OR Asbestos Abatement flashcards
OR Asbestos Abatement · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Asbestos-containing material definition
- Material containing more than 1 percent asbestos by weight, as determined by an accepted laboratory method such as polarized light microscopy. The 1 percent threshold determines whether abatement rules apply.
- DEQ asbestos program authority
- Oregon DEQ administers asbestos abatement rules under OAR Chapter 340, Division 248, covering contractor licensing, worker certification, notifications, work practices, and waste disposal.
- Licensed abatement contractor
- A business entity holding a current Oregon DEQ asbestos abatement contractor license. Abatement for compensation may only be performed by or under such a licensed contractor.
- Certified asbestos worker
- An individual holding a valid DEQ asbestos worker certificate, obtained through accredited training and application. Workers perform abatement tasks under a certified supervisor.
- Certified asbestos supervisor
- An individual certified by DEQ to oversee abatement projects, direct workers, enforce work practices, and ensure the regulated area and decontamination systems function as required.
- Abatement notification
- Written notice to DEQ before abatement begins, identifying the site, contractor, supervisor, dates, scope, and methods. Schedule changes require an updated notification.
- Regulated area
- The work area established for abatement, marked with warning signs and separated by barriers. Access is limited to certified workers using proper protective equipment and decontamination.
- Negative air pressure
- A pressure differential maintained with HEPA-filtered exhaust so air flows into the work area rather than out. It prevents asbestos fibers from escaping to occupied spaces.
- HEPA filtration
- High-efficiency particulate air filtration that captures very fine particles, including asbestos fibers. HEPA units are used for negative air machines and vacuums during abatement and cleanup.
- Wet methods
- Techniques that wet asbestos-containing material before and during disturbance to suppress fiber release. Dry sweeping, dry scraping, and dry demolition are prohibited.
- Decontamination unit
- A sequenced clean room, shower, and equipment room attached to the work area. It allows workers to remove contaminated clothing and clean before leaving the regulated area.
- Personal protective equipment
- Respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection worn by abatement workers. Respirator use requires fit testing, medical clearance, and training under the employer's program.
- Asbestos survey before renovation
- An inspection by an accredited inspector to identify and sample suspect materials before demolition or renovation. Results determine which materials require abatement and notification.
- Polarized light microscopy
- A laboratory method using polarized light to identify asbestos minerals and estimate their percentage in bulk samples. It is the standard method for determining asbestos content.
- Point counting
- A more precise microscopic estimation technique used when initial PLM results are near a regulatory threshold or when a material's asbestos content must be confirmed.
- Friable asbestos material
- Material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Friable material releases fibers more readily and is subject to stricter handling rules.
- Nonfriable asbestos material
- Material that cannot be crumbled by hand pressure when dry, such as intact floor tile or roofing. It may become regulated if cut, sanded, or otherwise made friable.
- Asbestos waste labeling
- Waste containers must be leak-tight and labeled as asbestos waste. Bagged or wrapped material is wetted, sealed, and marked before transport off site.
- Waste shipment record
- A document accompanying asbestos waste from the project to the disposal site, identifying the generator, contractor, quantity, and receiving landfill. Records are retained for review.
- Approved asbestos landfill
- A disposal facility permitted to accept asbestos-containing waste. Abatement waste must be taken to such a facility, not an ordinary construction debris site.
- Accredited training refresher
- Periodic refresher training required to keep worker and supervisor certificates current. The course length and interval depend on the certification type under DEQ rules.
- Certificate reciprocity
- Recognition of training or certification from another jurisdiction. Oregon certification is issued to individuals and generally requires meeting Oregon's own application and training requirements.
- Clearance inspection
- A post-abatement visual inspection confirming the work area is free of debris and residue. Air sampling may also be required before containment is removed or the area is released.
- Containment barriers
- Plastic sheeting and rigid framing that isolate the work area from occupied spaces. Barriers are sealed at seams and openings to prevent fiber migration during abatement.
- Encapsulation
- Applying a sealant to asbestos-containing material to bind fibers and prevent release. It is an abatement method distinct from removal and enclosure, and it requires notification.
- Enclosure
- Building an airtight barrier around asbestos-containing material so it is not disturbed. Enclosure leaves the material in place and requires long-term management and labeling.
- Operations and maintenance plan
- A written program for managing asbestos-containing material left in place, covering work practices, training, periodic inspection, and recordkeeping for building maintenance activities.
- Asbestos warning signs
- Posted at regulated area boundaries, stating that asbestos is present and access is limited to authorized personnel wearing required protective equipment.
- Air monitoring
- Sampling of airborne fiber concentrations during and after abatement, used to verify containment performance and support clearance decisions. Results are documented and retained.
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Contractors retain notifications, training and certification records, waste shipment records, monitoring results, and project documentation. Records must be available to DEQ on request.
- Prohibited work practices
- Activities such as dry sweeping, dry scraping, use of compressed air on asbestos material, and uncontrolled demolition. These practices disperse fibers and violate abatement rules.
- Demolition notification
- Notice to DEQ before demolition of a facility, including asbestos survey results and abatement status. Demolition may not proceed until regulated asbestos material is addressed.