Asbestos Training

OSHA requires employees who may be exposed to fiber levels at or above the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) and/or the Excursion Limit of 1.0 f/cc as a 30-minute TWA participate in a worker training program. The extent of the training is determined by the type of work the employee performs. Asbestos-related training includes:

Asbestos Awareness (2 hours)

All maintenance and custodial staff who perform duties that contact but do not intentionally disturb ACM (OSHA Class IV work) shall receive Asbestos Awareness training on an annual basis. Such training shall be consistent with EPA requirements in 40 CFR 763.92(a)(1). This training is provided by Environmental Health & Safety.

Asbestos Operations & Maintenance Worker (16 hours)

Maintenance and custodial staff involved in general maintenance and asbestos-containing materials repair tasks must receive 16 hours of Operations and Maintenance training (comprised of 14 hours of specialized training and 2 hours of awareness training). This training is provided by a authorized third-party.

Asbestos Abatement Worker (32 hours)

Employees who perform asbestos abatement activities must be trained as an asbestos worker. This work involves direct, intentional contact with asbestos-containing materials. Training for an Asbestos Worker must be conducted by an EPA/AHERA or DPOR board-approved asbestos training program. Initial training is at least 32 hours and refresher training is 8 hours. This training is provided by a authorized third-party.

All personnel required to wear respiratory protection or that perform minor repair or maintenance work involving asbestos materials shall receive training on respiratory protection. The requirements of the Respiratory Protection and Medical Surveillance Programs may be obtained by contacting Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-2509.

Asbestos Inspector (24 hours)

Training for an Asbestos Inspector must be conducted by an EPA/AHERA or DPOR board-approved asbestos training program. Initial training is at least 24 hours and refresher training is 4 hours. This training is provided by a authorized third-party.

Asbestos Supervisor (40 hours)

Training for an Asbestos Supervisor must be conducted by an EPA/AHERA or DPOR board-approved asbestos training program. Initial training is at least 40 hours and refresher training is 8 hours. OSHA defines a "competent person" as one who is capable of identifying existing asbestos hazards in the workplace and selecting the appropriate control strategy for asbestos exposure, and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. For Class I and II asbestos abatement work, the competent person must also be trained to the Asbestos Supervisor level. For Class III and IV work, the competent person must be trained to the maintenance and custodial staff level. This training is provided by a authorized third-party.

Asbestos Project Monitor (40 hours)

In accordance with the Department of General Services, "Construction and Professional Services Manual", asbestos abatement project specifications shall be followed by using a Virginia licensed or properly certified asbestos Project Monitor to conduct air monitoring throughout the duration of the abatement project and for final clearance. No asbestos materials are to be removed without the Asbestos Project Monitor being onsite. Training for an Asbestos Project Monitor must be conducted by an EPA/AHERA or DPOR board-approved asbestos training program. Initial training is at least 40 hours and refresher training is 8 hours. This training is provided by a authorized third-party.

Asbestos Management Planner (16 hours)

In accordance with the Department of General Services, "Construction and Professional Services Manual," a Virginia licensed asbestos Management Planner shall prepare or update the Asbestos Management Plan in accordance with the Code of Virginia. Training for an Asbestos Management Planner must be conducted by an EPA/AHERA or DPOR board-approved asbestos training program. Initial training is at least 16 hours and refresher training is 4 hours. This training is provided by a authorized third-party.

Asbestos Project Designer (24 hours)

In accordance with the Department of General Services, "Construction and Professional Services Manual," if asbestos-containing material is found, a Virginia licensed or properly certified asbestos project designer, in concert with the architect/engineer, shall prepare asbestos abatement project design specifications. Training for an asbestos project designer must be conducted by an EPA/AHERA or DPOR board-approved asbestos training program. Initial training is at least 24 hours and refresher training is 8 hours. This training is provided by a authorized third-party.