ASBESTOS: WHAT IS IT?

ASBESTOS FACTS

  • Asbestos is a group of fibrous, heat-resistant minerals
  • Once a common ingredient in American construction materials
  • Microscopic fibers can become trapped in the body, causing disease over time
  • Industry executives covered up health dangers for decades
  • Originally marketed as the ‘magic mineral’

Training Required by Law

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT AGAINST ASBESTOS?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to institute and ensure participation in a worker training program for employees exposed to fiber levels (either measured or anticipated) at or above the permissible exposure limit (0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) as an 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA) and/or the excursion limit (1.0 f/cc as a 30-minute TWA). This training program consists of an initial training period, the duration of which is determined by the type of work the employee performs, and annual refresher training.

For additional information about these training requirements, see the OSHA regulations at 29 CFR § 1910.1001(j)(7) (PDF) (53 pp, 408K, about PDF).

ASBESTOS: EPA REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOLS

According to the EPA regulations governing schools, all school staff custodial and maintenance workers who conduct any activities that may result in the disturbance of asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) must receive 16 hours of O&M training (comprised of 2 hours of Awareness Training and 14 hours of Special O&M Training).