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1 Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions Contents Top 20 Questions... 1 Asbestos in the Home... 6 Asbestos in Vermiculite... 7 Finding Asbestos... 7 Asbestos in Brakes... 7 Reporting a Violation... 8 Asbestos in Schools: General Questions... 8 Asbestos in Schools: Applicability to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act... 9 Asbestos in Schools: School Personell Training Asbestos in Schools: Asbestos Sampling and Testing Asbestos in Schools: Inspections and Reinspections Asbestos in Schools: Annual Notification Requirements Asbestos in Schools: Local Education Agency Designated Persons Asbestos in Schools: Recordkeeping and Asbestos Management Plans Asbestos in Schools: Small-Scale Short-Duration Projects Asbestos in Schools: Determining Friability Asbestos in Schools: Response Actions Asbestos in Schools: Operations and Maintenance Asbestos in Schools: Labeling of Asbestos-Containing Materials Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): Applicability Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): EPA Interpretations Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): Conflict of Interest Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): Foreign Language Courses Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): Computer-Based Training Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): Becoming an Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan Training Provider Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP): Training Course Certificates
2 TOP 20 ASBESTOS QUESTIONS 1. How do I know if I have asbestos in my home (in floor tile, ceiling tile, shingles, siding, etc.)? The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material. Samples should be taken by a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional (inspector). 2. What are the health risks if I have asbestos in my home, building, apartment, or school? Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to present a health risk. The risks from asbestos occur when it is damaged or disturbed where asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. Managing asbestos in place and maintaining it in good repair is often the best approach. 3. Where can I find someone to remove the asbestos in my home? You can perform an internet search for asbestos contractor and the location of your home. Contact your state to determine what state training and accreditation requirements may exist for both the contractor and their workers. EPA recommends that you use an asbestos contractor that is properly trained to handle asbestos. 4. My attic has vermiculite insulation in it. Am I at risk? Should I take it out? If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. Airborne asbestos fibers present a health risk through inhalation, so the first step is to not disturb the material, which could release fibers into the air. If you disturb the insulation, you may inhale some asbestos fibers. The degree of health risk depends on how much and how often this occurred. If you choose to remove the vermiculite insulation, this work should be done by a trained and accredited asbestos abatement contractor that is separate and independent from the company that performed the assessment of the vermiculite insulation to avoid any conflict of interest. 5. I am thinking about buying a house but it has vermiculite attic insulation in it. Should I have it removed before or after I buy the house? Removal of the vermiculite insulation may not be necessary if it is confined in a manner where it will be left undisturbed. If you choose to have the vermiculite insulation removed, the EPA recommends that you use a trained and accredited asbestos contractor that is separate and independent from the company that performed the assessment of the vermiculite insulation to avoid any conflict of interest. 2
3 6. I use/used vermiculite to enhance my potting soil. Should I be concerned? EPA's investigation (see report) into these products indicates that consumers face only a minimal health risk from using vermiculite products at home or in their gardens. To further reduce the risk associated with the occasional use of vermiculite products during gardening activities, EPA recommends that consumers: Use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid creating dust by keeping vermiculite damp during use. Avoid bringing dust into the home on clothing. Although EPA does not endorse the use of any particular product, consumers may choose to use: Premixed potting soils, which ordinarily contain more moisture and less vermiculite than pure vermiculite products and are less likely to generate dust. Soil amendment materials other than vermiculite, such as peat, sawdust, perlite, or bark. 7. How do I get certified as an asbestos professional? To become a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional you will need to seek training from a training provider that offers courses approved by the EPA or a state to conduct asbestos training pursuant to the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan. Most states also require a license to perform this work. Your training course completion certificate is a general prerequisite to applying for such a license. The training courses vary in length from 2 to 5 days depending upon the type of work you wish to perform. Accredited asbestos training courses are offered in five separate disciplines; Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Supervisor, Inspector, Management Planner and Project Designer. Some states may refer to these training disciplines by different, yet similar names. 8. Where can I find someone to test a material to see if it contains asbestos? You can perform an internet search for asbestos inspection and assessment and the location of your home. Also, make sure that the inspector is properly trained and accredited by your state. 9. I'm remodeling my home. Do I need to be concerned about asbestos in the building materials? It's not possible for you to tell whether a material in your home contains asbestos simply by looking at it. If you suspect a material within your home might contain asbestos (for example floor tile, ceiling tile or old pipe wrap) and the material is damaged (fraying or falling apart) or if you are planning on performing a renovation that would disturb the material, the EPA recommends that you have it sampled by a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional (inspector). The professional then should use a qualified laboratory to perform the asbestos analysis. Also, you may 3
4 learn more about whether the replacement materials you intend to install might possibly contain asbestos by reading the product labels, calling the manufacturer, or by asking if your retailer can provide you with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product(s) in question. 10. Since asbestos was banned, do I need to be worried about products on the market today containing asbestos? On July 12, 1989, the EPA issued a final rule under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) banning most asbestos-containing products in the United States. In 1991, the rule was vacated and remanded by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a result, most of the original ban on the manufacture, importation, processing, or distribution in commerce for most of the asbestoscontaining product categories originally covered in the 1989 final rule was overturned. Only the bans on corrugated paper, rollboard, commercial paper, specialty paper, and flooring felt and any new uses of asbestos remained banned under the 1989 rule. Although most asbestos containing products can still legally be manufactured, imported, processed and distributed in the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the production and use of asbestos has declined significantly. 11. Is there still asbestos in automobile brakes? It is possible that some aftermarket brakes, especially imported brakes, may still contain asbestos. 12. How do I find out if my child s school has asbestos in it? The Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires schools to make their asbestos management plans available to the public, including parents, within 5 working days of the request. The asbestos management plan should discuss the location and type of asbestos-containing materials and any preventive measures or response actions taken in your child s school. You can also contact the school's AHERA Designated Person directly for more information, or if you have specific questions about asbestos in your child's school. The AHERA Designated Person s name and contact information appears in the management plan. 13. Was my school required to be inspected for asbestos? Yes, unless the building architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of the school building certified in writing that no asbestos materials were used in the building s construction. Otherwise, all public and non-profit private primary and secondary schools need to be inspected for asbestos. The results of the inspections and all re-inspections, required every three years, are contained within the schools asbestos management plan. A complete and up-to-date copy of the asbestos management plan is required to be housed in the school s administrative office. 4
5 14. My child s school has asbestos in it. Why aren't they taking it out? Local education agencies (e.g., school districts) are required under the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to inspect for and manage asbestos containing materials properly through the development and implementation of an asbestos management plan. The local education agency can safely and effectively "manage in place" asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition. The risk from asbestos is when it is damaged and/or disturbed and asbestos fibers become airborne where they can be inhaled. If the local education agency does perform a response action or an asbestos abatement, they must use properly trained and accredited asbestos professionals to do this work. Local education agencies are required to undertake timely and appropriate maintenance or response actions whenever asbestoscontaining materials become friable. 15. Is the school district required to do anything about asbestos in its school buildings? Yes. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) was passed by Congress in AHERA requires public school districts and non-profit private schools to inspect their schools for asbestoscontaining building material and prepare management plans which recommend the best way to reduce the hazard from any asbestos-containing materials that may be present. Options include repairing damaged asbestos-containing material (such as spraying it with sealants, enclosing it) or removing it. The plans must be developed by accredited management planners and submitted to the State. The school authority must notify parent, teacher and employee organizations of the plans, and then the plans must be implemented. The school district must also perform periodic surveillance of asbestos-containing material every 6 months in its schools. AHERA also requires accreditation of abatement project designers, abatement workers, supervisors, and building inspectors. 16. What is an asbestos management plan? An asbestos management plan is required to provide documentation of the recommended asbestos response actions, the location of asbestos within the school, and any action taken to repair or remove the material. The school authority must maintain records to be included in the Asbestos Management Plan. These records include among other things: List of the name and address of each school building and whether the building has asbestos containing building material, and the type of asbestos-containing material. Date of the original and each subsequent school re-inspection. The plan for re-inspections, and operation and maintenance. A blueprint that clearly identifies the location and condition of all asbestos-containing building material that remains in the school. A description of any response action or preventive measures taken to eliminate or control asbestos exposure. A copy of the analysis of any building material, and the name and address of any laboratory that sampled the material. 5
6 The name, address, and telephone number of the designated person to ensure the duties of the local education agency (LEA) are carried out. A description of steps taken to inform workers, teachers, and students or their legal guardians about inspections, re-inspections, response actions, and periodic surveillance. 17. Does this management plan have to be updated periodically? Yes. The asbestos management plan must be updated with information collected during periodic surveillance every 6 months, re-inspections every 3 years, and every time a response action is taken within the school. Also, records of annual notifications to parents, teachers, and staff concerning the availability of the school s asbestos management plan must be included within the asbestos management plan files. 18. Does my school district know where the asbestos in its school buildings is located? They are required to know and to describe where the material is located in the asbestos management plan, and also to monitor and record any change in its condition that might pose a potential safety risk. 19. How can we have the air tested in my school? AHERA only requires air testing following an asbestos response action (e.g., asbestos repair or removal activity) to determine whether the activity has been properly completed. This is done by measuring the amount of asbestos in the air where the asbestos response action took place, and is referred to as "clearance." However, the local education agency, e.g., the school district, may hire a qualified consultant to test its air at any time, as may be needed or appropriate. 20. Is it dangerous to have asbestos containing material in my school? Not necessarily. Undamaged asbestos that is properly managed in place poses little health risk to students, teachers and other school occupants. However, it is important that the proper school designated authorities regularly inspect the condition of asbestos-containing materials to ensure they remain intact. Asbestos can pose a health hazard when it is disturbed and asbestos fibers become airborne where they can be inhaled. Undamaged non-friable asbestos is best left undisturbed and managed in place. If done improperly, removing asbestos has the potential to create a greater health risk than leaving it undisturbed. ASBESTOS IN THE HOME 1. Does a home seller have to disclose to a potential buyer that a home contains asbestos? What about vermiculite? Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure. Contact your state about such requirements. 6
7 2. Does the EPA have money available for homeowners to pay for asbestos testing or asbestos removal? The EPA does not have funding available to homeowners for asbestos testing or removal. 3. My neighbor is re-siding and re-roofing his house and there is material all over the ground. Do I need to be worried about asbestos exposure? Not all house siding or roofing materials contain asbestos. If you are concerned the material might contain asbestos, you can ask your neighbor whether or not the material has been tested for asbestos. Federal regulations regarding renovations or demolitions of asbestos-containing materials do not apply to a homeowner s renovation of their home. State or local regulations may be applicable if the siding or roofing materials do contain asbestos. Contact your state regulatory agency or local government building department about such requirements. 4. I found out the cement water pipes leading to my house (business) contain asbestos. What should I do? If the pipes are damaged they should be properly repaired or replaced by your water utility. For more information on asbestos in drinking water visit: ASBESTOS IN VERMICULITE 5. Can I take vermiculite insulation out myself? Federal asbestos regulations do not apply to work that you perform in your own home, but the EPA strongly recommends that you not attempt to remove vermiculite insulation yourself. Instead, the EPA strongly recommends that you hire a properly accredited asbestos contractor if you need to have vermiculite insulation removed from your home. FINDING ASBESTOS 6. Does dry wall or sheet rock contain asbestos? There is no way to know whether these materials contain asbestos without having them tested. If you are concerned those materials in your home may contain asbestos and the materials are damaged (frayed, falling apart) or if you are performing a renovation that will disturb the material, consult with a state accredited asbestos assessment/inspection firm. ASBESTOS IN BRAKES. 7. I have changed my brakes in the past, should I be worried about asbestos exposure? Because some, but not all, automotive brakes and clutches available or in use today may contain asbestos, professional automotive technicians and home mechanics who repair and replace brakes and clutches can potentially be exposed to asbestos dust. Brake and clutch dust can be seen when a 7
8 brake disk, drum, clutch cover, or the wheel is removed from a car, truck, or other equipment. There are also many small dust particles that cannot be seen with the eye. If the brakes contain asbestos, the dust may contain asbestos fibers, which could be inhaled. The greater the exposure is to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take many years to develop following exposure. If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist). For more information visit: REPORTING A VIOLATION 8. How can I report a suspected asbestos violation? You may submit a tip through an online form on the EPA website at: ASBESTOS IN SCHOOLS: General Questions 9. I thought asbestos was banned and then removed from schools years ago? Asbestos-containing materials, with few exceptions, are not currently banned in the United States and are still managed-in-place in schools. Under requirements set forth by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) these asbestos-containing materials in schools must be managed in an undamaged and non-friable condition 10. I found out that my child s school has asbestos in it. Is there a risk to him (her)? If done properly, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition can be safely managed in place. Local education agencies (e.g., school districts) are required under the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), to inspect for and manage asbestos containing materials properly. Asbestos may be a risk when it is damaged and/ or disturbed and asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. 11. Are schools supposed to notify parents if their child attends a school that has asbestos in it? Yes. The asbestos-containing materials in schools rule, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), requires local education agencies (e.g.,school districts) to notify building workers (including teachers) and parents annually regarding asbestos-related activities such as asbestos inspections, and response actions (abatements). The local education agency must also annually notify parent, teacher and employee organizations regarding the availability of their schools asbestos management plans. 8
9 12. If my children have been in a building with asbestos, do they need to see a physician? If I taught in a building with asbestos, do I need to see a physician? Not necessarily. Asbestos does not pose a health risk if it is managed properly. However, if you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in the air, you should consult with a physician that specializes in lung disorders or occupational exposures. 13. Who is responsible for overseeing the management of asbestos in a school building? The school district/local education agency must nominate a designated person to perform and delegate, if necessary, the management of asbestos in a school building. This person is also a resource for the entire school community who can answer specific questions and address specific concerns about the presence or management of asbestos in that particular school. 14. I have seen the janitor machine-cleaning the floor tile in our school. Should I be worried that these machines will degrade the tiles and create a hazard? Machine-cleaning of floor tile can be part of a good maintenance program for asbestos-containing floor tiles, as long as the machine is operated properly and the tiles are not in poor condition. EPA has issued special guidance on the proper maintenance of asbestos-containing floor tiles, and the guidance is available from the TSCA Hotline at (202) Undamaged, well maintained floor tiles present little risk to students, teachers, and school staff. 15. Who is responsible for overseeing the asbestos-in-schools regulations? EPA is the primary governmental agency responsible for enforcing the regulations promulgated under AHERA. However, if your State has been issued a "waiver" (or delegation of program authority), the State agency then becomes responsible for enforcing these requirements. The states that currently have waiver programs are: Connecticut, Colorado, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Illinois, Kentucky, and New Hampshire. Applicability to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act 16. Q: Are churches that have Sunday school classes, daycare centers, or kindergartens regulated under the Asbestos Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) applies to public and private non-profit elementary and secondary schools. The term non-profit elementary or secondary school means any elementary or secondary school as defined in section 198 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of Under this Act, the terms elementary and secondary schools refer to day or residential schools which provide elementary or secondary education determined under state law. Sunday school classes and daycare accommodations would not be subject to AHERA. However, kindergarten classes conducted in a church may be covered under the Act. Whether or not kindergarten classes conducted in a particular church are subject to AHERA would depend on the stipulations of the state education law in the state in which the church is located. If state law defines elementary 9
10 and secondary education as K through 12, then that part of the church where kindergarten classes are conducted would be subject to AHERA because the classroom would be included under AHERA s definition of school building. 17. Q: Do the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requirements in 40 CFR part 763 mandating routine facility inspections and management plan development apply to for-profit private schools as they apply in public K-12 schools? A: AHERA requirements for facility inspections and management plan development do not apply to for-profit private schools, but they do apply to non-profit private K-12 schools. This exemption for private for-profit schools was directly mandated in the enabling legislation (the AHERA statute). 18. Q: Is a nursery/daycare center subject to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: Generally no. Nursery/daycare centers are generally not subject to AHERA because they generally do not fall within the definition of school under AHERA or the asbestos in schools rule. However, if a nursery/daycare center did fall within the definition of school (based on how a school is defined under state law), then all parts of the facility that would be considered a school building under 40 CFR part would be covered. 19. Q: If a private school has a daycare area, is the daycare area excluded from the rule and/or the whole educational facility? A: If the private school is non-profit, then all parts of the facility that would be considered a school building under 40 CFR part would be covered. Conversely, if the private school is a for-profit institution, neither the school nor the daycare center would be subject to the regulation. 20. Q: Are vocational schools covered under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: Vocational schools that provide elementary or secondary education under state law are covered as schools under AHERA. 21. Q: Are private for-profit schools included under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: No. Private for-profit schools are not covered under AHERA. This is a statutory exemption. 10
11 22. Q: Does the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) apply to schools on military bases? A: Yes. AHERA applies to all public and private non-profit elementary and secondary schools, which includes schools on military bases. 23. Q: Are state-run schools (e.g. prison schools, schools for students with disabilities, etc ) covered by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: The definition of school under AHERA covers any elementary or secondary school as defined by state law. Thus, reference to state law would determine whether a state-run school is covered as an elementary or secondary school and therefore covered by AHERA. However, state for-profit private schools are expressibly exempted under AHERA and therefore not covered. 24. Q: Several public high school students take advanced placement classes with college freshmen at the State University. Does a classroom or building that these students frequent have to be inspected? A: No. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 203 refers to school buildings under the authority of a local education agency (LEA). State university classrooms are not under an LEA s authority, and therefore are not covered. 25. Q: Are the school district s administrative offices (such as the Board of Education or the Superintendent s Office) covered by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), even if students never attend classes in these buildings? A: Yes. Among the structures covered in the definition of school building in AHERA (section 202) and in the asbestos in schools rule (40 CFR part ) are "... any other facility used for the instruction or housing of students or for the administration of education or research programs." 26. Q: Are the school system s maintenance or storage facilities (e.g., bus garage or warehouse) covered by the asbestos in schools rule? A: In general, the answer is yes. Section 202 of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) defines school building to include... any maintenance, storage, or utility facility, including any hallway, essential to the operation of any facility described in the statute s definition of school building. Some of the facilities specifically mentioned in the definition of school building include classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums, and administrative offices. For purposes of the rule, the facility is deemed essential if the local education agency(lea) uses the facility. If an LEA facility of this type is vacant (i.e., empty storage facilities, empty warehouses, etc.), it is not deemed essential, and therefore is exempt. 11
12 Once the LEA begins to use these facilities, however, they become essential and must be addressed as required by the rule. 27. Q: A school uses a single room in a non-school building on a regular basis as a classroom for elementary and secondary education purposes during regular school hours. Is the room covered by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) asbestos in schools rule? Is the entire building also covered? A: The single room used by the school on a regular basis as a classroom is covered by the AHERA asbestos in schools rule(40 CFR part 763, subpart E), in addition to the hallways and bathrooms used by the school children. However, the rest of the building is not covered. 28. Q: A school building includes a covered exterior hallway or walkway. Is this covered exterior hallway or walkway covered by the asbestos in schools rule? If so, does this include both the underside and roof of these areas? A: Yes. Under 40 CFR part of the asbestos in schools rule, school building is defined to include [a]ny portico or covered exterior hallway or walkway, so the covered exterior hallway or walkway is covered. However, only the underside of the hallway or walkway is included, the roof is not. 29. Q: Are churches or sanctuaries that are under the local education agency s (LEA s) authority, which are attended by students for religious worship purposes during normal school hours, required to be inspected? A: If the church is not used for school instruction (e.g., math, spelling, etc.) purposes, no. However, when the church is under the authority of an local education agency (LEA) and is used for school instruction it must be inspected and included in the management plan. (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) section 202(13); 40 CFR part ) 30. Q: If a building is on the premises of a local education agency (LEA) property and under the authority of the LEA, but is being used only as a private residence, is it subject to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: If the residence does not perform any of the functions listed or fall under any of the descriptions given in the definition of a school building in AHERA section 202(13) and the asbestos in schools rule (40 CFR part ), then it is not subject to AHERA. 31. Q: A public school district leases space from a non-school group (e.g., corporation, YMCA, etc.) to use as a school building. Who is responsible, the school or the landlord, for complying with the asbestos in schools rule? A: The local education agency (LEA) is responsible for complying with the rule. Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) section 202(7), the following are LEAs: 12
13 the public authority legally constituted within a state that governs or controls a public elementary or secondary school; the owner of any private, nonprofit elementary or secondary school building; and the governing authority of any school operated pursuant to the Defense Dependents Education Act. If the school leasing space in a non-school building is a public elementary or secondary school, which includes public elementary or secondary charter schools, or a school operated under the Defense Dependents Education Act, then the governing authority of the school leasing the space is the LEA and is responsible for complying with AHERA. (AHERA section 202(7)(A) and (C)). If the school leasing the space in a non-school building is a private, non-profit elementary or secondary school, the owner of the leased space, not the school, is the LEA and is responsible for AHERA compliance. (AHERA section 202(7)(B)). 32. Q: Do the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requirements apply to charter schools that provide online elementary and secondary education through learning centers and/or directly in the home? A: If the charter school providing online education is considered an elementary or secondary school under relevant state law and the facility where such online education is located qualifies as a school building under AHERA, then that same charter school s learning center would also be covered by the AHERA requirements. Since private homes are not school buildings or facilities under AHERA, they would not be covered by the AHERA requirements. School Personnel Training 33. Q: A local education agency (LEA) plans to contract all asbestos-related work (including minor repairs) to outside contractors. The LEA has provided 2-hour awareness training to all of their custodial and maintenance staff, but has not provided the 14-hour training. The LEA would like to have its custodial staff remove loose nonfriable vinyl floor tiles for disposal from the building after the accredited asbestos contractor has performed the removal work. Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) does picking up nonfriable floor tiles for the purposes of disposal constitute disturbance of asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) and therefore would require the 14-hour training? A: Yes. Custodial and maintenance staff who conduct any activity that results in the disturbance of ACBM must receive the 14-hour training in addition to the 2-hour awareness training. (40 CFR part (a)(2)). Only custodial or maintenance staff that have had 16 total hours of training can pick-up and dispose of unattached floor tiles. Note that if the material is friable and left over from a response action, then only asbestos model accreditation plan (MAP)-accredited personnel may perform the work. However, if the 13
14 removal of the material is required in the performance of an emergency or routine maintenance activity, not intended solely as asbestos abatement, then operations and maintenance personnel may remove small amounts of friable asbestos-containing material (ACM). The LEA must ensure that any disposal of asbestos is in accordance with Appendix D of 40 CFR part 763, subpart E or the applicable National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) disposal requirements under 40 CFR part Q: What are the qualifications or exact training needed by an individual who conducts the 2-hour asbestos awareness training and the 14-hour additional training for the maintenance and/or custodial employees under the asbestos in schools rule pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: The asbestos in schools rule (40 CFR part 763, subpart E) does not require specific qualifications for instructors who perform O&M training. EPA recommends, however, that local education agencies (LEAs) select instructors with a professional or educational background in the asbestos field. 35. Q: 40 CFR part (a)(1) and (2) of the asbestos in schools rule pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) refer to 2-hour training and 14- hour training. If a local education agency s (LEA's) workers have not taken the 3-day course to become "accredited" abatement workers, and the LEA decides to have workers receive the 2-hour and 14-hour training, where should the workers go for the abbreviated training? How is this training documented? A: EPA anticipates that LEAs will use a variety of resources to train custodial staff. Private consultants, LEA staff, local colleges and labor groups are potential sources of instructors for O&M training. 40 CFR part (c) of the asbestos in schools rule requires LEAs to keep specific information for each person required to be trained, including the location of the training and the number of hours of training. 36. Q: How often must school custodial staff complete the 2-hour or 14-hour asbestos awareness training under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: 40 CFR part (a) requires local education agencies (LEAs) to train custodians and maintenance workers within 60 days after commencement of employment. Although the asbestos in schools rule does not require refresher training for custodial staff and maintenance workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction standard regulations (29 CFR (k)(9)(ii)) and OSHA regulations for most other occupational exposures (29 CFR (j)(7)(ii)) contain a requirement for annual refresher training. The EPA Asbestos Worker Protection Rule (40 CFR part ) applies these OSHA regulations to state and local government employers who are not otherwise regulated by OSHA s asbestos standards. 14
15 Asbestos Sampling and Testing 37. Q: How many samples do you have to take for friable miscellaneous material under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?? A: 40 CFR part (c) says that an accredited inspector shall collect bulk samples [plural] from each homogeneous area of friable miscellaneous material that is not assumed to be asbestos containing material. Therefore, at least two samples must be taken. 38. Q: If friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) is accidentally left behind after an abatement project had passed air clearance by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, do I need to re-test the air under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?? A: Yes. Both the visual inspection and the abatement were not properly completed under 40 CFR part (i)(1). The loose debris should be removed and the area thoroughly recleaned. Air monitoring should be repeated using TEM analysis for the functional space where the original abatement occurred. (40 CFR part (f) and (i)) 39. Q: Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), how many samples do you have to take for non-friable suspected asbestos-containing building material? A: 40 CFR part (d) says that...an accredited inspector shall collect, in a manner sufficient to determine whether the material is asbestos-containing material or not asbestos-containing material, bulk samples [plural] from each homogeneous area of nonfriable suspected asbestos-containing building material that is not assumed to be asbestoscontaining material. Therefore, at least two samples must be taken. 40. Q: Is floor tile considered asbestos containing material (ACM) under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), if there are contradictory results after analysis of the material through polarized-light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)? A: For its inspection and assessment purposes, the local education agency (LEA) must first rely upon the results analyzed using the 1992 Interim PLM Method found at Appendix A to Subpart E in 40 CFR part 763, unless, it chooses to alternatively rely upon the improved Test Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials (EPA/600/R- 93/116, July 1993) which employs TEM analysis. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends use of the updated method of TEM analysis to determine whether or not floor tiles are ACM. TEM analysis is able to yield more precise analytical results, especially at low asbestos concentrations, and helps to rule-out false negatives when performing analysis on floor tile. If either TEM or PLM analysis yields a result that the 15
16 material contains greater than 1 percent asbestos, then the material must be considered ACM. 41. Q: If vermiculite insulation bulk samples analyzed by standard polarized-light microscopy (PLM) analysis is found to be negative for asbestos, can schools treat the vermiculite as a non-asbestos containing material under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: Vermiculite insulation containing less than 1 percent asbestos does not qualify as asbestos containing material (ACM) under AHERA and the asbestos in schools rule. If standard PLM analysis, ensuring that bulk samples comply with sampling requirements as laid out in 40 CFR part and that subsequent analysis of such samples complies with analysis requirements set forth in 40 CFR part , concludes that a material contains less than 1 percent asbestos, then it is not ACM. As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended in its guidance to homeowners the school may wish to treat the vermiculite insulation as containing asbestos before taking any actions that might disturb it. 42. Q: Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), when acquiring samples of multi-layered material such as wallboard, do you sample both the wallboard and the joint compound as separate materials or can you take a weighted average of both to arrive at a final reportable number? A: As stated in the January 5, 1994 Asbestos Sampling Bulletin clarification, joint compound and wallboard form a wall system, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) therefore recommends the use of a composite analysis for this material. See 59 FR 542; see also 60 FR (1995). For joint compound (not skim coat), EPA recommends that an accredited inspector take a weighted average of the different wall system components to arrive at the final reportable number. 43. Q: How many samples of miscellaneous material or nonfriable suspected material must be taken to determine if the material is asbestos-containing material (ACM) under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: For miscellaneous material, 40 CFR part (c) states that in a manner sufficient to determine whether material is asbestos-containing material (ACM) or not ACM, an accredited inspector shall collect bulk samples from each homogeneous area of friable miscellaneous material that is not assumed to be ACM. Although a specific number of samples are not mentioned, at least two samples from each homogeneous area of miscellaneous material must be taken due to the plural use of the word samples. An accredited inspector may determine that more than two samples are necessary to determine whether or not the material is ACM. In regards to nonfriable suspected material, 40 CFR part (d) also uses the plural word samples and therefore also requires a 16
17 minimum of two samples. An accredited inspector can use his or her discretion to take more than two samples. 44. Q: Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), can a building inspector use his/her own lab to analyze the bulk samples or air samples taken? A: Yes, but only if the lab is currently accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly known as the National Bureau of Standards. (40 CFR part (a) and 40 CFR part (i)(2)(ii)) 45. Q: I work for a commercial lab and have questions on how to report the results of asbestos analysis for a local education agency (LEA). Who should I talk to? A: You can contact the National Institute of Standards and Technology s (NIST s) National Voluntary Lab Accreditation Program (NVLAP) at (301) or at 46. Q: Please define the term "nonfriable suspected ACBM." Also, what does the term "manner sufficient to determine mean with respect to sampling such material under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: Nonfriable suspected asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) means suspected surfacing asbestos-containing material (ACM), thermal system insulation ACM, or miscellaneous ACM that is found in or on the interior structural members or other parts of a school building and that when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. (40 CFR part ) An example of nonfriable suspected ACBM could be wallboard or floor tile. The phrase in a manner sufficient to determine means the accredited inspector must take an appropriate number of bulk samples (plural) of such material that permits a determination of whether the material is or is not ACM. (40 CFR part (b)(3), (c), (d)) For example, a number of training courses recommend that an inspector take the same number of samples for materials like floor and ceiling tiles as the inspector would for surfacing material. 47. Q: Please clarify the use of the term homogeneous area, under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which has a regulatory definition of being uniform in color or texture, when applied to thermal system insulation having pipe lagging that has either been discolored or applied differently to give the appearance of possessing a different texture. A: A certain number of bulk samples (based on the size of the area) are required for each homogeneous area as described at 40 CFR part (a). The accredited inspector must make a judgment on whether pipe lagging is indeed uniform in color and texture, and 17
18 therefore a homogeneous area. If the suspect material looks darker due to water damage, it is appropriate for the inspector to consider this as part of the same homogeneous area. If the suspect material has been applied differently, however, it probably would not be uniform in color and texture since there would be a noticeable difference in the suspect material's appearance. This non-homogeneous area would require separate bulk samples. (40 CFR part (a)) 48. Q: With respect to transmission electron microscopy (TEM), what does the term contiguous portions mean under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: Contiguous portions means areas directly adjacent to one another that are part of the same functional space. The intent of 40 CFR part (i)(6) is to prevent an LEA from artificially dividing up a large project so as to avoid the TEM requirement. For example, a local education agency (LEA) that has a 3,300 square foot gymnasium cannot artificially divide the gym into separate areas, and then conduct separate abatement in each area, These areas are obviously contiguous, thus TEM is required. However, an abatement job in wing A of a building and an abatement job in a separate, non-contiguous wing are not contiguous portions of material. 49. Q: Are there criteria under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) for doing aggressive asbestos air monitoring? A: Yes. Unit III.B.7.d. of Appendix A to 40 CFR part 763, subpart E provides criteria for aggressive air monitoring. 50. Q: If phase contrast microscopy (PCM) is being used for clearance, does the sampling volume table in the mandatory transmission electro microscopy (TEM) method have to be followed to determine the sampling volume for the PCM samples under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: No. The table is required only for samples which will be analyzed by TEM (40 CFR part 763, Appendix A, Unit II.B., Table 1). The table was set up to maintain an analytical sensitivity of fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cm 3 ) for the TEM analysis. The table does not apply to the PCM analysis. 51. Q: Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), how does one determine the amount of air to sample for the phase contrast microscopy (PCM) analysis to maintain a limit of quantification of 0.01 f/cm 3? A: Follow the procedure in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Silver Book, or Measuring Airborne Asbestos Following an Abatement Action (EPA-600/ ) specifically outlined in Chapter 4, page 5. The volume required to reliably quantify fibers down to 0.01 f/cm 3 may be calculated using the first formula on this page. Note that for the 18
19 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400, the minimum fiber loading is specified. Also, alert labs that the area of viewing for a field will vary between microscopes and that they must determine this value from their microscopes. You can obtain a copy of the EPA Silver Book by calling the TSCA Hotline at Q: Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), can someone collect more than five samples inside the asbestos abatement site and pick the best of the results for the clearance test? A: No. An equal number of samples must be taken inside and outside the asbestos abatement site for clearance. The minimum number is five inside and five outside (40 CFR part (i)(3)). The asbestos in schools rule does not prohibit the collection of more than five samples inside and an equal number outside; however, all of the samples must be averaged (40 CFR part (i)(3)). 53. Q: Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), are five transmission electron microscopy (TEM) outside clearance air samples required, i.e., do they have to be collected with the five inside and the two blanks if the five inside samples and two field blanks are below 70 structures/millimeter squared (mm 2 )? A: The five outdoor samples must be collected in addition to the five indoor samples, the two field blanks, and the one sealed blank for a total of thirteen air samples. (40 CFR part (i)(3)) If the five inside samples are below 70 structures/mm 2 and the volume of air used for the samples is equal to or greater than 1,199 L of air for a 25 mm filter, or greater than or equal to 2,799 L of air for a 37 mm filter, then according to 40 CFR part (i)(4), regardless of the statistical comparison between the indoor and outdoor samples, the response action is considered complete. Inspections and Reinspections 54. Q: How soon must a local education agency (LEA) inspect a school leased or acquired after October 12, 1988 that is to be used as a school building? A: An LEA must inspect such a building anytime prior to its use as a school building. In the event that emergency use of an uninspected school building is necessitated such buildings shall be inspected 30 days after commencement of such use. (40 CFR part (a)(2)) 55. Q: Are local education agencies relieved of the requirement of reinspections once every 3 years for schools which are asbestos-free, either because they were constructed without asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) or because all ACBM has been removed? A: Yes, because the reinspection requirements at 40 CFR section (b) apply only to schools which contain known or assumed ACBM. 19
20 56. Q: If the architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of a school building built after October 12, 1988 provides a statement indicating there is no asbestos-containing material in the school, does the local education agency (LEA) still have to perform an original inspection of this school building prior to its occupancy? A: 40 CFR part (a) and (a)(7)of the asbestos in schools rule provides that an LEA shall not be required to perform an inspection under (a) in any sampling area... or homogeneous area of a school building where:... (7) An architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of a new school building built after October 12, 1988, or an accredited inspector signs a statement that no asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) was specified as a building material in any construction document for the building, or, to the best of his or her knowledge, no ACBM was used as a building material in the building. 57. Q: Can an architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of a school built before October 12, 1988 submit a signed statement that no asbestos was used in the building in order for a local education agency (LEA) to avoid performing an inspection? A: No. Pursuant to 40 CFR part (a)(7), this exclusion from an inspection is only available for schools built after October 12, A valid exclusionary statement for a school building constructed prior to October 12, 1988 can only be prepared and submitted by a trained and accredited asbestos inspector (40 CFR part763.99(a)(3), (b) or (a)(6)). 58. Q: During an inspection, can a local education agency (LEA) just assume that some or all homogeneous areas of friable and nonfriable suspected ACBM are ACM rather than take samples? A: Yes. 40 CFR part (a)(4)(iv) explicitly permits homogeneous areas of friable and non-friable suspected asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) to be assumed to be asbestos-containing material (ACM). (See also 40 CFR part (a), (b), (c), and (d)). 59. Q: What should a school do if it finds thermal system insulation (TSI) in a ceiling space, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? A: If the space in which the TSI is discovered has never been inspected in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) inspection requirements, then such an inspection must be undertaken and should focus on all such previously unexpected space above a drop ceiling in which TSI is present. Any areas of a school building where friable asbestos-containing building material (ACBM), damaged or significantly damaged TSI ACM, or friable suspected ACBM assumed to be ACM are present shall be cleaned at least 20