Summary of the EPA Asbestos Training Course

The EPA Model Accreditation Plan for asbestos worker training is based on the following specific occupations that have some level of asbestos involvement and exposures.

Asbestos Abatement Workers

A four day training course that includes:

1. At least 14 hours of hands-on training that provides asbestos workers with actual experience performing tasks associated with asbestos abatement work.
2. Topics for the course are to include the physical characteristics of asbestos, potential health effects related to asbestos exposure, employee personal protective equipment, work practices, personal hygiene, medical monitoring, air monitoring, relevant state, local, and federal standards, respiratory protection programs and medical monitoring programs, additional safety hazards on asbestos abatement projects.
3. Course review, and an examination (50 multiple choice questions with 70 percent correct).
4. Individual respirator fit-testing.
5. The EPA training course requirements are found on pages 5252 and 5253 of the February 3, 1994 Federal Register.

An annual refresher training session is required which is to be one full day. The refresher courses are to be conducted as separate and distinct courses, not to be combined with any other training during the period of the refresher course. The refresher course shall review and discuss changes in regulations, developments in state-of-the-art procedures, and a review of key aspects of the initial training course. A recertification examination is at the option of the state.

Awareness Training for Maintenance and Custodial Workers

This training is detailed in 40 CFR 763.92(a)(1). EPA specifies that the training is to be two hours in length and must include, but not be limited to:

1. Information regarding asbestos and its various uses and forms.
2. Information on the health effects associated with asbestos exposure.
3. Locations of asbestos-containing building material identified throughout each school building in which the employee works.
4. Recognition of damage, deterioration, and delamination of asbestos containing building material.
5. Name and telephone number of the person designated to carry out general local education agency responsibilities under 40 CFR 763.84 and the availability and location of the management plan.

EPA does not specify refresher training for this category.

Operations and Maintenance Training Course

The training required by EPA for this course is detailed in sections 40 CFR 763.92(a)(1) and 763.92(a)(2). This course is to be a total of 16 hours, which is two hours for the awareness level portion and 14 hours for the additional training required for operations and maintenance personnel.

The training has to include the same requirements for awareness training, as well as the following additional requirements:

1. Descriptions of the proper methods of handling asbestos containing building material.
2. Information on the use of respiratory protection and other personal protective measures.
3. The provisions of 40 CFR 763.92 and 40 CFR 763.91, Appendices A, B, C, D, EPA regulations contained in 40 CFR Part 763, subpart G, and in 40 CFR Part 61, subpart M, and OSHA regulations contained in 29 CFR 1926.58.
4. Hands-on training in the use of respiratory protection, other personal protective measures, and good work practices.
   
   

Comprehensive Course for Supervisors

The five day training course for supervisors includes:

1. Lectures and demonstrations on the physical characteristics of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, potential health effects related to asbestos exposure, employee personal protective equipment, work practices, personal hygiene, medical monitoring, air monitoring, relevant state, local, and federal standards, respiratory protection programs and medical monitoring programs, insurance and liability issues, recordkeeping for asbestos abatement projects, supervisory techniques for asbestos abatement activities, and contract specifications.
2. Fourteen hours of hands-on training must permit asbestos workers actual experience in performing tasks associated with asbestos abatement.
3. Individual respirator fit-testing.
4. Course review.
5. Written examination (100 multiple course questions with a passing score of 70 percent).

One full day of refresher training. The refresher courses are to be conducted as separate and distinct courses and not combined with any other training during the period of the refresher course. The refresher course reviews and discusses changes in regulations, developments in state-of-the-art procedures, and reviews key aspects of the initial training course. A recertification examination is at the option of the state.