Asbestos WRD 23.10 2310 Wrd2310
User Manual: 2310
Open the PDF directly: View PDF 
.
Page Count: 69
WRD 23.10
SUBJECT: Occupational Exposure to Asbestos
DATE ISSUED: April 30, 1997
I. Background:
OSHA amended the Occupational Exposure to Asbestos Standards for general industry,
construction, and shipyard industry on August 10, 1994 with corrections issued on
June 29, 1995 and September 29, 1995. The asbestos standard in WAC 296-62-077 was
revised to reflect changes to the federal standards as well as to meet the legislatively driven
changes to the asbestos certification law, RCW 49.26, in ESB 5397. The asbestos
certification law was revised to reflect changes made in the EPA model accreditation plan
requirements for asbestos on February 3, 1994.
The major revisions to WAC 296-62-077 include:
-- Reduction of the time-weighted-average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) to
0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter for all occupational exposures to asbestos in all
industries.
-- Creation of a classification scheme for asbestos construction and shipyard industry
work which ties mandatory work practices to work classification.
-- Presumptive asbestos identification requirements for asbestos-containing materials
(ACM).
-- Notification requirements for employers who use unlisted compliance methods in
high risk asbestos abatement.
-- Mandatory methods of control for brake and clutch repair.
Subsequent to the adoption of the Asbestos Final Rule in 29 CFR Parts 1910.1001,
1926.1101, and 1915.1001, OSHA has issued the following compliance memorandums
establishing procedures and policies to ensure uniform application of the standards:
WRD 23.10
Page 1
-- CPL 95-3 Revised Compliance Policy: Occupational Exposure to Asbestos - Roofing
Industry Settlement.
-- CPL 95-9 Occupational Exposure to Asbestos - Flooring Industry Settlement.
-- CPL 2-2.63 Inspection Procedures for Occupational Exposure to Asbestos Final Rule.
The settlement agreements and policy memorandums constitute federal program changes
requiring state adoption of identical or equivalent policies. This WISHA Regional Directive
(WRD) will replace the previously existing WRD 88-1A Inspection Procedures for the
Asbestos Standard and WRD 92-4 Asbestos Abatement Scheduling System. Also, it will
incorporate and replace previously existing WISHA policy memorandums regarding the
evaluation of certification and abatement requirements for asbestos containing flooring and
roofing materials and cement asbestos board.
II. Scope and Application:
A. This WRD, which will remain in effect indefinitely, applies to WISHA inspections
and consultations related to occupational exposure to asbestos and to the Asbestos
Certification Program.
This WRD replaces WRD 88-1A Inspection Procedures for the Asbestos Standard,
which is hereby repealed.
This WRD incorporates and modifies the substance of WRD 92-4 Asbestos
Abatement Scheduling, which is hereby repealed.
This WRD provides uniform guidance in the application and interpretation of safety
and health rules related to all occupational exposure to asbestos in WAC 296-62-
077 and to the asbestos certification of WAC 296-65.
B. WAC 296-65, Safety Standards for Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation and WAC
296-62-077 apply to all occupational exposures to asbestos in all industries.
However, there are specific sections or sebsections of these rules that apply only to
general industries and only to construction and shipyard work. Also, specific
provisions affect homeowners and building owners.
Special consideration and attention must be given to the part of WAC 296-62-077
which applies to a specific work activity. In WAC 296-62-07701, construction work
is defined by reference to WAC 296-155-012 and shipyard work is defined by
reference to WAC 296-304-01001.
WRD 23.10
Page 2
1. The following sections and subsections have specific application designated
to an industry by work activity:
WAC 296-62-07706(2), (3), (4), and (5) Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07709(2) General industry application only.
WAC 296-62-07709(3) Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07711(8) Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07712 Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07713 General industry application only.
WAC 296-62-07717(4) Construction and shipyard only.
WAC 296-62-07719(3) Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07721(1) General industry application only.
WAC 296-62-07721(2) Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07723(7) Construction and shipyard work only.
WAC 296-62-07728 Construction and shipyard work only.
2. Any direct references or requirements for Class I, Class II, Class III, and
Class IV imply construction and shipyard work only. WAC 296-62-07712
has specifically classified construction and shipyard work activities into these
four classes based on the potential of those activities to result in exposure to
asbestos. An example is found in WAC 296-62-07715 where respiratory
protection applies to all industries and work activities, but specific
requirements for Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV work are also
identified.
3. All other sections and subsections not designated " general industry only" or
"construction and shipyard work only" apply to all industries and to all
occupational exposures to asbestos.
4. There is a mandatory appendix for general industry only in WAC 296-62-
07745, Appendix F, Work Practices and Engineering Controls for
Automotive Brake and Clutch Inspection, Disassembly, Repair, and
Assembly.
C. WAC 296-62-07721, Communication of Hazards to Employees, has specific
requirements for building, facility, and vessel owners and their agents.
1. Building, vessel, and facilities owners have the responsibility to notify
contractors and tenants of the presence of asbestos-containing materials and
presumed asbestos-containing materials (ACM/PACM) even though the
employees at risk are not the owner's direct employees. WAC 296-62-
07721 requires building, facility, and vessel owners to notify in writing the
following persons of the presence, locations, and quantity of ACM or PACM:
WRD 23.10
Page 3
a. Prospective employers applying or bidding for work in or adjacent to
the areas containing asbestos;
b. The owner's employees who work in or nearby these areas;
c. Other employers on multi-employer worksites with employees
working in or adjacent to the area; and
d. Tenants who will occupy the areas containing such materials.
2. The definition of "owner" includes lessee in WAC 296-62-07703. However,
the owner is not exempted from notification requirements by allowing a lessee
to comply. The owner may transfer the management of the building to a long
term lessee. When the lease is terminated, the records are to be transferred to
the owner.
D. RCW 49.26 expresses certain obligations of a "person" beyond the definition of
employer found in RCW 49.17.020(3).
1. WAC 296-65-003 defines "person" as any individual, partnership, firm,
association, corporation, sole proprietorship, or the State of Washington or its
political subdivisions.
2. Provisions for persons or individuals in WAC 296-65 go beyond the limitation
of the scope of an employer-employee relationship.
3. WAC 296-65-020 and WAC 296-65-030 have requirements applicable to
persons who are subject to WISHA citations.
E. Specific considerations for homeowners are found in WAC 296-62-077 and in WAC
296-65.
1. The definition of owner in WAC 296-62-07703 and WAC 296-65-003 does
not include homeowners who work on their own private homes no part of
which is used for commercial purposes.
2. All other requirements related to "person" or "individual" in WAC 296-65
apply to homeowners. Examples of such applications are the notification
requirements in WAC 296-65-020(1) and the certification requirements in
WAC 296-65-030(1), WAC 296-65-030(3), and WAC 296-65-030(4).
Homeowners are subject to WISHA citations for violations of these
provisions in WAC 296-65.
WRD 23.10
Page 4
F. WAC 296-62-07721 has specific requirements for the identification of ACM or
PACM.
1. ACM and PACM.
a. WAC 296-65-001 and WAC 296-62-07703 define ACM as any
materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos.
b. PACM.
(1) Thermal system insulation and surfacing materials are PACM
if installed no later 1980 (WAC 296-62-07703).
(2) The designation of PACM may be rebutted by the provisions
of WAC 296-62-07721(3).
c. The provisions for labels in WAC 296-62-07721(7) has a threshold of
0.1 percent by weight. Labels are not required for a product
containing less than 0.1 percent asbestos by weight.
2. Good faith inspection and identification.
a. RCW 49.26.013 requires that a good faith inspection be performed
when any owner or owner's agent allows or authorizes any
construction, renovation, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or
demolition project which has a reasonable possibility of disturbing or
releasing asbestos into the air.
(1) A good faith inspection is to determine whether the proposed
project will disturb or release any material containing asbestos
into the air.
(2) The good faith inspection is performed by an EPA accredited
inspector.
(3) A good faith inspection is not required if owner or owner's
agent is reasonably certain that asbestos will not be disturbed
or assumes that asbestos will be disturbed by the project.
(4) Each inspection or assumption statement is documented by a
written report. The report is to be posted and accessible to
employees.
WRD 23.10
Page 5
b. In addition to the good faith inspection requirements from RCW
49.26, OSHA derived rule changes have added requirements regarding
the identification and notification of the presence of ACM or PACM.
(1) The notification requirements are more specific than the good
faith inspection in that the presence, location, and quantity of
ACM/PACM must be determined.
(2) Notification is in written form and retained as records for
documentation.
(3) Performance of a good faith inspection does not replace the
notification requirements.
III. Interpretive Guidance (Summary of Certification and Training Requirements
for Asbestos Work):
A. Training requirements for asbestos work can be found in WAC 296-65, WAC 296-
62-07722, and WAC 296-62-07728.
1. WAC 296-65 defines the general scope of certification requirements and uses
the definitions, "asbestos project" and "asbestos abatement project" to define
general certification requirements.
2. WAC 296-62-07722 defines general training requirements for asbestos work
and integrates the certification requirements into the asbestos work
classification scheme (Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV).
3. WAC 296-62-07728(4) defines certification and training requirements for the
competent person.
B. General training specifications for all employees with occupation exposure to
asbestos.
1. All required training is to be provided prior to or at the time of initial
assignment to work in an area where ACM or PACM are present.
2. All required training is provided at least annually.
3. All employees excluded from certification requirements are provided training
regardless of their exposure levels.
WRD 23.10
Page 6
4. Training is to be provided at no cost to the employee.
5. Training must at a minimum contain the information required in WAC 296-
62-07722(5).
6. Appendix B has a summary of WISHA and EPA training requirements.
C. Methodology to determine certification and training requirements.
1. WISHA certification and training requirements differs from OSHA training
requirements because state specific provisions are established in RCW 49.26
and WAC 296-65.
a. OSHA's training scheme is based on work classification for
construction and shipyard work. General industry work is based on
the PEL and whether housekeeping work is being done.
b. WISHA certification is based on definitions not related to work
classification. "Asbestos project" is defined in RCW 49.26.100(1) to
mean "the construction, demolition, repair, maintenance, remodeling,
or renovation of any public or private building or mechanical piping
equipment or systems involving the demolition, removal,
encapsulation, salvage, or disposal of material, or outdoor activity,
releasing or likely to release asbestos fibers into the air."
2. Certification requirements are based on the definition of asbestos project in
WAC 296-65-003, not work classification. Certification is required if:
a. The condition of the ACM is not intact;
b. The ACM is damaged, or deteriorated;
c. Mechanical methods are used such as chipping, grinding, sawing, or
sanding on ACM;
d. The employee performs Class II work requiring the use of critical
barriers and/or negative pressure enclosures, see WAC 296-62-
07722(3)(b)(ii);
e. Disturbance of 1 square foot or more of ACM will release or is likely
to release asbestos fibers into the air;
WRD 23.10
Page 7
f. If there is disturbance of pipe insulation the "less than 1 square foot"
exclusion does not pertain to any disturbance of asbestos dealing with
pipe insulation; or
g. Class II asbestos work involves more than one generic category of
ACM.
3. Exceptions to worker certification may be used if:
a. The exception is directly specified in WAC 296-65-003 or WAC 296-
62-07722(3) and (4);
b. The ACM is intact and is not damaged or deteriorated;
c. An "initial exposure assessment" or "initial air monitoring" has been
made according to the requirements of WAC 296-62-07709;
d. Mechanical methods such as chipping, grinding, sawing, or sanding
will not be used on the ACM;
e. Critical barriers, enclosures, or isolation of processes producing
asbestos containing dust, and/or negative pressure enclosures are not
required by WAC 296-62-07712 or WAC 296-62-07713;
f. Intact ACM are removed according to the required work practices,
controls, respiratory protection, and related provisions of WAC 296-
62-077; and
g. Alternative training as specified in WAC 296-65-003 and WAC 296-
62-07722 has been provided.
4. Exceptions to worker certification are specified in WAC 296-65-003 in the
definition of asbestos project and in WAC 296-62-07722(3) and (4):
a. WAC 296-65-003 excludes asbestos work of less than 1 square foot of
ACM. This exclusion does not apply to pipe insulation.
b. WAC 296-65-003 excludes asbestos work involving asbestos-cement
water pipe if approved training and procedures are used.
c. WAC 296-65-003 excludes the intact removal of intact vinyl floor
tile and intact roofing materials. Mechanical methods are prohibited
for
WRD 23.10
Page 8
this exclusion to worker certification. Training is specified for this
exclusion in WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b).
d. WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b) excludes the removal of intact asbestos
containing material for Class II asbestos work.
(1) This applies to Class II asbestos work involving one generic
category of intact ACM such as intact roofing material,
bituminous or asphaltic pipeline coatings, intact flooring or
decking materials, siding materials, ceiling tiles, or transite
panels.
(2) If an employer conducts Class II asbestos work involving more
than one generic category of ACM, worker certification is
required.
(3) Employees performing Class II work excluded from
certification are required to have eight hours of training as
required by the provisions of WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b).
(4) Appendix D has a training course outline that meets the eight-
hour training course specified in WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b) for
the removal of intact roofing materials.
(5) Appendix E has a training course outline that meets the eight-
hour training course specified in WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b) for
the removal of intact flooring materials.
e. WAC 296-62-07722(4) excludes Class III and Class IV asbestos work
that is not an "asbestos project" from worker certification.
(1) This would exclude from worker certification any work that is
less than 1 square foot of ACM except for pipe insulation.
(2) Any ACM of 1 square foot or more of total surface area that is
damaged or deteriorated, in the form of dust, debris, and waste
that is not intact, or in a condition that is not intact requires
worker certification.
(3) Employees performing Class III and Class IV work not
considered an "asbestos project" shall be trained according to
the provisions of WAC 296-62-077(4)(b) and (c).
WRD 23.10
Page 9
f. WAC 296-62-07722(6) requires that employers shall also provide
asbestos awareness training to all employees performing
housekeeping operations in a facility that contains ACM.
(1) This provision applies if work activity is not an asbestos
project or not a Class I, Class II, Class III, or Class IV activity.
(2) Awareness training is required for all employees who are or
will work in areas where ACM or PACM is present.
(3) Training is to be provided once a year.
IV. Special Inspection Protocols:
The following guidance provides the general framework to assist the Compliance Safety and
Health Officer (CSHO) in conducting an inspection:
A. The CSHO shall request that the employer provide copies of the initial exposure
assessment and any monitoring data that may be available for review prior to the
walk-around. This provides the CSHO with the basic information necessary to make
the appropriate choice of personal protective equipment (PPE).
1. If the employer has relied upon objective data, additional time may be needed
to locate and review these data. If the material is not readily available, the
CSHO shall presume initially that potential for over-exposure to ACM exists
and shall evaluate the work area to select appropriate entry procedures.
2. As a time-saving measure, the CSHO shall request during the opening
conference that the employer begin collecting other required documents such
as medical surveillance records, training records, respiratory protection
program, etc. for all affected employees.
3. For general industry activities where the PELs are exceeded, the employer is
required to have established a written compliance program according to WAC
296-62-07713(3). The CSHO shall request this document and review it at a
later time.
B. The CSHO shall determine whether the required training and certification are
provided for employees performing asbestos work or having occupational exposure to
asbestos.
WRD 23.10
Page 10
1. The CSHO shall verify that employees conducting work as an "asbestos
project" are current certified asbestos workers. All employees performing
asbestos work on an "asbestos project" are required to have valid and current
asbestos certificates available for inspection at all times, see WAC 296-65-
010(6).
2. For asbestos work excluded from certification:
a. The CSHO shall verify that the asbestos work is not an asbestos
project.
(1) Determine that the employer has conducted a "negative
exposure assessment" or "initial air monitoring" indicating
employee exposure is below the PEL.
(2) Determine that the ACM is in a intact state prior and during
work activity.
b. The CSHO shall determine if there is sufficient documentation,
through employee interviews and review of training records, that
alternative training was provided.
C. For asbestos abatement projects, an asbestos project involving 3 square feet or 3
linear feet or more of ACM, the CSHO shall determine whether the requirements of
WAC 296-65-030, Methods of Compliance, have been met by verifying that:
1. Before submitting a bid or working on an asbestos abatement project, the
employer, person, or individual has obtained an asbestos contractor certificate
as provided in WAC 296-65-017.
2. At least one certified supervisor is present on asbestos abatement project.
a. The asbestos abatement project shall have direct, on-site supervision
by a certified asbestos supervisor.
b. If an asbestos abatement project is conducted by an employer in its
own facility by its own employees, supervision can be performed in
the regular course of a certified supervisor's duties. Access to a
certified asbestos supervisor shall be maintained throughout the
duration of the project.
WRD 23.10
Page 11
c. For asbestos contractors, at least one certified supervisor must be
employed to be responsible for supervising all asbestos projects.
D. The CSHO shall review the notice of an asbestos project required in WAC 296-65-
020 for all asbestos projects involving more than 48 square feet or 10 linear feet of
ACM.
1. The written notification shall meet the requirements of WAC 296-65-020(1)
in content and accuracy, and be submitted to the department no later than 10
days prior to the project.
2. Waiving the prenotification requirement of WAC 296-65-020(2) shall be
approved by the Industrial Hygiene Regional Supervisor (IHRS) in the region
office having jurisdiction on the project.
a. Prenotification can be waived for owners of large-scale and ongoing
projects as per WAC 296-65-020(4). Employers can submit annual
notices to the department for ongoing or unscheduled maintenance
work upon approval of the IHRS.
b. The IHRS may waive prenotification for emergency projects.
Planning errors by contractors are not emergencies. The IHRS shall
exercise good judgment in determining if an emergency exists.
3. The CSHO shall determine whether a violation of WAC 296-65-020(1) exists
if there has been incremental phasing of the asbestos project to avoid the
notification threshold. The CSHO shall consult with the IHRS to decide
whether the intent of the individual or employer is to avoid the notification
requirements.
E. The CSHO shall review the good faith inspection report if required and shall
determine whether the notification and communication of hazard requirements of
WAC 296-62-07721 have been completed.
F. The CSHO shall review whether the employer is meeting the respiratory protection
requirements for employees conducting asbestos work. A series of decision-logic
charts have been included in Appendix A to assist with evaluating compliance with
the respirator selection requirements of the standard.
G. Classification and grouping of violations shall be according to the procedures and
policies outlined in the WISHA Compliance Manual.
WRD 23.10
Page 12
H. Authorization to review medical information related to compliance with the asbestos
standard: CSHO under the direction of the IHRS are authorized to review medical
records and medical opinions according to the provisions of WAC 296-62-052,
Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records and the procedures found in the
most recent issuance of the department's WRD related to access, review, and handling
of specific employee exposure and medical records and related data.
I. Guidelines and clarifications relating to specific provisions of WAC 296-65 and
WAC 296-62-077 are provided in the appendices attached to this WRD to assist
CSHOs in conducting inspections.
1. Appendix A, Asbestos Regulation Summary. Summary of requirements for
construction and shipyard asbestos work activities. This includes charts
related to classification and specific requirements for asbestos work,
requirements for roofing work, and decision logic charts covering selection
of respiratory protection.
2. Appendix B, Summary of WISHA/EPA Training Requirements. This
includes an outline of WISHA and EPA training requirements for asbestos
work and a chart indicating asbestos training requirements for each class of
asbestos work.
3. Appendix C, Questions and Answers.
4. Appendix D, Training Course Outline for the Removal of Intact Roofing
Materials.
5. Appendix E, Training Course Outline for the Removal of Intact Resilient
Floor Coverings.
V. Asbestos Abatement Scheduling System:
This section establishes a policy for scheduling inspections of asbestos projects. The
asbestos abatement scheduling system generates programmed inspection activity on asbestos
projects. The scheduling system is driven by the written prenotifications received by the
department as required in WAC 296-65-020. These notices are submitted to the regional
offices of the department to establish a regional file of asbestos abatement activity.
A. The IHRS will review each notice to evaluate employer history and recent inspection
activity (six months or less) of the employer.
WRD 23.10
Page 13
B. The following scheduling guidelines will be used by the IHRS to assign
programmed asbestos inspections:
1. If compliance history is good and no violations are issued during recent
inspection activity, no inspection will be scheduled.
2. If recent inspection activity has open abatement dates and compliance history
is significant, the employer shall be scheduled for a follow-up inspection.
3. All remaining notices shall be used by the IHRS to develop an inspection
scheduling list for each respective region. Notices shall be ranked and
prioritized into an inspection scheduling list based upon:
a. Extent of compliance activity of the employer; and
b. Characteristics of the abatement project.
VI. Training for Labor and Industries Personnel:
For all inspections where asbestos exposures are expected to be above the TWA or excursion
limit or where Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV asbestos work is being conducted,
only experienced and properly trained CSHOs shall perform the on-site asbestos evaluation.
A. CSHOs are expected to be knowledgeable of the:
1. Potential hazards which may be encountered at the site, including the potential
hazards of asbestos, as well as the relationship between smoking and asbestos
in producing lung cancer.
2. The contents of the asbestos standards including this WRD and its appendices.
3. Appropriate PPE to be worn. Each CSHO who will be expected to use PPE
shall be trained in the proper care, use, and limitation of the PPE. Use of
respiratory protection by CSHOs is contained in the internal safety and health
program respiratory protection policy, the most recent version of Safety and
Health Policy 4.08.
4. Emergency procedures.
5. Disposal of asbestos-related waste generated by the CSHO and
decontamination procedures.
WRD 23.10
Page 14
B. CSHOs inspecting asbestos abatement projects shall be trained to the equivalent of
the content of the Washington asbestos worker training course in WAC 296-65-005.
C. CSHOs shall meet the requirements of the most recent version of Labor and
Industries Internal Safety and Health Program Policy 4.14 on Asbestos/Hazardous
Waste.
VII. Medical Examination for Compliance Personnel:
A. Many of the other hazards that the CSHOs may encounter are already regulated by
the medical surveillance requirements in other WISHA standards and the
department's internal safety and health program's medical surveillance program. In
addition, the regional Safety and Health Coordinator and the IHRS are responsible for
CSHO participation in the medical surveillance program. For the implementation of
the CSHO medical examination program, see the most recent version of Safety and
Health Policy 7.00 (Medical Surveillance).
B. For CSHOs who are required to wear any respiratory protection, PPE shall be
medically cleared via the CSHO physical examination procedures in the internal
safety and health program's medical surveillance program.
VIII. Protection of Compliance Personnel:
A. PPE.
1. IHRSs and regional Safety and Health Coordinators shall ensure that
appropriate PPE is available for and used by the CSHO.
2. Respirators shall be selected and worn in accordance with the most recent
version of the internal safety and health program respiratory protection policy
4.08(a). Respirators are selected in accordance with the provisions of WAC
296-62-071 and WAC 296-62-07715. CSHOs shall be provided semi-annual
fit-testing in accordance with WAC 296-62-7715(5)(B) when using negative
pressure respirators.
3. When the CSHO enters a regulated area, disposable coveralls, head covering,
foot covering, and gloves shall be worn.
B. Decontamination procedures for compliance personnel:
WRD 23.10
Page 15
1. Prior to entry of a regulated area, CSHOs shall determine if decontamination
facilities exist, whether they are adequate for the expected conditions of the
site, and if they will be available for use.
2. When a CSHO enters areas at the worksite where WAC 296-62-077 requires
decontamination, then the CSHO shall also utilize decontamination
procedures.
3. In the event that decontamination facilities are nonexistent, inadequate, or not
available for use, the CSHO shall contact the supervisor to determine if
adequate decontamination can be provided.
C. Entry into negative pressure enclosures and containment areas:
1. When entering into containment areas requiring air-supplied respirators or
powered air-purifying resiprators (PAPR), the CSHO shall consult with the
IHRS to determine if entry is necessary. CSHOs shall be trained in the use of
the specific supplied-air respirators used and comply with the most current
provisions of the internal safety and health respiratory protection policies.
2. In the event decontamination facilities are nonexistent, inadequate, or not
available for use, the CSHO shall determine if adequate decontamination can
be provided. If the CSHO determines that decontamination cannot be
adequately provided, entry shall not occur and the IHRS shall be contacted for
guidance.
Michael A. Silverstein, Assistant Director
Consultation and Compliance Services Division
Department of Labor and Industries
Post Office Box 44620
Olympia, Washington 98504-4620
WRD 23.10.tn
16
APPENDIX A
Asbestos Regulations
Summary:
Appendix A is intended as a general guidance document in situations where all of the
construction and shipyard requirements apply. It is not a substitute for the standard.
CSHOs must use this Appendix as a companion guide to the construction and shipyard
requirements in WAC 296-62-077, as well as interpretations found in Appendix C.
A-1
Glossary:
ACM Asbestos containing material
AHERA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
1/2 APR Half mask air purifying respirator (HEPA)
ASHARA Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act
bz Breathing zone
CAB Cement asbestos board
CAS Certified asbestos supervisor as per WAC 296-65-030
CIH Certified industrial hygienist
CP Competent person
EL Excursion limit
GB Glovebag
HEPA High efficiency particulate air
HVAC Heating ,ventilation, air conditioning system
NEA Negative exposure assessment
NP Negative pressure
NPE Negative pressure enclosure
NP glovebag/box Negative pressure glovebag or box
O & M Operations and Maintenance ( AHERA / ASHARA ) for work less than 3 sq. ft. or 3 linear ft.
PACM Presumed asbestos containing material
PD Project designer (AHERA /ASHARA)
PE Professional engineer
PEL Permissible exposure limit
PPE Personal protective equipment
SARpd Supplied air pressure demand respirator with SCBA escape bottle
SARpp Supplied air positive pressure respirator
SM Presumed and confirmed asbestos containing surfacing material
TSI Presumed and confirmed asbestos containing thermal system insulation
25/10 25 linear feet /10 square feet
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL JOBS (Regardless of Air Monitoring Results)
• wet methods
• HEPA vacuum
• prompt clean-up/disposal
REQUIRED FOR ALL JOBS TO COMPLY WITH PEL
• HEPA local exhaust
• enclosure
• directed ventilation away from breathing zone
• other work practices deemed feasible
• supplementation of feasible work practices with respirators
PROHIBITED ON ALL JOBS
• high speed abrasive disc saws without HEPA
• asbestos removal using compressed air without a capture devise
• dry sweeping/shoveling
• employee rotation
A-2
SPECIFIC JOB CLASS REQUIREMENTS
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4
TSI and SM removal Removal of all other
asbestos not TSI or SM
All disturbances of ACM
(60" bag active disturbance limit)
Housekeeping Includes
construction site cleanup
REGULATED AREA REGULATED AREA REGULATED AREA REGULATED AREA > PEL
• signs • signs • signs • signs
Competent person(CAS) Competent person(CAS) Competent person (CAS)
O and M for work not an
asbestos abatement project
Competent person(CAS),
O and M for work not an
asbestos abatement project
• regular inspections • regular inspections • regular inspections • regular inspections,
Critical barriers/isolation Critical barriers/isolation
(indoor work only)
Critical barriers/drop cloth
• > 25/10 required • if no NEA • if no NEA
• < 25/10 required if no
NEA or adjacent workers
• if likely > PEL
• or > PEL
• if not intact removal
HVAC isolation Intact removal Local HEPA exhaust
Drop cloths/plastic Drop cloths Drop cloths if TSI/SM and
Directed ventilation Additional requirements • drilling, cutting, sanding
• if no NEA • conditional "prohibition" of
cutting, breaking and
abrading
• abrading, chipping, sawing
• or > PEL if > PEL • chipping
• local HEPA exhaust
• process isolation
• directed ventilation
• other workpractices
• eng. control/suppl. resp.
NPE NPE (may use Class I methods)
• 4 air changes • 4 air changes
• -.02" H20 gauge • -.02" H20 gauge
• neg throughout • neg throughout
• directed air • directed air
• smoke test • smoke test
• power lockout-gfci • power lockout-gfci
GLOVEBAG STRAIGHT RUNS GLOVEBAG STRAIGHT RUNS GLOVEBAG STRAIGHT RUNS
• 6 mil seamless • 6 mil seamless • if TSI or SM and is
• covers completely • covers completely • drilled
• smoke test • smoke test • cut
• 1 use, no moving • 1 use, no moving • abraded
• <150° surface • <150° surface • sanded
• HEPA collapse disposal • HEPA collapse disposal • sawed
• pre removal pipe wrap • pre removal pipe wrap • chipped
• attached waste bag integ. • attached waste bag integ. (method same as Class I
procedure)
• sliding valve separation • sliding valve separation • one person
• two person • one person
A-3
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4
NP GLOVE BAG PIPE RUNS NP GLOVE BAG PIPE RUNS NP GLOVE BAG PIPE RUNS
• attached HEPA • attached HEPA • if TSI or SM and is
• GB work practices the same • GB work practices the same • drilled
• separate waste bag reuse • separate waste bag reuse • cut
• two persons • one person • abraded
• sanded
• sawed
• chipped
(method same as Class I procedure)
• one person
NP GLOVE BOX PIPE RUNS NP GLOVE BOX PIPE RUNS NP GLOVE BOX PIPE RUNS
• rigid construction • rigid construction • if TSI or SM and is
• neg pressure generator • neg pressure generator • drilled
• air filter unit attached • air filter unit attached • cut
• ACM outlet • ACM outlet • abraded
• back up generator • back up generator • sanded
• 6 mil waste bags • 6 mil waste bags • sawed
• two persons • one person • chipped
• smoke tested • smoke tested (method same as Class I procedure)
• pre removal pipe wrap • pre removal pipe wrap • one person
• HEPA filtration • HEPA filtration
• two persons • one person
WATER SPRAY PROCESS WATER SPRAY PROCESS
MINI ENCLOSURE MINI ENCLOSURE MINI ENCLOSURE req.
• holds < 2 people • holds < 2 people • if TSI or SM and is
• 6 mil • 6 mil • drilled
• neg pressure required • neg pressure required • cut
• seal holes • seal holes • abraded
• smoke test • smoke test • sanded
• clean before reuse • clean before reuse • sawed
• directed ventilation • directed ventilation • chipped
(method same as Class I procedure)
ALTERNATE METHOD
> 25/10 ft
ALTERNATE METHOD
• isolate from bz • CP certified < PEL
• CIH/PE-pd certified < PEL • no perimeter monitoring
• perimeter monitoring <.01
f/cc
• worse case monitoring
• worse case monitoring
• OSHA notification
ALTERNATE METHOD
< 25/10 ft
• CP certified
• no perimeter monitoring.
• worse case monitoring
A-4
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4
VAT/ SHEET VINYL/
ASPHALT FLOORS
flooring and mastic presumed
asbestos w/o analysis (1980 & before)
VAT/ SHEET VINYL/
ASPHALT FLOORS
flooring and mastic presumed asbestos
w/o analysis (1980 & before)
• if mechically chipped, or
non-intact removal
(requires full NPE)
• No mechanical chipping
• no sanding
• HEPA vac metal floor tool
• wet methods
• no dry sweeping
• intact removal
• dry removal ok if intact
and done with heat
• sheet vinyl (no rip up)
ROOFING
• intact removal
• wet methods
• cutting machine misting
• HEPA vac debris
• dust tight chute, crane,
hoist or bag on roof
• off roof & bagged by days
end
• dust control unbagged
material
• roof vent system isolated
CAB
• intact removal unless not
feasible
• wet methods
• dust tight chute, crane,
hoist or bag on roof
• down and bagged by days
end
• nail head cut off tool
GASKETS
• non intact, use glovebag
• wet removal
• prompt disposal
• wet scraping
AIR MONITORING AIR MONITORING AIR MONITORING AIR MONITORING
• PEL = 0.1 f/cc TWA
• EL = 1.0 f/cc(30min)
• breathing zone sample
• PEL = 0.1 f/cc TWA
• EL = 1.0 f/cc(30min)
• breathing zone sample
• PEL = 0.1 f/cc TWA
• EL = 1.0 f/cc(30min)
• breathing zone sample
• PEL = 0.1 f/cc TWA
• EL = 1.0 f/cc(30min)
• breathing zone sample
• CP exposure assessment • CP exposure assessment • CP exposure assessment • CP exposure assessment
• initial if no NEA • initial if no NEA • initial if no NEA • initial exposure assessment
• periodic monitoring done daily if no
NEA or if likely > PEL
• periodic monitoring done daily if
no NEA or if likely > PEL
• periodic monitoring to validate
exposure assessment
• periodic monitoring to validate
exposure assessment
• no daily monitoring if in SARpp
unless alternate mthod is uses
• no daily monitoring if in
SARpp
• termination if < PEL / EL • termination if < PEL / EL
• termination if < PEL / EL • termination if < PEL / EL • additional if conditions change • additional if conditions change
• additional if conditions change • additional if conditions change
A-5
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4
REQUIREMENTS by WAC
rule
REQUIREMENTS by WAC
rule REQUIREMENTS by WAC
rule REQUIREMENTS by WAC
rule
WAC 296-62-07712(6)
Work practices and engineering
controls
WAC 296-62-07712(9)
Work practices and engineering
controls and WAC 296-62-
07712(10) Additional
controls
WAC 296-62-07712(11)
Work Practices and engineering
controls
WAC 296-62-07712(12)
Work practices and engineering
controls
WAC 296-62-07712(7)
Specific Control Methods
WAC 296-62-07712(10)(a)
Removal of vinyl and
asphalt flooring
WAC 296-62-07712(8)
Alternative Control Methods
WAC 296-62-07712(10)(b)
Removal of roofing
materials
WAC 296-62-07712(10)(c)
Removal of cementitious
siding and shingles or
transite panels on building
exteriors
WAC 296-62-07712(10)(E)
Other class II materials and
WAC 296-62-07712(10)(f)
Alternative work practices
and controls
WAC 296-62-07712(13)
Alternative methods of
compliance for roofing and
pipeline coating materials
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
• all jobs > PEL / EL • all jobs > PEL / EL • all jobs > PEL / EL • all jobs > PEL / EL
• all jobs no NEA • all jobs no NEA • all jobs no NEA • all jobs no NEA
• all jobs >25/10
RESPIRATORS (see
selection charts R1-R3)
RESPIRATORS (see
selection charts R1-R3)
RESPIRATORS (see
selection charts R1-R3)
RESPIRATORS (see
selection charts R1-R3)
DECONTAMINATION
DECONTAMINATION DECONTAMINATION DECONTAMINATION
• TSI/SM >25/10 full
decon
(if infeasible or outdoor,
vacuum off, remote
decon)
• equip room/area/drop
cloth if no NEA, >PEL
• equip room/area/drop
cloth if no NEA, >PEL
• equip room/area/drop
cloth if no NEA, >PEL
• TSI/SM < 25/10
equip room/area/drop
cloth
• area must accommodate
cleanup
• must decon all equip/ppe
• enter reg area through
equip room/decon area
• area must accommodate
cleanup
• must decon all equip/ppe
• enter reg area through
equip room/decon area
• area must accommodate
cleanup
• must decon all equip/ppe
• enter reg area through
equip room/decon area
• area must accommodate
cleanup
• must decon all equip/ppe
• enter reg area through
equip room/decon area
• no smoking in work area • no smoking in work area • if in other regulated areas
follow their decon
procedure
• lunch area
• no smoking in work area
A-6
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4
WORKER TRAINING
WORKER TRAINING WORKER TRAINING WORKER TRAINING
• CERTIFIED WORKER
32hr
•Annual refresher 8hr
• CERTIFIED WORKER
32hr
• Annual refresher 8hr
• CERTIFIED WORKER
for Asbestos projects,
AHERA 16 hr O & M for
work not an Asbestos
project
• Annual refresher
• CERTIFIED WORKER
for Asbestos projects,
AHERA AWARENESS
2hr for work not an
asbestos project
• Annual refresher
• Exemption for single
generic material, 8hr
CP TRAINING CP TRAINING CP TRAINING CP TRAINING
• WISHA CAS 40 hr • WISHA CAS 40 hr • WISHA CAS for asbestos
abatement projects,
AHERA O & M 16 hr for
work not an asbestos
abatement project (less
than 3 sq. ft. or 3 ft.)
• WISHA CAS for asbestos
abatement projects,
AHERA O & M 16 hr for
work not an asbestos
abatement project (less
than 3 sq. ft. or 3 ft.)
HOUSEKEEPING HOUSEKEEPING HOUSEKEEPING HOUSEKEEPING
• HEPA vacuums • HEPA vacuums • HEPA vacuums • HEPA vacuums
• leak tight disposal • leak tight disposal • leak tight disposal • leak tight disposal
Flooring care Flooring care Flooring care Flooring care
• no sanding • no sanding • no sanding • no sanding
• < 300 rpm stripping • < 300 rpm stripping • < 300 rpm stripping • < 300 rpm stripping
• dry buff/burnish wax only • dry buff/burnish wax only • dry buff/burnish wax only • dry buff/burnish wax only
• Debris and waste cleaned
where TSI & SM is present
is presumed ACM
MEDICALS MEDICALS MEDICALS MEDICALS
• if wearing N.P. respirator • if wearing N.P. respirator • if wearing N.P. respirator • if wearing N.P. respirator
• if > PEL / EL • if > PEL / EL • if > PEL / EL • if > PEL / EL
• I,II,III > 30 days / year • I,II,III > 30 days / year • I,II,III > 30 days / year • I,II,III > 30 days / year
Communication of Hazard (Contractors) Communication of Hazard (Bldg owners, Lessees)
• Regulated area work must inform other employers of project • Regulated area work must inform other employers of project
• Must abate all hazards under their control. • Identify and label TSI/ SM and PACM (1980 & earlier TSI/SM)
• Notify owner/employer of remaining asbestos in building w/i 10 days • 1980 & earlier vinyl and asphalt floors presumed and identified as ACM
• Notify all contractors working near material
Communication of Hazard(employers duties) ∗ • Notify owner or lessees employees
• Regulated area work must inform other employers of project • Notify all other employers in the area
• Notification to employees of ACM presence in work area • Notify Tenants in effected areas
• Notify building owner of presence of ACM • Inspection to refute ACM by AHERA inspector
• Notify other employers of presence of ACM • Post asbestos signs at mechanical room signs
• Notify owner/employer of remaining asbestos in building w/i 10 days • Maintain records
• Notify owner/employer of newly discovered ACM w/i 24 hrs • Notify owner/employer of remaining asbestos in building w/i 10 days
• Inspection to refute ACM by AHERA inspector
∗ Note : Contractors and Building Owner / Lessees, who are also employers, are subject to these requirements.
A-7
Negative Exposure Assessment Criteria - NEA
(Based on initial, historical or objective air monitoring).
Data must closely resemble the:
-- Process
-- Type of Material
-- Control Methods
-- Work Practices
-- Environmental Conditions
-- Training and Experience
-- Degree and Quality of Supervision
-- Location of Ventilation Equipment
A-8
ASBESTOS CONTAINING ROOFING REMOVAL
(This table provides a general summary of requirements for asbestos containing roofing removal.
Refer to the standard for comprehensive details)
Roofing Requirements (containment not required)
Intact Removal (required if feasible) Non-intact removal (mechanical)
Dry Wet (required if feasible) Dry Wet(required if feasible)
Flat Sloped Flat Sloped Flat Sloped Flat Sloped
C.A.S. C.A.S. C.A.S. C.A.S. C.A.S. C.A.S. C.A.S. C.A.S.
Worker 8hr Worker 8hr Worker 8hr Worker 8hr CAW CAW CAW CAW
1/2 mask APR if
NEA
PAPR if no NEA
no Respirator if
NEA
no Respirator if
NEA
no Respirator if
NEA
1/2 mask APR if
NEA
PAPR if no NEA
1/2 mask APR if
NEA
PAPR if no NEA
½mask APR ½mask APR
Fit test no fit test if
NEA
no fit test if
NEA
no fit test if
NEA
Fit test Fit test Fit test Fit test
Medical no medical if
NEA and <30
days/year
no medical if
NEA and <30
days/year
no medical if
NEA and <30
days/year
Medical Medical Medical Medical
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Signs
Regulated
Area + Sign
s
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Tyvek if no
NEA
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure
Assessment
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates /
clearances
No pre-abates
/
clearances
--- --- saw misting saw misting --- --- saw misting saw misting
--- --- --- ---
BUR aggregate
surface-HEPA
Vac saw cuts
BUR aggregate
surface-HEPA
Vac saw cuts
BUR aggregate
surface-HEPA
Vac saw cuts
BUR aggregat
e
surface-HEPA
Vac saw cuts
--- --- --- ---
BUR smooth
surface-HEPA
Vac, sweep or
wipe saw cuts
BUR smooth
surface-HEPA
Vac, sweep or
wipe saw cuts
BUR smooth
surface-HEPA
Vac, sweep or
wipe saw cuts
BUR smooth
surface-HEPA
Vac, sweep or
wipe saw cuts
--- --- --- ---
contain saw debris
immediately
contain saw debris
immediately
contain saw debris
immediately
contain saw debr
i
immediately
debris off roof
ASAP or by shift
end
debris off roof
ASAP or by shift
end
debris off roof
ASAP or by shift
end
debris off roof
ASAP or by shift
end
debris on roof wet
/ wrapped -
remove by shift
end
debris on roof wet
/ wrapped -
remove by shift
end
debris on roof wet
/ wrapped -
remove by shift
end
debris on roof w
e
/ wrapped -
remove by shift
end
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
dust tight chute/
hand carry down
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris on
ground
Enclose debris o
n
ground
Isolate air intakes Isolate air intakes Isolate air intakes Isolate air intakes Isolate air intakes Isolate air intakes Isolate air intakes Isolate air intake
s
C.A.S = Certified Asbestos Supervisor
NEA = Negative Exposure Assessment
BUR = Built up roof
A-12
APPENDIX B
Summary of WISHA/EPA Training Requirements
This provides a summary of the WISHA asbestos training requirements and a description of the
EPA training courses referenced in WAC 296-65, WAC 296-62-07722, and WAC 296-62-
07728.
1. General Training Requirements:
A. All individuals working on asbestos projects or supervising asbestos abatement
projects are to be certified according to WAC 296-65.
B. When certification requirements do not apply, employees with occupational
exposure to asbestos are to complete a training course that at minimum meets the
elements of WAC 296-62-07722(5) regardless of their exposure levels.
C. Training is provided at no cost to the employee and prior to or at the initial
assignment and at least annually.
D. All individual performing Class II, Class III, or Class IV not specifically excluded
are to be certified according to WAC 296-65.
2. Class I Training Requirements:
A. Certification as an asbestos worker as specified in WAC 296-65-010. The
asbestos worker is to complete an approved asbestos worker training course and
be issued a certificate by the department. This course is basically equivalent in
curriculum, training method and length to the EPA Model Accreditation Plan
(MAP) asbestos abatement worker training. (40 CFR part 763, subpart E,
appendix C).
B. Eight hours of annual refresher training is required as per WAC 296-65-010(5)
for certification renewal.
3. Class II, Class III, and Class IV Requirements for Certification:
A. If the asbestos-containing material (ACM) is not intact, or is damaged or
deteriorated, asbestos worker certification is required for an asbestos project as
specified in WAC 296-65.
B. If the ACM is removed or disturbed by mechanical methods, asbestos worker
certification is required as specified for an asbestos project in WAC 296-65.
B-1
C. If the ACM becomes damaged, deteriorated, or not intact during work activities,
asbestos worker certification is required as specified for asbestos projects in
WAC 296-65.
4. Class II Training Requirements - Excluded from Certification:
A. For work involving one generic category of intact building material including
roofing, flooring, siding materials, ceiling tiles or transite panels, training shall
include at a minimum the elements in WAC 296-62-07712 and specific work
practices and engineering controls set forth in WAC 296-62-07712. It shall
include hands-on training and will be at least eight hours in length as specified in
WAC 296-62-07722(3b).
B. For other Class II operations involving intact ACM, the training shall include, as
a minimum, all the elements in WAC 296-62-07722(5), specific work practices
and engineering controls in WAC 296-62-07712, and "hands-on" training. The
length of this training is eight hours.
C. Annual refresher is required. The length of time for the refresher training is not
specified.
5. Class III Training Requirements - Excluded from Certification:
A. Employees are to receive training which is consistent with EPA requirements for
training local education agency maintenance and custodial staff as set forth in 40
CFR 763.92(a)(2). The course shall include hands-on training and shall be at
least 16 hours in length.
B. Exception: For Class III operations for which the competent person determines
that the EPA curriculum does not cover activities that workers perform, training
shall include all the elements of WAC 296-62-07722(5), specific work practices
and engineering controls in WAC 296-62-07712, and "hands-on" training. There
are no specifications in the standard for the length of the training.
C. Annual refresher is required. The length of time for the refresher training is not
specified.
6. Class IV Training Requirements - Excluded from Certification:
A. Employees shall receive training which is consistent with EPA requirements for
training local education agency maintenance and custodial staff as set forth in 40
CFR 763.92(a)(1). The course shall be at least two hours in length.
B. The course shall include available information on locations of TSI and surfacing
ACM/presumed asbestos-containing materials (PACM), asbestos-containing
B-2
flooring and instruction in recognition of damaged, deterioration, and
delamination of asbestos-containing building materials.
C. Annual refresher is required. The length of time for the refresher training is not
specified.
7. Employees who Perform Housekeeping Operations:
A. WAC 296-62-07722(6) requires that the employer shall provide an awareness
training course to employees who perform housekeeping operations in an area
which contains ACM and PACM. Elements to be included in the asbestos
awareness course are listed in the section.
B. Training is to be provided at least once per year. There are no specifications in
the standard for the length of the training session.
8. Unclassified Asbestos Operations:
A. Unclassified asbestos operations cover employees likely to be exposed in excess
of the permissible exposure limits (PEL) and who are performing asbestos
operations that are not covered by Class I though IV operations.
B. Training shall meet the requirements of WAC 296-62-07722(5).
9. Competent Person Training:
A. For Class I and II work training shall be obtained in an approved comprehensive
course for asbestos supervisors as specified in WAC 296-65-012 and issued a
certificate by the department.
B. For Class III and Class IV work involving three square feet or three linear feet
or more of ACM or PACM, training shall be obtained in an approved
comprehensive course for asbestos supervisors as specified in WAC 296-65-012
and issued a certificate by the department.
C. For Class III and IV asbestos work involving less than three square feet or three
linear feet, training shall be equivalent in curriculum and training methods to the
16-hour operations and maintenance course developed by EPA for maintenance
and custodial workers.
10. Summary of EPA Course Requirements:
A. EPA MAP for asbestos abatement workers.
1. The four-day training course includes:
B-3
a. At least 14 hours of hands-on training that provides asbestos
workers with actual experience performing tasks associated with
asbestos abatement work.
b. Topics for the course are to include the physical characteristics of
asbestos, potential health effects related to asbestos exposure,
employee PPE, 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.
c. Course review, and an examination (50 multiple choice questions
with 70% correct).
d. Individual respirator fit-testing.
e. The EPA training course requirements are found on page 5252 and
5253 of the February 3, 1994, Federal Register.
2. 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.
B. Awareness training course developed by EPA for maintenance and custodial
workers. This training is detailed in 40 CFR 763.92(a)(1). EPA specifies that
this training is to be two hours in length. Training shall 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
B-4
availability and location of the management plan. EPA does not specify
refresher training for this category.
C. Operations and maintenance course. The training required by EPA for this course
is detailed in sections 40 CFR 763.92(a)(1) and 40 CFR 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 shall 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.
D. EPA model comprehensive course for supervisors.
1. The five-day training course includes:
a. Lectures and demonstrations on the physical characteristics of
asbestos and ACM, potential health effects related to asbestos
exposure, employee PPE, 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.
b. Fourteen hours of hands-on training must, permit asbestos workers
actual experience in performing tasks associated with asbestos
abatement.
c. Individual respirator fit-testing.
d. Course review.
B-5
e. Written examination (100 multiple course questions with a passing
score of 70%).
2. 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 shall review and discuss changes in regulations.
B-6
Asbestos Training Requirements Summary
Class I (TSI/SM)
Thermal system insulation,
surfacing material
Class II (non TSI/SM)
Non-intact /mechanical removal
critical barriers / NPE
Class II (non TSI/SM)
Single generic intact material
(ceiling tile, flooring, roofing,
asphalt pipe coating)
Other intact materials
Asbestos Cement pipe/per exception
Class III
Maintenance/ Repair all ACM
Class IV
housekeeping
Work not classified
I,II,III,IV
Worker Worker Worker Worker Worker Worker
CAW- 32 hr CAW- 32 hr worker -8hr CAW -32 hr
> 1ft² ACM / all pipe insul.
> 1ft² ACM non-intact or
mechanical VAT and roofing
maintenance and repair
CAW -32 hr
> 1ft² ACM / all pipe insul.,
> 1ft² ACM non-intact or
mechanical VAT and roofing
maintenance and repair
Unspecified duration
O&M -16hr
< 1ft² ACM (except pipe
insulation ).Any intact non-
mechanical VAT and roofing,
Awareness- 2hr
< 1ft² ACM
Any intact non- mechanically
removed VAT and roofing,
Competent Person Competent Person Competent Person Competent Person Competent Person Competent Person
CAS- 40 hr CAS- 40 hr CAS -40 hr CAS- 40 hr
> 3 linear or ft² of ACM,
> 3 linear or ft² non-intact or
mechanical VAT and roofing
removal
CAS -40 hr
> 3 linear or ft² of ACM,
> 3 linear or ft² non-intact or
mechanical VAT and roofing
removal
Unspecified duration
O&M -16hr
<3 linear / ft² of ACM,
or any quantity of intact-manual
removal of VAT / roofing,
Asbestos Cement pipe
O&M -16hr
<3 linear / ft² of ACM,
or any quantity of intact-manual
removal of VAT / roofing
Refresher (annual) Refresher ( annual) Refresher (annual) Refresher (annual) Refresher (annual) Refresher (annual)
CAW -8hr CAW- 8hr Worker - unspecified duration CAW- 8hr CAW- 8hr Unspecified duration
CAS -8hr CAS -8hr CAS -8hr CAS- 8hr CAS- 8hr
O&M - unspecified duration Awareness - unspecified
duration
O&M - unspecified duration
General industy annual and refresher training requirements:
WAC 296-62-07722(1),(2),(5),(6),(7)
Unspecified duration
B-7
APPENDIX C
Questions and Answers on the Occupational
Exposure To Asbestos Standard WAC 296-62-077
and Asbestos Certification WAC 296-65
C-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Scope..............................................................................................................Page C-3
Definitions .....................................................................................................Page C-4
Multi-Employer Worksites ............................................................................Page C-5
Exposure Assessment.....................................................................................Page C-6
Methods of Compliance.................................................................................Page C-9
Class I Work ..................................................................................................Page C-11
Class II Work .................................................................................................Page C-13
Class III Work................................................................................................Page C-14
Class IV Work................................................................................................Page C-14
Brake and Clutch ...........................................................................................Page C-15
Roofing Operations........................................................................................Page C-17
Flooring Operations .......................................................................................Page C-21
Building Owners Responsibilities .................................................................Page C-24
Repair and Maintenance ................................................................................Page C-25
Competent Person ..........................................................................................Page C-26
Respirators .....................................................................................................Page C-27
Labels.............................................................................................................Page C-28
Certification and Training..............................................................................Page C-29
Medical Surveillance .....................................................................................Page C-30
C-2
SCOPE:
Q. OSHA has separate asbestos standards each for general industry, construction, and
shipyard work. How is the WISHA asbestos standard organized with respect to these
activities?
A. The WISHA asbestos standard covers all occupational exposure to asbestos in all
industries in WAC 296-62-077 and WAC 296-65. Requirements that are specific to
general industry work activity or construction and shipyard activity are designated in the
section or subsection. All other non-designated sections or subsections applies to all
industries. Any reference or requirement specifying competent person, Class I, Class II,
Class III, or Class IV is considered to apply to construction and shipyard work only.
Q. Are marine terminals and longshoring covered by the general industry specific
requirements of the standard?
A. Marine terminals and longshoring are covered by the general industry requirements of the
standard if asbestos is being loaded, unloaded, or stored.
Q. What work activity is most affected by the general industry specific requirements of the
standard?
A. Brake and clutch repair is the activity engaged in by the largest group of asbestos
exposed workers, although most of them are exposed sporadically and at low levels. The
next largest group consists of custodial workers who do not perform their duties as part
of construction activities, but clean surfaces, sweep, buff and vacuum floors, and wash
walls and windows in manufacturing plants and a wide variety of public and commercial
buildings.
Q. Is housekeeping work covered under the general industry requirements or under the
construction and shipyard designated requirements of the standard?
A. Housekeeping work which is not related to a construction or shipyard activity, is
regulated by general industry requirements. Housekeeping work which is related to
construction activities is covered by the construction specific requirements.
Housekeeping work which is related to shipyard work activities is covered shipyard work
specific requirements.
Q. What other industries are covered by general industry designated requirements?
A. Primary and secondary manufacturing of asbestos-containing products.
Q. What activities do the construction specific requirements cover?
A. The construction requirements cover, but are not limited to, the following activities
involving asbestos: demolition, removal, alteration, repair, maintenance, installation,
C-3
clean-up, transportation, disposal, and storage. It has been designated in the scope of the
asbestos standard WAC 296-62-07701 that construction work activity is defined by
WAC 296-155-012.
Q. If construction activities are performed in a facility normally covered by general industry
requirements or by any employer conducting construction activities, which requirements
apply?
A. Asbestos work which involves removal, repair, maintenance, or demolition is explicitly
regulated by the construction specific requirements even if such work is performed
within a facility otherwise regulated under general industry requirements. Construction
work is defined in WAC 296-155-012.
Q. Does the standard apply during earth moving projects, drilling, blasting, or sawing where
natural deposits of asbestos occur?
A. Certain construction sites in well-defined areas contain deposits of naturally occurring
asbestos. In such cases, wetting of the excavation site, often required by local authorities,
should be sufficient to suppress measurable airborne-asbestos concentrations. No other
actions are required by the standard.
Q. In the above case is the employer required to take any action if there is no information
readily available indicating asbestos contamination of the soil?
A. In the absence of actual knowledge or information showing asbestos contamination of
soil in the immediate vicinity of a construction site, the employer is not required to take
any action under this standard.
DEFINITIONS:
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 asbestos 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 (ACM) or presumed asbestos-containing material (PACM).
"Class II" asbestos work is defined as removal of ACM or PACM which is not TSI or
surfacing ACM or PACM.
"Class III" asbestos work is defined as repair and maintenance operations which are
likely to disturb all types of ACM or PACM. "Disturbance" means activities that disrupt
the matrix of ACM or PACM, crumble or pulverize ACM or PACM, or generate visible
C-4
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 actively 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 TSI or surfacing ACM or PACM,
following construction activity.
Q. Does the new standard set a minimum level of asbestos content for ACM?
A. ACM means any material containing more than 1% asbestos.
Q. What is PACM?
A. The definition of PACM is limited to TSI 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, see WAC 296-62-07721(3).
Q. Does WISHA still use the term "small-scale, short-term"?
A. No. WISHA has dropped the term "small-scale, short term" work from the regulatory
text. The term "small-scale, short term" was too limiting, was shown to be confusing,
and could not be defined cleary to distinguish high-risk asbestos-disturbing activities
from low risk activities of reduced risk.
Q. Are "wrap and cut" operations included in the definition of "removal"?
A. Yes, a wrap and cut operation involves 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.
MULTI-EMPLOYER WORKSITES:
Q. Who is responsible for employee protection on multi-employer worksites?
A. The standard explicitly requires asbestos hazards to be abated "by the contractor who
created or controls the source of asbestos contamination." Additionally, employers of
employees exposed to the hazard must protect their employees.
C-5
Q. How are potentially exposed employees protected when their employer is not creating the
hazard?
A. WAC 296-62-07706(3) and (4) set forth the duties of the employer of employees who are
exposed to asbestos hazards, but who did not create the source of asbestos. The employer
must ask the contractor who controls the hazard to take corrective action. For example,
if there is a breach of an enclosure within which asbestos work is being performed, the
employer of employees working outside that enclosure shall request the asbestos
contractor who erected the enclosure to repair the breach immediately, as required by
WAC 296-62-07706(2). If the repair is not made, and if employees working outside the
enclosure could be exposed to asbestos in excess of the permissible exposure limit
(PEL), the employer of those employees shall either remove them from the worksite
pending repairs, or consider his employees to be working within a regulated area
according to WAC 296-62-07711 and comply with the provisions of WAC 296-62-07709
governing exposure assessments and monitoring of employees who work within such
areas. If there is an enclosure, then the employer must inspect it to ensure the integrity of
the enclosure. The general contractor who is deemed to have supervisory control over
the entire worksite, including the regulated area, is also responsible for violations which
could be abated or prevented by the exercise of such supervisory capacity.
Q. Does the standard provide "by-stander" protection, for employees working outside an
enclosure?
A. Yes, the negative pressure enclosure (NPE) system provisions are in WAC 296-62-
07712, "Requirements for asbestos activities in construction and shipyard work." These
systems reduce exposures of the employees who are disturbing the asbestos who are
inside the enclosure, as well as employees working outside the enclosure. In other cases,
"critical barriers" are required where, for instance, Class II materials are removed using
aggressive methods.
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT:
Q. What is included in the new "exposure assessment" requirements in the WAC 296-62-
07709(3) for construction and shipyard work?
A. The "exposure assessment" predicts exposure and evaluates potential controls. In most
cases, the exposure assessment will include both past and current monitoring results.
Monitoring results must be considered, but do not necessarily constitute an adequate
"assessment" if they would not represent all representative employee exposures during
the entire job. The assessment must review relevant controls, conditions and factors that
influence the degree of exposure. These include, but are not limited to, quality of
supervision and of employee training, techniques used for wetting the ACM, placing and
repositioning the ventilation equipment and impacts due to weather conditions. The
assessment must be based on a review of all aspects of the employer's performance doing
similar jobs.
C-6
Q. Do all employers need to conduct an "initial exposure assessment" under the construction
and shipyard work requirements in WAC 296-62-07709(3)?
A. In general, all employers who have a workplace covered by this standard are to conduct
an "initial exposure assessment" at the beginning of each asbestos job. Exceptions to this
requirement exist only for most Class IV work. Even employers who are planning to
install full NPEs with air flushing technology must conduct initial exposure assessments.
Employers may base assessments of similar jobs on prior assessments of repetitive,
routine jobs.
Q. Are initial exposure assessments also required for general industries activities?
A. The exposure assessment and monitoring requirements specific to general industries
activities are found in WAC 296-62-07709(2). Initial air monitoring is required at the
initiation of asbestos work, see WAC 296-62-07709(2)(a).
Q. Is it more difficult than before to base an initial exposure assessment on "historic data"?
A. Yes, the standard establishes specific evaluation criteria for data. This criteria included
the experience and training of the crews and the historic data must be updated annually.
It is important to note that historic data is usually that data generated by an individual
employer, whereas objective data is related to a product, material, or activity and may be
derived from other employers' (such as the manufacturer of the product) data.
Q. Explain "objective data".
A. The use of objective data grants a monitoring exemption and may be used as a basis for
an NEA. The employer using "objective data" must demonstrate that the product or
material containing asbestos minerals or the activity involving such product or material
cannot release airborne fibers in concentrations in excess of the PEL under those work
conditions having the greatest potential for releasing asbestos. The employer may use
data derived from other employers jobs. The data should reflect worst case conditions in
a variety of occupational settings.
Q. When can "objective data" be relied on for an NEA?
A. For any specific asbestos job (combination of activity and product) performed by
employees who have been trained in compliance with the standard the employer must
demonstrate that, under worst case conditions, statistically there is a high degree of
confidence that an exposure above the PEL will not occur.
Q. How would an employer who performs repetitive work complete an exposure
assessment?
A. An employer may evaluate repetitive operations with highly similar characteristics as one
job, such as cable pulling in the same building, so long as the data used also reflect
repetitive operations of the same duration and frequency.
C-7
Q. Did WISHA adopt a clearance level?
A. WISHA has a provision in WAC 296-62-07712(5)(c) for air monitoring at the
completion of an asbestos work. Monitoring shall demonstrate that the airborne asbestos
fiber concentrations is below the PELs or at or below the airborne levels of asbestos
fibers existing at the start of the asbestos work; whichever level is lower. This provision
is also found in WAC 296-62-07712(5)(c) and WAC 296-62-07713(2)(c). Clearance air
monitoring is not required for outdoor asbestos work activities. Clearance air monitoring
is required for all asbestos work done in NPEs.
Representative personal air monitoring may be substituted for clearance air sampling for
glove bag work, mini-enclosure projects, or asbestos work that require no critical
barriers, provided that the project duration is one day or less. Under these circumstances,
representative personal air monitoring results must indicate that exposure levels are at or
below clearance requirements, and that the following requirements are met:
-- Representative personal air samples are taken for each work activity and for the
duration of the asbestos work;
-- Personal air samples include all work activities and final cleaning of the work
space;
-- All debris is completely removed from the worksite prior to the removal of the
regulated area;
-- Air monitoring results are obtained before the mini-enclosure or regulated area is
removed and the area reoccupied; and
-- None of the personal air sample results exceed the PEL or the pre-abatement air
sample result, whichever is lower.
Q. Is pre-abatement air monitoring required for all asbestos jobs?
A. Pre-abatement air monitoring, as specified in WAC 296-62-07709(3)(f) is required for all
construction and shipyard activities. Outdoor asbestos activities will not require pre-
abatement air monitoring.
METHODS OF COMPLIANCE:
Q. What are the three basic controls required initially in ALL operations covered in the
construction and shipyard requirements in WAC 296-62-07712?
A. Regardless of the exposure levels the controls required are: Use of high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuums when the source of the dust/debris is damaged
C-8
ACM or disturbance of ACM or PACM; use of wet methods to control asbestos fiber
dispersion; and prompt disposal of asbestos-contaminated waste materials. These
provisions apply to, for example, employers who install ACM (no class designation),
clean-up asbestos-containing debris at a construction site (Class IV), repair a boiler
covered with asbestos-containing TSI (Class I or III), and remove asbestos-containing
surfacing material (Class I).
Q. What is required for the disposal of asbestos-contaminated waste?
A. All asbestos-contaminated waste must be promptly disposed of in leak-tight containers,
WAC 296-62-07712(2)(d) and WAC 296-62-07713(1)(a)(v).
Q. What is meant by the term "air sweeping"?
A. Where the exposure is expected to be above the PELs, WISHA requires ventilation that
moves contaminated air away from employees toward a HEPA filtered exhaust device. It
does NOT mean that a general building ventilation system to vent asbestos-contaminated
air, would be acceptable under the standard.
Q. Is the NPE the only effective system for larger removal operations?
A. NPE systems are effective in many circumstances in protecting workers both within and
outside the enclosure. Other systems such as glove bags and mini-enclosures can be
equally effective when employees are properly trained and experienced.
Q. What is the major difference between the NPE system and negative air ventilation?
A. The NPE system is primarily designed to keep asbestos from contaminating the building.
The air pressure inside the enclosure is less than outside the enclosure. Negative air
ventilation draws clean air from outside the enclosure at sufficient quantities and at
strategic locations, so as to provide clean air in the worker's breathing zone and is part of
the negative enclosure system.
Q. If an employer has a variety of work activities, how does one decide which class to
follow?
A. The classes are exclusive. For example, the stripping of 50 linear feet of TSI, whether or
not it has been positively identified as ACM, is Class I, for it is the removal of PACM.
Repair of a valve covered with ACM is Class III, since "removal" is not taking place, if
less than one glove bag of ACM has been disturbed. Removal of flooring material
containing ACM is Class II. If more than one "class" of work occurs simultaneously, the
work must be performed according to the highest hazard classification.
Q. Is all asbestos activity designated by "class"?
C-9
A. No, all asbestos work related to construction and shipyard work activities is in the "class
system." The installation of new asbestos-containing products does not carry a class
designation, and thus the class-specific requirements do not apply to that activity. For
work that does not readily fall into one of the four classes, the employer must comply
with the PEL. Work covered by the general industry specific requirements is not
included in the "class system."
Q. What must employers do if they are not sure what class the asbestos activity belongs in?
A. If it is not clear in which category the work belongs, the employer is to assume that the
higher, more restrictive, category applies, and must comply with the listed work practices
and controls for that category.
Q. Does the new standard allow greater use of glove bags?
A. Yes, the standard expands the conditions in which glove bag use is allowed. Glove bag
use for removal of TSI and surfacing ACM is now allowed without quantity limitation
for intact TSI. For Class I work the standard requires that at least two persons work on
any one glove bag operation. Class II and Class III glove bag work does not require two
persons.
Q. Can an employer use glove bags which are larger than the standard 60 X 60 bag?
A. Yes, some employers may have a supply of glove bags that are approximate in size, such
as 60 X 70. They may use their inventory until they are used up, however the employer
is not permitted to fill the larger bags beyond a 60 X 60 capacity.
Q. Does WISHA allow the use of glove bags to remove asbestos from elbows, corners, and
valves in Class I work?
A. Yes, if the glove bag is designed for that type of work and the other provisions for glove
bags are followed.
Q. Does the standard prohibit the practice of "continuous glove bagging" for large removal
projects?
A. No. This is permitted when performed following the Methods of Compliance by trained
workers.
Q. If an employer is using an "extender" glove bag on extended runs of pipe sections, what
method of compliance must be followed?
A. This type of glove bag is a series of single glove bags that are linked together. Each bag
is separate from the next. The use of these bags is allowed so long as the requirements
for glove bag removal are met. An oversized or "monster" glove bag is not a "glove bag"
method and the employer would need to comply with the requirements of Class I
alternative control methods in WAC 296-62-07712(8).
C-10
Q. Must ambient pressure glove bags be used inside an NPE? If one is using a negative
pressure glove bag to remove ACM and PACM from long runs of piping, must a NPE be
used also?
A. No to both questions. The construction and shipyard requirements in WAC 296-62-
07712 require the competent person evaluate the need for engineering controls and to
ensure that they are being used.
Q. Is misting considered a "wet method?"
A. Wet methods encompass a range of work practices. For example, when removing
material which is bound in a matrix, misting may be appropriate. Removing ACM or
PACM which is not so bound, or where deterioration of the ACM has occurred, would
require more aggressive wetting so that the material is handled or worked in a wet
saturated state.
Q. Are "asbestos spills/emergency cleanups" considered construction activity and how are
they classified?
A. Clean-up of sizable amounts of asbestos waste and debris is covered as construction work
activity. However, an asbestos spill has occurred when, for example, water damage
occurs in a building or facility, and sizable amounts of ACM and/or PACM are
dislodged. A competent person shall evaluate the site and ACM/PACM to be handled,
and based on the type, condition and extent of the dislodged material, classify the clean-
up as Class I, II or III. Only if the material was intact and the clean-up involved mere
contact of ACM, rather than disturbance, could there be a Class IV classification. An
example might be the collection and disposal of dislodged intact ceiling tiles. Since
collecting the tiles and disposing of them can be accomplished by careful handling, and
would not result in disturbance of the material, this activity would be a Class IV job. As
such, it would still have to be assessed by a competent person. Wet methods, HEPA
vacuuming, and prompt disposal are also required.
CLASS I WORK:
Q. When must repair activity which involves "disturbing" ACM be treated as Class I work?
A. If the amount of asbestos so "disturbed" cannot be contained in one standard glove bag
(60x60) or waste bag, Class I precautions are required.
Q. Does outdoor Class I work require an enclosure?
A. WISHA believes that most outdoor Class I work may be safely done without enclosures.
An exposure assessment must take place prior to outdoor work to determine other
required controls. In some instances (e.g., boilers, vessels and tanks) the use of
C-11
enclosures may be appropriate for Class I work. Each project must be evaluated on a
case-by-case basis to determine if an NEA can be made.
Q. What type of training is required by the standard for employees conducting Class I
asbestos work?
A. All employees conducting Class I asbestos work must be certified asbestos worker, see
WAC 296-62-07722(3)(a). The competent person is required to be a certified asbestos
supervisor, see WAC 296-62-07728(4)(a).
Q. Does Class I work that is performed outdoors require decontamination facilities?
A. Yes, decontamination procedures for all Class I work, outdoors as well as indoors,
including decontamination facilities and showers, must be made available for all Class I
work, unless showers are not feasible. In WISHA's view, a shower will most often be
feasible. The standard requires that a shower be "available", meaning it does not have to
be adjacent to the equipment room or clean room. An employer can use an existing
shower located in a near-by building if the location next to the clean room is not feasible.
Q. Are glove bag systems allowed as a control in the removal of Class I materials?
A. Yes, for Category I asbestos work, a glove bag system which meets the requirements of
the standard may be used. The glove bag must meet the specifications outlined in WAC
296-62-07712(7). The standard allows glove bags to be used in Class I operations on
elbows and other connectors as long as the bag was manufactured and designed for that
purpose.
Q. When must a NPE be smoke tested?
A. The standard requires the NPE to be smoke tested at the beginning of work within the
enclosure and at the beginning of each shift. Smoke testing shall be conducted while the
negative air machines or HEPA vacuums are operating to make it a valid test for leaks.
Q. If an employer chooses to use an alternative control method in accordance with WAC
296-62-07712(8), is there a specific time when the employer must submit the required
evaluation and certification to WISHA?
A. The standard requires that a copy be sent "before work" is begun, with no further time
frame specified. It is important to note that this submission to WISHA does not
constitute any kind of "approval" nor will WISHA acknowledge to the employer receipt
of the submission. The purpose of sending the evaluation to WISHA is to collect data on
innovative removal techniques.
Q. Can other professionals besides certified Industrial Hygienists or licensed professional
engineers evaluate and certify alternative control methods as required in WAC 296-62-
07712(8)(b)?
C-12
A. Yes, however this must be determined by the Compliance Safety and Health Officer
(CSHO) on a case-by-case basis. It is recognized that other professionals such as
Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), may be experienced in the asbestos field and
possess the combination of skills, professional judgment and background to perform the
evaluation. A review of the CSP's past work history and training should provide
adequate documentation for compliance purposes. An employer would not be cited if it
is determined that the CSP is qualified. Alternative control methods as defined by
WISHA are modifications and innovations beyond the limits of existing technology in
asbestos control technology that prove to be effective in controlling asbestos. It is
included in the standard to ensure that this industry can continue to invent new ways to
effectively and safely remove asbestos.
CLASS II WORK:
Q. What are some examples of Class II construction work?
A. Class II asbestos work is defined as activities involving the removal of ACM which is not
TSI or surfacing ACM. According to the definition, this includes, but is not limited to,
the removal of asbestos-containing wallboard, floor tile and sheeting, flooring materials,
gaskets, joint compounds, roofing materials, roofing and siding shingles. Removal of
small amounts of these materials (which would fit into a glove bag) may be classified as
a Class III job.
Q. Can an employer use Class I methods to perform Class II work?
A. Yes, an employer can always use a more restrictive method to perform asbestos work. It
is WISHA's intent to allow Class I methods to be used for removing Class II materials
when no modification in the procedures or methodology is required. This is not an
"alternative method" and no special notice to WISHA is required. Scale up to a Class I
would require that all the provisions for Class I work be met.
Q. What type of training is required by the standard for the competent person in Class II
asbestos work?
A. The competent person is required to be a “certified” asbestos supervisor, see WAC 296-
62-07728(4)(a).
Q. Is asbestos paper or felt, which is applied to floors, walls, ducts and other surfaces,
considered a surfacing material or TSI?
A. Yes. These materials, though not sprayed on or troweled on, are otherwise applied to
surfaces, walls, subfloors, and ducts for the prevention of heat loss or as a fire barrier.
Such materials are usually friable and can release significant amounts of asbestos fibers
when torn or shredded.
C-13
CLASS III WORK:
Q. Under the construction and shipyard work requirements in WAC 296-62-07712, what is
the difference between Class III maintenance work and Class IV maintenance work?
A. Class III maintenance work involves "disturbances" of ACM. The clarified meaning of
the term "disturbance" is an activity that disrupts the matrix of ACM or PACM, crumbles
or pulverizes ACM or PACM, or creates visible debris from ACM or PACM. 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, or III activities.
Q. Is installing a smoke detector in a ceiling where asbestos products are present considered
asbestos work as construction activity?
A. Depending on the potential source of asbestos exposure, the installation of a smoke
detector could be Class IV, Class III or neither. If the ceiling material to which the
detector is to be attached is asbestos, the competent person must assess whether the
attachment will involve "contact" (Class IV) or actually "disturb" (Class III) the ceiling
ACM. Where the source of asbestos exposure dust and debris is above the ceiling, for
example from friable sprayed on/troweled on surfacing materials, the competent person
should direct a Class III clean-up before installing the detector. Otherwise the
installation may be a Class III job if it involves disturbing debris and dust-containing
asbestos.
CLASS IV WORK:
Q. What provisions cover housekeeping work involving ACM?
A. Housekeeping provisions in the general industry work activities are contained in WAC
296-62-07713. These provisions cover routine cleaning in public and commercial
buildings, in manufacturing and other industrial facilities, where construction activity is
not taking place. Housekeeping provisions for construction and shipyard work activities
are contained in WAC 296-62-07712.
Q. What is included in Class IV work under WAC 296-62-07712, requirements for
construction and shipyard work activities?
A. Class IV work includes activities to clean up ACM waste, debris and dust incidental to a
construction and shipyard work activity. Examples of such work are cleaning up debris
from cable running above a suspended ceiling, sweeping, mopping, dusting, cleaning,
and vacuuming of ACM and dust and debris from construction work involving ACM and
PACM. Certain activities such as stripping and buffing of resilient flooring are Class IV
maintenance work if they are done incidental to construction work. Class IV work also
includes activities wherein the worker contacts, but does not "disturb" ACM/PACM or
create asbestos-containing dust or debris.
C-14
Q. When must dust, which is unaccompanied by debris and waste, be treated as ACM?
A. Under all asbestos work activities covered by the asbestos standard ACM must be
handled wet, and vacuumed using HEPA filters. Dust which accompanies debris and
waste in areas with accessible PACM or visibly deteriorated ACM must be handled as
ACM. Employers who know, or reasonably should know that "unaccompanied" dust is
ACM must also comply with these procedures too. The fact that the standard does not
state explicitly when dust must be considered as asbestos containing does not mean that
such situations do not exist. For example, where visibly deteriorated ACM, which is not
intact, is in close proximity to a dust accumulation, and there is no similar dust
accumulation where the ACM is not so proximate or damaged, a reasonable employer
must either treat the dust as ACM or have the situation evaluated by a competent person.
BRAKE AND CLUTCH:
Q. Is the appendix on Brake and Clutch Repair, WAC 296-62-07745 (Appendix F)
mandatory?
A. Yes.
Q. What are the two "preferred" methods for brake and clutch repair?
A. The two "preferred" methods are the Low Pressure/Wet-Cleaning method and the
NPE/HEPA Vacuum System.
Q. Is the solvent spray method prohibited?
A. No. The solvent spray method is an "equivalent" method that may be used when proper
work practices are followed.
Q. What are the work practices that must be used when an employer chooses the
spray/solvent can method?
A. An employer who uses an "equivalent" method must follow detailed written procedures.
At a minimum, the solvent spray method should include the following procedures: (1)
the solvent shall be used to first wet the brake and clutch parts; (2) the brake and clutch
parts shall be wiped clean with a cloth; (3) the contaminated cloth shall be placed in an
impermeable container, and then either disposed of properly or laundered in a way that
prevents the release of asbestos fibers in excess of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air;
(4) any spilled solvent or dispersed asbestos shall be cleaned up immediately and not
allowed to dry, either with a cloth or a HEPA vacuum. Dry brushing during solvent
spray operations is prohibited.
Q. What other precautions are required when solvents are used?
C-15
A. The solvents typically used in brake and clutch work are hazardous chemicals, and the
employer must therefore comply with the Hazard Communication standard (WAC-296-
62-054). If the solvents used are flammable, appropriate precautions against fire and
explosion must be taken.
Q. If the employer chooses to use one of the two "preferred" methods or an "equivalent"
method, does the employer have to conduct exposure monitoring?
A. No.
Q. Does Appendix F that covers brake and clutch work practices also cover brake and clutch
work done on large stationary equipment like printing presses?
A. No, the appendix is only intended for automotive work. For other asbestos jobs as
described above, the employer must use work methods that reduce the exposures to
below the PELs.
Q. What type of "aqueous" solution is allowed when the Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning
method is used?
A. The intent of the standard was to ensure that the asbestos is sufficiently wet so that
exposures are kept well below the PELs. The solution can consist only of water, or water
mixed with an organic solvent, or a detergent. It is important to note the potential danger
of solvent use in these operations. The use of solvents, which are often flammable and
may also present a health hazard, must be undertaken with great care. The employer
must also be in compliance with the Hazard Communication standard (WAC-296-62-
054).
Q. Are other methods allowed for employers who do brake and clutch work infrequently?
A. Yes, for those shops in which brake work is infrequent, WISHA has determined to allow
the use of a wet control method as a "preferred" method. Therefore, in facilities in which
5 or fewer brake "jobs" (5 brake "jobs" is equivalent to 5 vehicles) or 5 clutches, or some
combination totaling 5, are repaired each week, the mechanic/technician may control
potential asbestos exposure through the use of a pump sprayer (bottle) containing water
or amended water to wet down the drum or clutch housing before it is removed and to
control fiber release during subsequent activities. The mechanic may use other
implements to deliver the water such as a garden hose; however, the resulting waste
water generated must be captured and properly disposed of without allowing it to dry on
any surfaces. The spray should be controlled through the use of low pressure to the
extent feasible. WISHA anticipates that the use of a spray bottle will be adequate to
control the dust without generating a large volume of waste water. However, any waste
water generated must be disposed of properly.
Q. What provisions are required to perform a brake inspection?
C-16
A. The extent to which an "inspection" is different from the other brake servicing depends
on whether and how the drum is removed. Most inspections of brake shoes involve
removing the drum which may contain a substantial number of asbestos fibers.
Precautions must be taken against the release of those fibers into the workplace. If the
drum is carefully pulled back just far enough to observe the brake shoe and brake
components, it is sufficient to thoroughly wet the exterior and around the seam between
the brake drum and backing plate. Any dislodged material must be immediately cleaned
up in accordance with WAC 296-62-07713 of the standard. Blows to the drum with a
hammer or similar implement to dislodge a rusted-in-place or frozen drum may cause
asbestos fibers to be released. For such cases, in shops performing 6 or more brake jobs
per week, an enclosure must be installed around the drum to capture the dust or the drum
interior and contents must be thoroughly wetted prior to striking or forcibly removing the
brake drum. As with other brake servicing, this must be done using a preferred or
equivalent method. When using the equivalent spray can method, first wet the interior
and contents of the drum before striking it. Then, carefully pull the drum back just
enough to allow another application of solvent and thoroughly wet the interior before
removal of the drum. There should be no visible dust created during drum loosening and
removal.
ROOFING OPERATIONS:
Q. What roofing operations are Class II operations?
A. Removal of built-up roofing in which the roofing felts contain asbestos, and removal of
asbestos-containing shingles and asbestos-containing felt underlayments, are the major
Class II operations. Class II operations also include removals of other asbestos-
containing roofing materials, such as cements, coatings, mastics, and flashings.
Q. What level of training is required for employees performing roofing removal operations?
A. When roofing removal jobs are conducted using compliant work practices and the
material is removed intact, employees must have completed at least 8 hours of training as
specified in WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b) and are excluded from the worker certification
requirements of WAC 296-65. If the material is not removed intact or if mechanical
methods are used, the employees are required to be certified asbestos workers as
specified in WAC 296-65. If the material is not removed intact or if mechanical methods
are used, the roofing removal job would be considered an asbestos project as defined in
WAC 296-65-003. In all cases, the competent person shall be a certified supervisor as
per WAC 296-62-07728(4)(a).
Q. What level of training is required for the competent person for roofing removal
operations?
A. Roofing removal is a Class II operation. In WAC 296-62-07728(4), the competent person
is required to be trained and certified as an asbestos supervisor as specified in WAC 296-
65 for all Class I and Class II asbestos work.
C-17
Q. Under what circumstances is removed roofing material considered non-intact?
A. As defined in the standard, ACM is considered non-intact if it has crumbled, been
pulverized, or has otherwise deteriorated so that the asbestos fibers are no longer likely to
be bound within their matrix. Under this definition, ACM is not rendered non-intact
simply by being separated into smaller pieces by manual methods. The manual
separation into smaller sections does not render the material non-intact material if it is
otherwise intact. Other roofing materials are also manually separated into smaller
sections during removal. Roof mastics and cements are usually pried, chipped or scraped
off; asphalt felt underlayments are sliced and rolled-up or sometimes scraped-off or
chipped-off; flashings are sliced into manageable units and then pried-up; asbestos-
containing shingles occasionally break even when removed carefully. The fact that
otherwise intact roofing materials become separated in such a fashion does not by itself
render them non-intact under the standard. The condition of the smaller pieces must be
examined to determine whether the material is non-intact. In WAC 296-65-003, manual
removal of intact roofing materials are not considered an asbestos project. However, the
use of mechanical methods will make removal of roofing materials an asbestos project.
For example, in removing built-up roofing, the roof is typically cut into sections using a
power roof cutter. Asbestos-containing debris generated from mechanical methods are
not intact and are considered damaged and deteriorated. Such a project would require
meeting the certification requirements of WAC 296-65 for an asbestos project.
Q. What does the standard require during removals of intact cements, coatings, mastics, and
flashings?
A. On many roof removal jobs, the only asbestos is found in cements, mastics, coatings, and
flashings. Because significant numbers of asbestos fibers are not released from such
products when the material is intact, only minimal precautions are required. The material
must be removed using manual methods and must not be sanded, abraded or ground.
Material that has been removed from a roof must not be dropped or thrown to the ground
and must be removed from the roof by the end of the work shift. Prior to the start of the
job, the material must be examined by a certified supervisor to determine whether it is
intact and is likely to remain intact throughout the job. The employees must be trained in
the hazards of asbestos exposure and the proper work practices and prohibitions
applicable to such work according to the provisions of WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b).
Q. What does the standard require when ACM is newly installed on a roof?
A. Currently, the only materials being installed on roofs that contain asbestos are certain
coatings, cements, and mastics. When such materials are installed, the requirements
discussed in the previous answer apply. In addition, when materials labeled as
containing asbestos are installed on non-residential roofs, the contractor must notify the
building owner of the presence and location of the ACM.
C-18
Q. What types of manual methods may be used to remove intact cements, coatings, mastics,
and flashings?
A. Permissible methods include the use of spud, spade, flat-blade or slicing tools, such as
axes, mattocks, pry bars, spud bars, crow bars, shovels, flat-blade knives, and utility
knives, to slice, cut, strip-off, or pry-up the material.
Q. When must a roofing contractor monitor for asbestos on Class II jobs?
A. Evidence in the rule making record shows that exposures on most Class II roof removal
jobs will be well below the PEL when employers comply with the work practices
required by the standard and the workers are properly trained. Therefore, exposure
monitoring is not required when a certified supervisor determines that the material is
intact, the work practices specified in the standard are followed, the employees have been
trained in accordance with the standard, an initial exposure assessment has been
completed as specified in WAC 296-62-07709(3)(a), and an NEA has been made for the
entire operation.
Q. Must ACM that has been removed from a roof be kept wet and bagged on the roof?
A. These precautions are not required when the material is intact. If the material is not
intact, it or must be kept wet and bagged. Dust and debris shall be immediately bagged
or placed covered containers. Whether or not the material is intact, it must be lowered
from the roof no later than the end of the work shift.
Q. Must a roof be HEPA vacuumed before removal work begins?
A. The ordinary accumulation of environmental dust and debris on a roof will not require
HEPA vacuuming. Only if there is an indication that non-intact ACM is the source of
dust or debris must that dust or debris be HEPA vacuumed.
Q. May dry sweeping be used to remove accumulated dust and debris from a roof before
removal work begins?
A. It is often appropriate to remove accumulated dust and debris from a roof to reduce the
total atmospheric contamination produced by the removal job. Power brooms (machines
similar to street sweepers) are sometimes used for this purpose. Dry clean-up of dust and
debris is permitted unless the dust and debris is associated with non-intact ACM.
Q. May a power cutter be used to remove a built-up roof?
A. Yes. The blade of the cutter must be continuously misted during use unless a certified
supervisor determines that misting substantially decreases worker safety. If the roofing
material is non-intact, before removal work begins, additional wetting and/or other
precautions, such as use of hand methods and respirators, may be needed. Use of
mechanical methods will make removal an asbestos project under WAC 296-65.
C-19
Q. When a power roof cutter is used to remove a built-up roof, how must the dust from the
cutting operation be collected?
A. When the roof has an aggregate surface, the dust must be collected by a HEPA vacuum
or HEPA dust collector. These methods may also be used if the roof has a smooth
surface. However, in the case of roofs with smooth surfaces, the dust may also be
collected by gently sweeping and carefully and completely wiping up the dust and debris
left along the cut line while it is still wet and immediately placing the dust and debris in a
covered container, see WAC 296-62-07712(10)(b)(iv).
Q. Must asbestos-containing shingles be wetted before being removed from a roof?
A. Wetting shingles will often make them slippery and lead to slipping and falling hazards
that can be particularly dangerous on sloped roofs. Wetting of intact shingles is therefore
not required. Wetting of non-intact shingles is required where feasible but the shingles
need not be wetted when the competent person determines that wetting would create
slipping and falling hazards.
Q. When shingles are not wetted, must respirators be worn?
A. For answer, see section titled "Respirators".
Q. In what circumstances must respirators be worn?
A. For answer, see section titled "Respirators".
Q. Is there an exception to the requirements for HEPA vacuuming and wet methods for
small roofing jobs?
A. Yes. When an employer repairs or removes less than 25 square feet, of a roof in a single
day, HEPA vacuuming and wet methods need not be used. This exception only applies,
however, when manual methods are used to remove the material and no visible dust is
created by the removal method, see WAC 296-62-07712(10)(b)(viii).
Q. When Class II roof removal work is done, must all roof level air intake sources on the
roof be isolated or shut down?
A. No. In general, only those air intakes within the regulated area must be isolated or shut
down. However, intakes outside the regulated area may need to be isolated or shut down
to prevent asbestos from entering the building's ventilation system if, for example, the
wind is blowing towards such intakes from the regulated area. WISHA expects the
certified supervisor to use good judgment to achieve the intent of the standard.
Q. What isolation techniques for air intakes are permitted?
C-20
A. Acceptable isolation techniques include use of a buffer zone, use of HEPA filters over the
air intakes, use of horizontal or vertical extensions that relocate the opening of the air
intake outside or above the regulated area or away from or above a nearby upwind source
of asbestos fiber emissions, or covering the intake with plastic sheeting or other barrier.
The certified supervisor must use good judgment to choose an appropriate isolation
method based on the circumstances of the particular job.
Q. How are nails removed from cementitious asbestos-containing siding and shingles?
A. WAC 296-62-07712(10)(c) requires in that if the nails are to be cut they must be cut with
a flat, sharp instrument. If the nails are not to be cut, the nails can be pulled out.
FLOORING OPERATIONS:
Q. When must an employer presume that flooring material contains asbestos?
A. A 1988 EPA survey reported that 42% of public and commercial buildings within the
U.S. contain asbestos-containing flooring material. The standard requires that employers
presume that floor tile and resilient flooring found in buildings constructed no later than
1980 contains asbestos and take the specific precautions required unless the employer
demonstrates that the flooring materials do not contain asbestos, by using recognized
analytical techniques, see WAC 296-62-07712(10(a)(ix) for criteria to rebut the
assumption.
Q. Is asbestos paper or felt, which is applied to floors, walls, ducts and other surfaces,
considered a surfacing material or TSI?
A. Yes. These materials, though not sprayed on or troweled on, are otherwise applied to
surfaces, walls, subfloors, and ducts for the prevention of heat loss or as a fire barrier.
Such materials are usually friable and can release significant amounts of asbestos fibers
when torn or shredded.
Q. What level of training is required for employees performing flooring removal operations?
A. When flooring removal jobs are conducted using compliant work practices and the
material is removed intact, employees must have completed at least 8 hours of training as
specified in WAC 296-62-07722(3)(b) and are excluded from the worker certification
requirements of WAC 296-65. If the material is not removed intact or if mechanical
methods are used, the employees are required to be certified asbestos workers as
specified in WAC 296-65. If the material is not removed intact or if mechanical methods
are used, the flooring removal job would be considered an asbestos project as defined in
WAC 296-65-003. In all cases, the competent person shall be a certified supervisor as
per WAC 296-62-07728(4)(a).
Q. What level of training is required for the competent person for flooring removal
operations?
C-21
A. Flooring removal is a Class II operation. In WAC 296-62-07728(4), the competent
person is required to be trained and certified as asbestos supervisor as specified in WAC
296-65 for all Class I and Class II asbestos work.
Q. What work practices are prohibited or restricted in floor maintenance?
A. (1) Sanding of asbestos-containing flooring material is prohibited; (2) stripping of
finishes must be conducted using low abrasion pads at speeds lower than 300 rpm and
wet methods; and (3) burnishing or dry buffing may be performed only on asbestos-
containing flooring which has sufficient finish so that the pad cannot contact the ACM.
Q. What work practices must be used when removing floor tile?
A. The floor must first be HEPA vacuumed. The floor tiles then must be carefully pried up
individually after being wetted. Misting is sufficient if the tiles are removed intact. After
removal, each tile must be placed in an impermeable trash bag or other impermeable
waste container.
Q. If the wetting agent contains a hazardous substance what other precautions must the
employer take?
A. The employer may be responsible for compliance with other standards such as the Hazard
Communication standard (WAC 296-62-054). The employer shall obtain a Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the substance and follow the recommendations for the
use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and provide training.
Q. If floor tiles are broken during removal, are they no longer "intact?"
A. Not necessarily. Some incidental breakage of floor tiles is to be expected under manual
removal methods. Under the standard, material is not intact only if it has crumbled, been
pulverized, or has otherwise deteriorated so that the asbestos fibers are not longer likely
to be bound within their matrix. Therefore, the incidental breakage of tiles does not by
itself mean that the material is not intact. If floor tiles are subject to mechanical methods,
the dust and debris are no longer "intact". WAC 296-62-07712(10)(c)(vi) prohibits
mechanical chipping unless performed in an NPE meeting the requirements of WAC 296-
62-07712(7)(a).
Q. How are tiles to be removed when they cannot be removed by careful prying?
A. The tiles may be heated to soften the adhesive holding them to the substrate. When tiles
are removed intact using heat, wetting may be omitted.
Q. How are tiles to be removed when they cannot be removed by either careful prying or
heating?
C-22
A. Aggressive techniques such as mechanical chipping can be used if a certified supervisor
evaluates the worksite and determines that additional precautions required by the
standard are properly installed and operated. WAC 296-62-07712(10)(c)(vi) requires
that NPEs meeting the requirements of WAC 296-62-07712(7)(a) be used for mechanical
chipping of flooring materials.
Q. How must residual adhesive be removed?
A. The standard does not require removal of residual adhesive, but it is often necessary to
remove or smooth residual adhesive to prepare the surface for installation of a new floor.
Wet methods must be used when removing residual adhesive. The adhesive must either
be wet-scraped manually or removed using low speed floor machine and wetted sand or a
removal solution. The adhesive residues must be placed in an impermeable trash bag or
other impermeable container while still wet. Remaining water or dirt in the area must
then be HEPA vacuumed.
Q. What work practices must be used when removing resilient sheet flooring?
A. The material must not be ripped up. The floor shall first be HEPA vacuumed. The sheet
flooring shall then be removed in strips 4 to 8 inches wide. As a strip is removed, the
point of separation must be constantly misted to minimize fiber release. A strip must be
rolled up as it is removed and the roll placed in an impermeable trash bag or other
impermeable container. Residual felt and adhesive is then removed by wet scraping, and
the floor is HEPA vacuumed.
Q. When must flooring removal jobs be monitored for asbestos levels?
A. Most jobs will not require monitoring. Monitoring is only required if compliant work
practices are not followed, if the material is not removed intact, if an NEA for the entire
operation, or if the employees are not properly trained in accordance with the standard.
The certified supervisor is required to make an "initial exposure assessment" according to
the provisions of WAC 296-62-07709(3)(a).
Q. Must respirators be worn when floor tiles are removed using heat?
A. For answer, see section titled, "Respirators".
BUILDING OWNERS RESPONSIBILITIES:
Q. Does a building owner have any responsibility under the standard even though the
employees at risk may not be the owner's direct employees?
A. Yes. The building and/or facility owner must notify contractors and tenants of the
presence of ACM/PACM, even though the employees at risk are not the owner's direct
employees. OSHA has the authority to require building owners who are "statutory
employers" to take necessary action such as notifying other employers, and to protect
C-23
employees other than their own. They also have the responsibility to identify and label
ACM/PACM when required. Homeowners are not considered "building owners" when
they have work done in their private homes. Homeowners do have responsibilities under
RCW 49.26 and WAC 296-65 for requirements related to "persons" or "individuals".
Examples of such requirements are the notification requirements in WAC 296-65-020(1)
and the certification requirements in WAC 296-65-030(1), WAC 296-65-030(3), and
WAC 296-65-030(4).
Q. When shipyard vessels undergoing repair are foreign-owned, who is considered the
"building owner"?
A. When a foreign-owned vessel is repaired in an american shipyard, the employer is either
the shipyard or an outside primary contractor. They must either treat materials defined as
PACM as asbestos containing or sample the suspect material and analyze it to determine
whether or not it contains asbestos.
Q. Does a long-term lessee of a building have the same responsibilities as a "building
owner"?
A. "Building owner" has been defined to include lessees who control the management and
recordkeeping functions of a building/facility/vessel. It is not WISHA's intention to
exempt the owner from notification requirements by allowing a lessee to comply. Rather,
when the owner has transferred the management of the building to a long-term lessee,
that lessee is the more appropriate party to receive, transmit, and retain information about
in-place asbestos. When the lease is terminated, the records are to be transferred to the
building owner.
Q. Can building owners use building records to rebut PACM?
A. Generally, building records must be relied upon to rebut PACM. If an employer had an
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) asbestos survey, such a survey
would be accepted. However, for non-PACM materials, building owners and employers
may use all sources of information including building records to show that the materials
do not contain asbestos.
Q. What materials must be presumed to contain asbestos?
A. TSI and sprayed on and troweled on surfacing materials installed no later than 1980.
(Note: In addition, resilient flooring material installed no later than 1980 shall be
identified as asbestos containing). Other building/facility areas and material would not
be exempt from the standard's control requirements, however they would not be
presumptively considered to contain asbestos.
Q. Does the standard require any particular qualifications of the person who designates
materials as PACM?
C-24
A. The person who designates materials as PACM is not required to have any technical
training. The evaluation is not to determine if the material is or is not asbestos, rather it
is to identify TSI and surfacing materials. The process does not require technical
training. TSI and sprayed on or troweled on surfacing material are easily recognized and
identified. However, the standard requires that a good faith inspection be conducted by
the EPA accredited inspection, see WAC 296-62-07721(1)(c)(ii) and WAC 296-62-
07721(2)(b)(ii).
Q. Are the sign and label requirements the same in the general industry activities as they are
for construction and shipyard work activities?
A. Yes, the standard contains the same provisions as specified in WAC 296-62-07721(4),
(5), (6), (7), (8), and (9).
Q. If construction of a building began before 1981 but was not completed until several years
later, is the owner responsible for presuming asbestos exists in the entire building?
A. The CSHO will need to evaluate this on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, the
focus would be on areas that contain suspect materials in those areas built before 1981.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE:
Q. How has the definition of repair and maintenance changed?
A. Repair and maintenance is now considered Class III work if it involves less than one
glove bag of material, regardless of the time it takes to do the job. If the job involves
more than one glove bag of TSI or surfacing material then it is a Class I job. If the job
involves more than one bag of other ACM then it is a Class II job.
Q. What are some examples of activities that may be classified as Class III?
A. These activities may include: Maintenance/repair of boilers, air handling units, heat
exchangers, and tanks; repair/replacement of pipe insulation, including cutting away of
small amounts of ACM (that which fits into a standard glove bag or disposal bag); valve
or gasket replacement, or activities above suspended ceilings such as connections and/or
extensions for telecommunication/computer networks; adjustment/repair of heating,
ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems and; testing/cleaning/replacing
smoke or heat detectors when connected to ceilings containing ACM. Class III work
involves a "disturbance".
COMPETENT PERSON:
Q. What training must a competent person have?
A. For all Class I and II work, the "competent person" is required to be trained and certified
as a certified asbestos supervisor according to the specifications of WAC 296-65-012.
C-25
For Class III and Class IV asbestos work involving three square feet or three linear feet
or more of ACM, the competent person is required to be a certified asbestos supervisor,
see WAC 296-62-07722(4)(b). For Class III and IV work involving less than three
square feet of three linear feet of ACM, the competent person must receive the equivalent
of EPA's Operations and Maintenance training. All competent persons must be capable
of identifying existing asbestos hazards in the workplace and taking prompt corrective
action.
Q. Has the definition of "competent person" changed?
A. The definition of a "competent person" has been amended for construction and the
shipyard work activities. The scope of the competent person's duties has expanded so
that a competent person must supervise all asbestos activities.
Q. Under WAC 296-62-07728 for construction and shipyard asbestos work, is a specified
number of on-site supervisors required?
A. WISHA has not specified a ratio of on-site supervisors to abatement workers.
Q. What is the definition of a "competent person" for construction and shipyard asbestos
work ?
A. As in the regulations applying to all construction and shipyard work, the "competent
person" must be capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and have
authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Also, the
"competent person" must be designated by the employer, see WAC 296-62-07728(1) and
the definition of "competent person" in WAC 296-62-07703. WISHA notes that this
"competency" is independent of the training required to be an asbestos-competent person.
"Competency" as well as training is required. Thus, a "competent person" is not merely
someone with a specified level of training but connotes a high level of knowledge of
worksite safety and health issues as well.
RESPIRATORS:
Q. What are the respiratory protection requirements for Class I work when the exposure is in
excess of 0.1 f/cc and when an NEA has not been produced?
A. Respirators must be worn for all Class I work. In the above circumstances an employer
must provide a supplied-air respirator (SAR) operated in positive-pressure mode when
work is being done dry or while inside NPEs. In addition, the employer must provide
appropriate escape devices that could be either an auxiliary positive-pressure, self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or egress HEPA filters.
Q. When can a powered-air purifying respirator (PAPR) be used in Class I operations?
C-26
A. The standard allows a tight-fitting PAPR to be used for Class I operations when the
exposure levels are below 1.0 f/cc as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
However, WAC 296-62-07715(3)(a) (i) and (ii) does not permit PAPRs to be used if
work is done dry or while working inside NPEs.
Q. If an NEA has been produced in a Class I job, what type of respirator is required?
A. In situations where the competent person makes an NEA and work is not performed dry
or inside an NPE, a half-mask, non-disposable, respirator could be selected from among
available NIOSH-approved negative-pressure air-purifying respirators equipped with
high efficiency filters, unless the employee requests a PAPR.
Q. If an employee requests a PAPR in lieu of wearing a negative-pressure air-purifying
respirator, can a loose-fitting PAPR be provided?
A. Yes. In situations where half-mask, negative-pressure air-purifying respirators are
appropriately selected, upgrades to a PAPR equipped with HEPA filters, including the
hood-type PAPR, are acceptable. This is because any NIOSH-approved PAPR equipped
with HEPA filters offers more protection than a half-mask air-purifying respirator.
Q. Is an Industrial Hygiene Consultant who is doing an asbestos survey by taking bulk
samples required to use a respirator?
A. This would be a Class III operation and in the absence of an NEA a respirator would be
required. When an NEA is made, respirators may still be required if users disturb TSI or
surfacing ACM/PACM or if the material is not removed intact or by using wet methods.
Q. When shingles are not wetted, must respirators be worn in roofing operations?
A. Although the standard generally requires respirators for Class II work when wet methods
are not used, there is an exception to this when shingles are removed intact from sloped
roofs due to safety considerations. This exception applies only when an NEA is made.
Q. When are respirators required to be worn during roofing work?
A. In flat roofing work, respirators are required: (1) when wet methods are not used; or (2)
when the material does not remain substantially intact during removal; or (3) when the
employers unable to make an NEA; or (4) when asbestos exposures exceed the PEL. For
work done on sloped roofs, respirators are not required to be worn during dry removal if
the material is removed in a substantially intact state and an NEA has been made.
Q. Is fit testing required for PAPRs?
A. Employers must perform fit-testing to ensure that all facepieces exhibit the least possible
facepiece leakage. Tight-fitting PAPRs present the same leakage problems as any
negative-pressure respirator once the blower or the battery fails, prompting the wearer to
C-27
egress from the contaminated workplace. For this reason, fit-testing tight-fitting PAPRs
may be required prior to use in asbestos-contaminated work areas.
Q. Must respirators be worn when floor tiles are removed using heat?
A. The standard requires that respirators be worn when Class II work, including floor tile
removal, is not performed using wet methods, (see WAC 296-62-07715(1)(i)). However,
the standard allows wetting to be omitted when floor tiles are removed intact using heat.
The omission of wetting does not require respirators to be worn when heat is used if the
tiles are removed intact, if an NEA according to the provisions of WAC 296-62-
07709(3)(b) has been made for the entire operation, and if an initial exposure assessment
has been completed by the certified supervisor according to WAC 296-62-07709(3)(a).
LABELS:
Q. In WAC 296-62-07721(4) signs are required to be posted at the entrance of mechanical
rooms. Can the signs be placed inside the room?
A. Yes, the intent of the standard is to ensure that persons entering the rooms see the signs
and are therefore forewarned of the presence of asbestos. The sign can be inside the
room, as long as the sign is visible to those entering.
Q. Is color coding an acceptable alternative to labels where asbestos-containing products are
installed?
A. Yes. There may be instances where asbestos-covered materials (pipes, tanks, etc.) would
make labeling infeasible. The employer must ensure that all employees and contractors
have been trained to understand the coding system.
Q. Are there guidelines concerning the feasibility of posting signs and labels on installed
asbestos products in a building?
A. Signs and labels for installed asbestos products in WAC 296-62-07721 is a performance
oriented requirement. The degree to which signs and labels are required depends on the
exposure potential, access to the asbestos product, and the hazard of the material. Signs
and labels are required to be posted on or near the product. It is generally not feasible to
put labels on walls or floors. If it is not feasible, alternatives may be used. For example,
if asbestos-containing floors are being serviced by employees using a common equipment
room day after day, then a sign or label for the asbestos flooring can be posted in the
equipment room. The object is to forewarn employees who may be potentially exposed
during the floor cleaning operation and have access to the material. The label could be
posted on the buffing machine which the employer chooses. In another example, signs
and labels can be used in a more limited way when the mechanical staff performing
asbestos-related operations are internal. It is the employers responsibility to train
employees performing Class III operations, which means signs and labels do not play as
C-28
important a role as they would if the employer uses outside contractors. When outside
contractors come in, the employer must post signs and labels.
CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING:
Q. What type of training is required for employees working on an asbestos project?
A. WAC 296-65-030(3) and (4) requires that employees working on all asbestos projects be
trained and certified as an asbestos worker.
Q. Have the training requirements been expanded?
A. WAC 296-07722 has expanded the training requirements for construction and shipyard
asbestos work that is excluded from the worker certification provisions of WAC 296-65.
In the definition of asbestos project in WAC 296-65-003 and in WAC 296-62-07722(3)
and (4), asbestos work not considered an asbestos project is excluded from worker
certification. Training must be given to virtually all employees who are actively exposed
to asbestos, i.e., whose exposure is the result of performing Class I through IV work, or
who install new asbestos products. Training specification for all asbestos work not
requiring certification is found in WAC 296-62-07722.
Q. WAC 296-62-07722(4)(b) and WAC 296-62-07722(4)(c) provides training requirements
for Class III and Class IV asbestos work that is excluded from certification. What types
of Class III and Class IV asbestos work are excluded from asbestos worker certification?
A. Any Class III or Class IV that is not an asbestos project as defined in WAC 296-65-003.
No specific type of Class III or Class IV work is identified in WAC 296-62-07722. In
WAC 296-65-003, the definition of asbestos project excluded any asbestos work in which
there is a disturbance of less than one square foot of ACM (except pipe insulation) or
there is intact removal of ACM. Intact removal of asbestos material, proper work
practices and controls, required training, and a completed NEA would exclude asbestos
work as being likely to release asbestos fibers into the air. If the material is damaged or
deteriorated, certification is required. If the ACM is in the form of dust or debris, or has
been subjected to mechanical methods such as chipping, grinding, sanding, or sawing,
certification of workers is required.
Q. What training is required for housekeepers performing general industry work activities in
the standard?
A. The standard in WAC 296-62-07722(6) requires awareness training annually. The
standard has a list of specific topics which must be covered. There is no length of time
specified for this training.
Q. What training is needed when a custodian does maintenance work?
C-29
A. The training requirements are not tied to the job title of the worker performing the work.
Rather, if a worker is disturbing asbestos and the disturbance will result in the generation
of less than one standard 60" X 60" waste or glove bag, then Class III work is being
performed and Class III training is required For example, if a building custodian is told
to scrape off a few inches of sprayed-on material on a decking to access an electrical box,
he/she will be performing Class III work and must have the requisite training.
Q. What type of training is required for asbestos work involving pipe insulation ?
A. In WAC 296-65-003, no exclusion exists in the definition of asbestos project for asbestos
work involving pipe insulation of less than one square foot total area. Disturbance of any
pipe insulation is considered an asbestos project and would require asbestos worker
certification as per WAC 296-65-030(3).
MEDICAL SURVEILANCE:
Q. What are the fundamental elements of the medical surveillance requirements?
A. WISHA has clarified the medical surveillance provisions to explain the following:
_ Where workers are required to wear negative-pressure respirators while performing
construction or shipyard work for fewer than 30 days per year, the employer is
still required to institute a medical surveillance program for the occasional
respirator wearers;
_ Where workers perform Class II and III work for more than 30 days per year, the
employer is not required to count jobs that take less than a total of one hour per
day against the 30 day tally for medical surveillance.
Otherwise, all who perform Class I, II or III work for 30+ days per year or may be
exposed above the PELs for more than 30 days per year must receive full medical
surveillance.
Q. When workers who have been exposed to asbestos and covered by the medical
surveillance program are no longer exposed, can medical surveillance be discontinued?
A. When employees become not subject to medical surveillance program coverage, medical
surveillance would stop once the provisions of WAC 296-62-07725(1)(a) are no longer
true. If the employment is terminated, the employer must provide a termination medical
examination.
Q. Once medical surveillance is discontinued, what further obligations does the employer
have?
A. In WAC 296-62-07727(3)(c), the employer has to maintain the medical records for the
employee's duration of employment plus thirty years.
C-30
APPENDIX D
Removal of Intact Roofing Materials
Training Course Outline:
Employees performing intact removal of roofing materials only and no other asbestos work that
is covered by the asbestos standard may be excluded from asbestos certification requirements as
specified in WAC 296-65-003, definition of asbestos project. The following course outline
meets the training outline for the 8-hour training course specified in WAC 296-62-77722(3)(b)
with respect to the removal of intact roofing materials. Completion of the following course
outline does not qualify employees to remove non-intact roofing materials or to work on asbestos
projects.
A. Identification and Recognition of Asbestos-Containing Roofing Materials:
-- Characteristics of asbestos.
-- Determination/identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) (including
presumptions regarding
-- Categories of asbestos-containing building materials.
-- Friable and non-friable condition of materials.
-- Uses in roofing, past and present.
B. Potential Health Effects of Asbestos:
-- Nature of asbestos related disease, including latency and medical tests for
identifying asbestos diseases.
-- Routes of exposure.
-- Dose response relationships.
-- Relationship between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure and availability of
smoking cessation programs.
C. WISHA Asbestos Standard:
-- Overview of standard WAC 296-62-077.
-- Asbestos project and certification requirements in WAC 296-65.
-- WAC 296-62-07712 overview and prohibited practices.
-- Class II requirements for roofing materials.
-- Discussion of alternative methods for handling intact asbestos roof coatings,
mastics, cements, and flashings.
-- Discussion of permissible exposure limit (PEL) and significant risk.
-- Notification and good faith inspection requirements.
D-1
D. Intact versus Non-Intact Materials:
-- Definitions including intact and asbestos project.
-- How to recognize non-intact material.
-- Procedures to be followed when material is found or becomes non-intact.
E. Appropriate Work Practices:
-- Applying mastics, cements, and coatings.
-- Manual methods for removing materials.
-- Clean-up and waste disposal.
F. Hands-on Training:
-- Demonstration of proper removal methods.
-- Review of proper removal methods and procedures.
-- Hands-on student practice on removal methods.
G. Review of Previous Instruction and Clarify any Questions.
H. Examination Covering all Topics in Previous Outline.
D-2
APPENDIX E
Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings
Training Course Outline:
Employees performing intact removal of flooring materials only and no other asbestos work that
are covered by the asbestos standard may be excluded from asbestos certification requirements
as specified in WAC 296-65-003, definition of asbestos project. These courses are designed to
train workers to remove "intact" flooring materials using work practices specified in WAC 296-
62-07712, and meet the training requirements specified in WAC 296-62-07722(3). Completion
of these training courses does not qualify workers to remove non-intact flooring material.
8-Hour Employee Training Course:
A. Section 1 - Background Information on Asbestos (Slides, Lecture, Workbook, and Quiz):
-- Characteristics of asbestos.
-- Categories of asbestos-containing building materials.
-- Friable and non-friable condition of materials.
-- List of suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACM
-- Determination/identification of ACM (including presumptions regarding flooring
materials), good faith inspection requirements in RCW 49.26.
-- Control options.
-- Potential health effects related to exposure to airborne asbestos.
-- Hazards of smoking and asbestos exposure.
-- Protective work practices and controls to minimize asbestos exposure.
B. Section 2 - Laws and Regulations (Video, Slides, Lecture, Workbook, and Quiz):
-- Current regulations concerning the removal and disposal of ACM.
-- Overview of WAC 296-62-07712.
-- Regulated areas / respirators / negative air pressure / protective clothing /
decontamination procedures.
-- How regulations are enforced.
-- Government agencies that regulate asbestos removal.
-- WISHA asbestos standard.
-- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Emissions Standard for
Hazardous Air Pollutants( NESHAP).
-- EPA, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and Asbestos School
Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA).
-- DOT Regulations.
-- Asbestos project and certification requirements in WAC 296-65.
-- State and local asbestos regulations.
-- Hazard Communication standard and safety issues.
E-1
E-2
C. Section C - Asbestos-Containing Resilient Flooring Materials (Slides, Lecture,
Workbook, and Quiz):
-- Walk through survey versus bulk sample analysis.
-- Types of floor coverings which contain asbestos.
-- Determining friability of resilient floor coverings (EPA recommended test).
-- Flooring adhesives which contain asbestos.
-- Alternatives to removing asbestos-containing floor covering and adhesives.
-- Methods which should not be used to remove resilient floor covering materials.
-- Waste disposal procedures.
-- Notification requirements.
D. Section 4 - Removal of Resilient Floor Tile:
-- Video demonstration of properly removing floor tile.
-- Live demonstration of properly removing floor tile.
-- "Hands-on" student practice removing floor tiles using heat and without heat.
-- Quiz.
E. Section 5 - Removal of Residual Asphaltic Adhesive:
-- Video demonstration of proper procedure for removing adhesive.
-- Review of proper procedure for removing adhesive.
-- "Hands-on" student practice removing adhesive.
-- Quiz.
F. Section 6 - Removal of Resilient Sheet Flooring
-- Video demonstration of proper procedure for removing sheet flooring.
-- Live demonstration of proper procedure for removing sheet flooring.
-- "Hands-on" student practice removing sheet flooring.
Quiz.
G. Section 7 - Complete Removal of Wood Underlayment:
-- Video demonstration of proper procedures for removing resilient flooring
complete with underlayment.
-- Review of proper procedures for complete removal of wood underlayment.
H. Section 8 - Review of Previous Instruction and Clarify any Questions.
I. Section 9 - Examination Covering Sections 1-7.
