COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Why was asbestos added to construction materials ? - ANSWER - It was a great
insulator and binder. It added strength and durability against weathering and use. It was
non-corrosive, did not conduct electricity, and made spray-on products easier to apply.
What are the two classes of asbestos and their associated types? - ANSWER - The two
classes of asbestos are Serpentine and Amphiboles.
Serpentine consists of one type: Chrysotile.
Amphiboles consists of five types: Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Tremolite,
Actinolite.
Of the different types of Amphiboles, which types were most commonly used
commercially? - ANSWER - Amosite and Crocidolite
What is the predominant color and structure of Chrysotile asbestos ? - ANSWER - white
, long , curly , hollow
What is the predominant color and structure of Amosite asbestos ? - ANSWER - brown /
tan ; long and straight
What is the predominant color and structure of Crocidolite ? - ANSWER - blue ; long
and straight
What is the definition of a Surfacing Material? - ANSWER - means material that is
sprayed-on, troweled-on, or otherwise applied to surfaces, such as acoustical plaster on
ceilings and fireproofing materials on structural members, or other materials on surfaces
for acoustical, fireproofing, or other purposes.
What is the definition of Thermal Systems Insulation (TSI)? - ANSWER - means
material applied to pipes, fittings, boilers, breeching, tanks, ducts, or other interior
structural components to prevent heat loss or gain, or water condensation, or for other
purposes.
What is the definition of a Miscellaneous Material? - ANSWER - means interior building
material that is not surfacing material or thermal system insulation.
What is the definition of Friable? - ANSWER - means that material, when dry, may be
crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, and includes previously
nonfriable materials after such previously nonfriable material becomes damaged to the
extent that when dry it may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand
pressure.
,What is the primary type of asbestos used in the U.S ? - ANSWER - Chrysotile.
List three building materials / locations where ACM is likely to be found - ANSWER -
There are over 3000 building products that may contain asbestos. A limited list of
examples are: taping mud, flooring mastics/adhesives, popcorn ceilings, fireproofing,
vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring backing, transite, fire doors, fume hoods, felt under roofs
or siding, kiln bricks and cement, lab equipment, fire safety equipment, auditorium
curtains, gaskets, vibration joints, HVAC duct tape, and many many more.
What are the 3 major diseases related to asbestos exposures ? - ANSWER -
Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma.
What is a latency period ? What is the latency period for asbestos related illnesses ? -
ANSWER - The time between exposure to asbestos and the time symptoms appear.
10-40 years.
What asbestos-related disease normally appears only after prolonged, heavy,
occupational exposure to asbestos ? - ANSWER - Asbestosis
What asbestos related disease primarily affects those exposed to asbestos who smoke
cigarettes? - ANSWER - Lung cancer. There is a synergistic effect that increases the
workers chances of getting lung cancer over 50 times.
Who must participate in a medical surveillance program? - ANSWER - 8 CCR1529 (m)
(1).
A. The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who,
for a combined total of 30 or more days per year, are engaged in Class I, II, and III work
or are exposed at or above the permissible exposure limit. For purposes of this
paragraph, any day in which a worker engages in Class II or Class III operations or a
combination thereof on intact material for one hour or less (taking into account the entire
time spent on the removal operation, including cleanup) and, while doing so, adheres
fully to the work practices specified in this standard, shall not be counted.
B. For employees otherwise required by this standard to wear a negative pressure
respirator, employers shall ensure employees are physically able to perform the work
and use the equipment. This determination shall be made under the supervision of a
physician.
When are asbestos medical surveillance physical exams required ? - ANSWER - 1.
Prior to assignment of the employee to an area where negative- pressure respirators
are worn;
2. When the employee is assigned to an area where exposure to asbestos may be at or
above the permissible exposure limit for 30 or more days per year, or engage in Class I,
II or III work for a combined total of 30 or more days per year, a medical examination
must be given within 10 working days following the thirtieth day of exposure;
, 3. And at least annually thereafter.
4. If the examining physician determines that any of the examinations should be
provided more frequently than specified, the employer shall provide such examinations
to affected employees at the frequencies specified by the physician.
5. Exception: No medical examination is required of any employee if adequate records
show that the employee has been examined in accordance with this subsection within
the past 1 year period.
6. Employers shall provide a medical examination at the termination of employment for
any employee who has been exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos at or
above the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit. The medical examination
shall be given within 30 calendar days before or after the date of termination of
employment.
What should be performed at an asbestos medical surveillance exam ? - ANSWER - 1.
A medical and work history with special emphasis directed to the pulmonary,
cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
2. On initial examination, the standardized questionnaire contained in Part 1 of
Appendix D in 8 CCR 1529, and, on annual examination, the abbreviated standardized
questionnaire contained in Part 2 in 8 CCR 1529.
3. A physical examination directed to the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems,
including a chest roentgenogram to be administered in accordance with Table 2 [8 CCR
1529 (m) (2)(B)3], and pulmonary function tests of forced vital capacity (FVC) and
forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV(1)). Interpretation and classification of
chest roentgenograms shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix E in 8 CCR
1529
4. Any other examinations or tests deemed necessary by the examining physician.
Is a NESHAP notification required for demolition of a facility even if no asbestos was
found during the inspection? - ANSWER - Yes
When is a FED EPA (NESHAP) notification required for asbestos abatement ? -
ANSWER - On renovation projects involving more than 160 square feet, 260 linear feet
or 35 cubic feet of RACM.
EXCEPTION: Local air quality management districts may have rules that supercede this
requirement (i.e. Bay Area Air Quality Management District requires notification for
greater than 100 square or linear feet of ACM)
How many days prior notice is required for NESHAP notification of RACM removal? -
ANSWER - 10 working days