using HEPA-filtered negative air machines.

Three-stage decontamination

A sequential exit system with dirty room, shower, and clean room. Workers remove contaminated clothing in dirty room, shower, then dress in clean room to prevent fiber spread.

Amended water

Water mixed with a surfactant to improve wetting of asbestos fibers. Used to suppress dust during removal and cleaning; must not create runoff.

Critical barrier

A temporary seal placed over openings, HVAC vents, or penetrations in a containment to isolate the work area and prevent asbestos migration to occupied spaces.

Gross removal

The initial phase of abatement where the bulk of asbestos-containing material is removed using wet methods, in largest possible sections, and lowered rather than dropped.

Clearance air monitoring

Post-abatement air sampling to verify fiber levels are below clearance criteria. Typically requires PCM results <0.01 f/cc or TEM analysis before containment is removed.

Waste bagging

Asbestos waste must be placed in labeled, leak-proof, 6-mil polyethylene bags or wrapped containers, sealed, and manifested for disposal at an approved landfill.

HEPA vacuum

A vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter capable of capturing 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Used for final cleaning and decontamination.

RACM

Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material. Any material containing more than 1% asbestos by weight, including Category I and II materials, subject to NESHAP regulations.

Friability

The tendency of a material to crumble or be reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Friable asbestos materials readily release fibers and pose higher exposure risk.

Chrysotile

A serpentine group asbestos mineral, commonly called white asbestos. It accounts for about 95% of commercial asbestos use and is a known human carcinogen.

Amphibole asbestos

A group of asbestos minerals including amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. They are generally more biopersistent and hazardous than chrysotile.

Mesothelioma

A rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart caused by asbestos exposure. It has a long latency period, often 20-50 years after exposure.

Asbestosis

A chronic lung disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue. It causes shortness of breath and reduced lung function.

Latency period

The time between initial asbestos exposure and the onset of disease, typically 10-40 years for asbestos-related cancers and asbestosis.

WHO fiber

A fiber with length greater than 5 micrometers, diameter less than 3 micrometers, and aspect ratio greater than 3:1. These are counted in PCM air monitoring.

Thermal system insulation

Asbestos-containing insulation applied to pipes, boilers, tanks, and ducts. It is a common Category I or II ACM found in older buildings and often friable.

Bulk sampling

Collection of small material samples for laboratory analysis to determine asbestos content. Must be done using wet methods and HEPA vacuum to prevent fiber release.

Respirator fit test

A test to ensure a tight seal between the respirator and the wearer's face. Required annually and whenever a different respirator model is used, per OSHA 1910.134.

PAPR

Powered Air-Purifying Respirator. A respirator with a blower that passes air through HEPA filters to the facepiece, providing higher protection than non-powered APR.

Tyvek suit

A disposable protective coverall made of synthetic fibers, used to prevent asbestos contamination of street clothes and skin. Often worn with hood and foot covers.

OSHA PEL

Permissible Exposure Limit. The legal airborne concentration of asbestos a worker may be exposed to over an 8-hour shift, set at 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter.

STEL

Short-Term Exposure Limit. The maximum concentration allowed for a 30-minute period, set at 1.0 f/cc for asbestos, not to be exceeded at any time.

Personal air monitoring

Sampling of the air in a worker's breathing zone using a pump and filter cassette. Required to determine exposure levels and compliance with PEL.

Medical surveillance

A program of medical exams for workers exposed to asbestos above the PEL for 30 or more days per year. Includes chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, and exposure history.

Decontamination shower

A mandatory shower at the end of a work shift to remove asbestos fibers from the body and hair before leaving the containment area.

NESHAP notification

A written notice to EPA or delegated state at least 10 working days before starting demolition or renovation involving threshold amounts of asbestos (260 linear ft, 160 sq ft, or 35 cu ft).

AHERA accreditation

Certification required for asbestos professionals (inspectors, management planners, project designers, supervisors, workers) under 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E.

OSHA 1926.1101

The OSHA construction standard for asbestos, covering exposure limits, monitoring, PPE, training, and competent person requirements for abatement work.

Competent person

An individual capable of identifying asbestos hazards and authorized to take corrective measures. Required on all asbestos abatement projects under OSHA.

Waste manifest

A shipping document that tracks asbestos waste from generation to disposal. Required by RCRA and state regulations; retain records for at least 2 years.

State certification

Many states require licensing or certification for asbestos abatement contractors, supervisors, and workers. Requirements and reciprocity vary by state.