OR Asbestos Abatement key terms

Any material or product that contains more than one percent asbestos by weight, as determined by an accredited laboratory using polarized light microscopy. Oregon regulates handling and disposal of such material.

ACM that is friable, or that becomes friable through handling, sanding, grinding, cutting, or demolition. RACM is subject to the strictest removal, packaging, and disposal requirements under Oregon and federal rules.

Asbestos material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Friability drives emission potential and determines whether more protective work practices are required.

Asbestos material that cannot be crumbled or pulverized by ordinary hand pressure when dry. It may still become regulated if it is cut, sanded, or damaged during renovation.

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

Non-friable asbestos material other than Category I, such as cementitious siding, corrugated sheeting, and some mastics. It becomes regulated when it is damaged or will be demolished and is likely to become friable.

The primary laboratory method for identifying asbestos in bulk building materials. It uses refractive index and optical properties to estimate mineral type and percentage in a sample.

A physical piece of suspect building material collected for laboratory analysis. Proper sampling uses wet methods, minimizes disturbance, and seals each sample in a separate labeled container.

Any building product that may contain asbestos and has not been tested or documented as asbestos-free. It must be treated as ACM until sampling or reliable records prove otherwise.

Material designated as ACM because it is assumed to contain asbestos, often in schools and public buildings, until sampling proves otherwise. It is treated with the same precautions as confirmed ACM.

A documented inspection of a building to locate, sample, and evaluate suspect asbestos materials before renovation or demolition. Results guide abatement scope and required notifications.

Any measure taken to remove, encapsulate, or enclose asbestos material, or to otherwise control its release. In Oregon, abatement work must be performed by licensed contractors using certified workers.

Coating asbestos material with a sealant that penetrates or bridges the surface to prevent fiber release. It is a control method rather than removal and is not suitable for all materials.

Building an airtight barrier around asbestos material so it is separated from occupied space. Enclosures require careful design, labeling, and inspection to remain effective over time.

A sealed work area, typically built with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure, that prevents asbestos fibers from escaping during abatement. It includes critical barriers at openings and a decontamination unit.

A condition in which air is drawn out of a containment faster than it enters, so air flows inward and fibers stay inside. It is maintained with HEPA-filtered negative air machines and verified with a manometer.

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

A connected series of rooms, usually a dirty room, shower, and clean room, through which workers pass when entering and leaving a containment. It prevents fibers from leaving on clothing or skin.

The final room of a decontamination unit, kept free of visible dust, where workers dress in street clothes after showering. It separates the contaminated work area from the outside environment.

The room of a decontamination unit closest to the work area, where contaminated clothing and equipment are removed before showering. It is kept under negative pressure relative to the clean room.

A plastic sheet sealed over an opening, such as a doorway, window, or HVAC vent, to isolate the containment. Critical barriers are installed before abatement begins and removed only after cleaning.

Equipment worn to protect workers from asbestos exposure, including disposable coveralls, gloves, boot covers, and respiratory protection. It must be removed in the dirty room before showering.

A tight-fitting mask that filters inhaled air, selected based on exposure level and fit-tested for each worker. Oregon requires medical evaluation, fit testing, and training before use in abatement.

A test that confirms a respirator seals properly to a worker's face. It is performed before initial use and at least annually, and whenever the respirator model or the worker's condition changes.

Techniques that wet asbestos material with amended water before and during disturbance to suppress fiber release. Wetting reduces airborne fibers but does not eliminate the need for containment and respiratory protection.

Water mixed with a surfactant, such as a wetting agent, to help it penetrate asbestos material. It is applied during removal and cleanup to reduce airborne fiber concentrations.

The final phase of abatement in which surfaces are wet-wiped, HEPA-vacuumed, and inspected until no visible residue remains. Clearance sampling may follow to confirm the area is safe.

The process of verifying that a work area is clean and safe for reoccupancy after abatement. It typically involves a visual inspection and, where required, air sampling by an independent party.

Collecting air samples inside a containment after final cleaning to confirm fiber levels are below the required threshold. Results must be obtained before containment is removed or the area is reoccupied.

A laboratory method that counts airborne fibers collected on a filter. It is commonly used for clearance and personal air monitoring but does not distinguish asbestos from other fibers.

A high-magnification method that identifies asbestos fibers by structure and chemistry. It is more specific than PCM and is used when fiber type must be confirmed, such as in some clearance protocols.

Sampling of the air in a worker's breathing zone to estimate exposure during abatement tasks. Results are compared with permissible exposure limits and help select respiratory protection.

The process of determining how much asbestos a worker may inhale, using air monitoring, task observation, and historical data. It underpins respirator selection and required work practices.

A written notice submitted to Oregon DEQ before demolishing a facility, describing the structure and the asbestos survey results. It must be filed within the required timeframe before work begins.

Altering a structure, such as removing walls or replacing flooring, that may disturb asbestos material. Regulated renovations require an asbestos survey and proper handling of any ACM found.

An Oregon-issued credential authorizing a business to perform asbestos abatement for hire. Licensing requires certified personnel, proper insurance, and compliance with state work practice rules.

An individual who has completed an approved training course and passed an exam to perform abatement tasks. Certification must be renewed and is tied to the worker's employer and training records.

A certified individual responsible for directing abatement work, enforcing work practices, and ensuring containment and cleanup meet requirements. Supervisors complete additional training beyond worker certification.

A laboratory approved to analyze asbestos samples under a recognized accreditation program. Using an accredited lab ensures bulk and air results are defensible and accepted by regulators.

Documentation that tracks asbestos waste from the generation site to an approved disposal facility. It identifies the waste, transporter, and receiving site and supports compliance with disposal rules.