OK Asbestos Abatement flashcards

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

Primary asbestos exposure route

Inhalation of airborne fibers is the primary route; fibers deposit in the lungs and can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Ingestion is a minor route.

Asbestosis latency period

Asbestosis typically develops 10–20 years after first exposure; lung cancer 15–30 years; mesothelioma 20–50 years. Longer latency does not mean lower risk.

Smoking and asbestos synergy

Smoking and asbestos exposure act synergistically to multiply lung cancer risk (roughly multiplicative), but smoking does not increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Regulated fiber dimensions

Countable fibers are >5 µm long, <3 µm wide, with a length-to-diameter ratio >3:1. These dimensions define fibers counted by PCM and regulated by OSHA.

OSHA PEL and excursion limit

The 8-hour time-weighted average permissible exposure limit is 0.1 f/cc; the excursion limit is 1.0 f/cc over 30 minutes. Both apply to asbestos in all OSHA standards.

NESHAP RACM threshold

A facility is regulated if renovation or demolition involves at least 260 linear feet on pipes, 160 square feet on other components, or 35 cubic feet of RACM off facility components.

NESHAP notification deadline

Written notification must reach the delegated agency at least 10 working days before demolition or renovation begins, including start/end dates, quantity, and disposal site.

OSHA Class I work

Class I asbestos work involves removal of thermal system insulation (TSI) and surfacing ACM or PACM. It requires the highest level of controls and worker protection.

Oklahoma DEQ asbestos role

Oklahoma DEQ administers the state asbestos program, including accreditation of workers and contractors, notification review, and enforcement of NESHAP and state rules.

Homogeneous area sampling minimums

Collect at least 3 bulk samples for surfacing material, 3 for thermal system insulation, and 2 for all other materials per homogeneous area, using random sampling.

PLM bulk sample analysis

Polarized light microscopy (EPA Method 600/R-93/116) identifies fiber type and estimates percentage. It is the standard method for bulk asbestos samples.

Presumed asbestos-containing material

PACM is material presumed to contain asbestos until sampled and shown negative. TSI and surfacing materials in pre-cutoff buildings are presumed ACM.

Negative pressure requirement

Maintain at least −0.02 inches of water column inside the containment relative to adjacent areas, with HEPA-filtered negative air machines providing at least 4 air changes per hour.

Amended water purpose

Amended water (water plus surfactant) wets asbestos fibers to suppress release during disturbance. Keep material wet until packaged for disposal.

Glove bag use

A glove bag is a sealed bag with sleeves and glove ports used for small-diameter pipe removal. It must be sealed to the pipe and collapsed before removal.

Prohibited abatement practices

Dry sweeping, compressed air, grinding, sanding, and high-speed abrasive cutting of ACM are prohibited unless controlled with wet methods and HEPA exhaust.

Respirator assigned protection factor

APF is the expected level of protection: half-mask APR 10, full-face APR 50, PAPR 1,000 (or per NIOSH), supplied-air higher. Select respirator by exposure concentration.

Respirator fit testing frequency

Fit testing is required annually and whenever a different respirator model or size is used. It must be done with the same make, model, and size worn on the job.

PPE removal sequence

Remove outer coveralls inside the work area, bag as waste, shower before donning street clothes, and remove the respirator last in the clean room after showering.

Medical surveillance trigger

Medical surveillance is required for employees exposed above the PEL for 30 or more days per year; includes medical history, physical exam, and pulmonary function tests.

Containment sheeting specifications

Use 6-mil fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting on floors, walls, and ceilings; overlap seams, seal with duct tape, and install critical barriers at openings.

Decontamination unit stages

A three-stage decontamination unit has a clean room, shower room, and equipment/waste room. Workers move from dirty to clean; waste exits separately.

Clearance air monitoring

After visual inspection, collect air samples inside containment; clearance level is often 0.01 f/cc by PCM or per contract. Reoccupy only after passing.

Aggressive sampling

Aggressive sampling uses a fan or blower to disturb settled dust during clearance air monitoring, ensuring fibers are airborne and captured by samplers.

NESHAP waste packaging

RACM must be wetted, bagged or wrapped in leak-tight containers, and labeled with an asbestos warning and the generator's name and location.

Waste shipment record retention

Retain waste shipment records and landfill receipts for at least 2 years (or longer per state rule), including quantity, type, date, generator, transporter, and disposal site.

Approved asbestos landfill

Dispose only at a landfill permitted to accept asbestos waste. Notify the landfill before delivery and document disposal with a manifest or receipt.

Liquid waste filtration

Filter decontamination and amended water (e.g., 5 µm or HEPA) before discharge to sanitary sewer; check local POTW requirements for asbestos.

Personal air sampling location

Place the sampling cassette in the breathing zone (lapel) outside the respirator. Use calibrated pumps at 0.5–2.0 L/min for PCM analysis.

PCM fiber counting

Phase contrast microscopy (NIOSH 7400) counts all fibers >5 µm, not just asbestos. TEM is used for speciation and lower detection limits.

Pump calibration requirement

Calibrate sampling pumps before and after each sampling event with a primary standard (e.g., bubble burette). Record pre- and post-calibration values.

OSHA exposure record retention

Exposure monitoring records must be retained for 30 years; medical records for employment duration plus 30 years; training records for 1 year beyond employment.