EPA and OSHA Asbestos Training Courses
EPA and OSHA asbestos training courses are designed to protect workers and to increase awareness about asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the workplace. ACM pose serious health risks and must be handled properly. This training is for those who disturb asbestos in their work, whether it is in a building or on a construction site. The course is available online and provides a printable certificate. A two-hour video includes audio and PowerPoint presentation. The course is free to try, and students will be able to take the course at their own pace.
The EPA Asbestos Certification Program is designed to help custodial personnel in buildings with asbestos-containing materials understand their responsibilities and the health effects associated with exposure to asbestos. The course also teaches workers how to control damaged ACM. This certification is not mandatory, but it is recommended. The certificate is issued upon completion of the course.
EPA's Type 1 training is similar to OSHA's standard. The curriculum is geared towards O&M activities, and the training focuses on the procedures for maintaining a safe asbestos abatement project. The EPA's Asbestos Worker Refresher training course is for in-plant custodial personnel, and the curriculum is updated with information about the industry and federal and state regulations. The Asbestos Worker Refresher course is 8 hours long, and it covers personal protective equipment, the state-of-of-of-of work practices, and an update on the regulations and requirements for working with asbestos.
EPA's Asbestos Air Monitoring training is designed to train people responsible for collecting and monitoring airborne asbestos fibers for asbestos projects. The course includes quality assurance for sampling and the use of phase contrast microscopes. The course also includes a review of asbestos regulations, statistics, and mathematics related to the analysis of airborne asbestos fibers. The course includes calibration of air sampling equipment, slide mounting, NIOSH Analytical Method 7400, and Phase Contract Microscope components.
The Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Initial Training course is for maintenance and custodial workers who will be involved in minor asbestos projects. This training meets AHERA and TSCA Title II accreditation. It is designed to provide a solid foundation for developing efficient asbestos abatement projects. The course teaches the proper methods of handling asbestos-containing materials and disposes of waste.
An Asbestos Project Monitor is someone who checks that the asbestos abatement contractors are performing abatement in a safe and effective manner. This person typically works for the property owner. They are responsible for conducting clearance sampling, verifying the quality of abatement performed by contractors, and observing asbestos project status.
An Asbestos Supervisor is an individual who is responsible for coordinating and supervising the activities of asbestos workers.
They also must have appropriate training to oversee those employees. An Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Training Course is for individuals who are responsible for managing and overseeing the work of asbestos workers. It is focused on the responsibilities of the asbestos supervisor, the effects of asbestos on health, and the legal aspects of asbestos.
A Restricted Asbestos Handler is an individual who will perform ancillary tasks and will only be in the work area for a limited time. This individual cannot abate or handle asbestos. They may also attend the Asbestos Project Monitors training course.