Definitions | Workplace Hazards

Q.	How has the definition of "asbestos" changed in the asbestos standards?
A.	The non-asbestiform varieties of the minerals actinolite, tremolite and anthophyllite are no longer included in the definition of asbestos.
Q.	Briefly, what are the four classes of activities covered in the Construction standard?
A.	"Class I" work is defined as activities involving the removal of thermal system insulation (TSI) and sprayed-on or troweled-on or otherwise applied surfacing asbestos-containing material or presumed asbestos-containing material. "Class II" asbestos work is defined as removal of ACM or PACM which is not TSI or surfacing ACM or PACM. Certain "incidental" roofing materials such as mastic, flashing and cements when they are still intact are excluded. "Class III" asbestos work is defined as repair and maintenance operations which are likely to disturb ACM or PACM. "Disturbance" means activities that disrupt the matrix of ACM or PACM, crumble or pulverize ACM or PACM, or generate visible debris from ACM or PACM. Operations may include drilling, abrading, cutting a hole, cable pulling, crawling through tunnels, or attics and spaces above the ceiling where asbestos is actively disturbed or asbestos-containing debris is actively disturbed. "Class IV" asbestos work means maintenance and custodial activities during which employees contact, but do not disturb ACM or PACM, and activities to clean up dust, waste, and debris resulting from Class I, II, and III activities. This may include dusting surfaces where ACM waste and debris and accompanying dust exists, and cleaning up loose ACM or PACM debris from thermal system insulation or surfacing ACM/PACM, following construction activity.
Q.	Do the new standards set a minimum level of asbestos content for asbestos-containing materials?
A.	Asbestos-containing material means any material containing more than 1% asbestos.
Q.	What is "presumed asbestos containing material" (PACM)?
A.	The definition of PACM is limited to thermal system insulation and sprayed on and/or troweled or otherwise applied surfacing material in buildings constructed no later than 1980. The material is "presumed" to contain asbestos unless it is demonstrated in accordance with the standard that PACM does not contain asbestos.

Q.	Does OSHA still use the term "small-scale, short-term"?
A.	No. OSHA has dropped the term "small-scale, short-term" work from the regulatory text. The term "small-scale, short-term" was too limiting, has been shown to be confusing, and could not be defined with sufficient precision to serve the purpose of distinguishing high risk asbestos-disturbing activity from activity of reduced risk.
Q.	Are "wrap and cut" operations included in the definition of "removal"?
A.	Yes, a wrap and cut operation is a type of asbestos removal. It consists of two distinct operations. The wrap portion requires the removal of small amounts of asbestos from either side of the pipe to be cut. This will be a Class I or III operation depending on the amount of asbestos removed. Once the asbestos is removed and wrapped, the pipe is then cut. The cutting portion of the job is unclassified, as it does not involve asbestos removal.