In the construction industry, asbestos is found in many installed products. Because very few asbestos-containing products are being installed today, most worker exposures occur during the removal of asbestos and the renovation and maintenance of buildings and structures containing asbestos. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates asbestos exposure for the construction industry. This course describes how the standard applies to the following activities: 1) demolishing or salvaging structures where asbestos is present; 2) removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing material; 3) constructing, altering, repairing, maintaining, or renovating asbestos-containing structures or substrates; 4) installing asbestos-containing products; 5) cleaning up asbestos spills/emergencies: and 6) transporting, disposing, storing, containing, and housekeeping involving asbestos or asbestos-containing products on a construction site.

Topics: Description of asbestos Dangers of asbestos exposure Definition of work classifications Permissible exposure limit for asbestos Asbestos operations that employers must monitor and assess Function of a competent person Initial exposure assessment Negative exposure assessment When exposure must be monitored Medical surveillance programs for employees Maintaining employee records Regulated areas Communicating asbestos hazards at worksites Posting of warning signs Providing asbestos warning labels Training employees regarding asbestos exposure Methods used to control asbestos exposure levels Compliance requirements for Classes I - IV work OSHA requirements concerning respirators Requirements to provide protective clothing for employees Hygiene-related requirements for employees performing various classes of asbestos work Employer’s housekeeping responsibilities.

Intended Audience: for civil, and construction engineers, and would be of particular interest to consulting engineers involved in construction activities.

Publication Source: US Dept. of Labor (OSHA)