40 CFR Part 763 (EPA AHERA) Part 6.5 PDF
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This document details procedures for asbestos sample collection and analysis, outlined in 40 CFR Part 763 (EPA AHERA). It describes different sampling methods and analysis techniques. The criteria for determining if a response action is complete are also specified.
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Pt. 763, Subpt. E, App. A 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) may be considered complete without comparing the inside samples to the outside samples. EPA is permitting this initial screening test to save analysis costs in situations where the airborne asbestos concentration is sufficiently low so that i...
Pt. 763, Subpt. E, App. A 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) may be considered complete without comparing the inside samples to the outside samples. EPA is permitting this initial screening test to save analysis costs in situations where the airborne asbestos concentration is sufficiently low so that it cannot be distinguished from the filter contamination/background level (fibers deposited on the filter that are unrelated to the air being sampled). The screening test cannot be used when volumes of less than 1,199 L for 25 mm filter or 2,799 L for a 37 mm filter are collected because the ability to distinguish levels significantly different from filter background is reduced at low volumes. The initial screening test is expressed in structures per square millimeter of filter because filter background levels come from sources other than the air being sampled and cannot be meaningfully expressed as a concentration per cubic centimeter of air. The value of 70 s/mm2 is based on the experience of the panel of microscopists who consider one structure in 10 grid openings (each grid opening with an area of 0.0057 mm2) to be comparable with contamination/background levels of blank filters. The decision is based, in part, on Poisson statistics which indicate that four structures must be counted on a filter before the fiber count is statistically distinguishable from the count for one structure. As more information on the performance of the method is collected, this criterion may be modified. Since different combinations of the number and size of grid openings are permitted under the TEM protocol, the criterion is expressed in structures per square millimeter of filter to be consistent across all combinations. Four structures per 10 grid openings corresponds to approximately 70 s/mm2. B. Sample Collection and Analysis 1. A minimum of 13 samples is required: five samples collected inside the abatement area, five samples collected outside the abatement area, two field blanks, and one sealed blank. 2. Sampling and TEM analysis must be done according to either the mandatory or nonmandatory protocols in Appendix A. At least 0.057 mm2 of filter must be examined on blank filters. where YI is the average of the natural logarithms of the inside samples and YO is the average of the natural logarithms of the outside samples, nI is the number of inside samples and nO is the number of outside samples. The response action is considered complete if Z is less than or equal to 1.65. NOTE: When no fibers are counted, the calculated detection limit for that analysis is inserted for the concentration. 2. If the abatement site does not satisfy either (1) or (2) of this Section C, the site must be recleaned and a new set of samples collected. D. Sequence for Analyzing Samples It is possible to determine completion of the response action without analyzing all samples. Also, at any point in the process, a decision may be made to terminate the analysis of existing samples, reclean the abatement site, and collect a new set of samples. The following sequence is outlined to minimize the number of analyses needed to reach a decision. 1. Analyze the inside samples. 2. If at least 1,199 L of air for a 25 mm filter or 2,799 L of air for a 37 mm filter is collected for each inside sample and the arithmetic mean concentration of structures per square millimeter of filter is less than or equal to 70 s/mm2, the response action is complete and no further analysis is needed. 3. If less than 1,199 L of air for a 25 mm filter or 2,799 L of air for a 37 mm filter is collected for any of the inside samples, or the arithmetic mean concentration of structures per square millimeter of filter is greater than 70 s/mm2, analyze the three blanks. 4. If the arithmetic mean concentration of structures per square millimeter on the blank filters is greater than 70 s/mm2, terminate the analysis, identify and correct the source of blank contamination, and collect a new set of samples. 5. If the arithmetic mean concentration of structures per square millimeter on the blank filters is less than or equal to 70 s/ mm2, analyze the outside samples and perform the Z-test. 816 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211171 PO 00000 Frm 00826 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\211171.XXX 211171 EC01AP92.016</MATH> rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with CFR C. Interpretation of Results 1. The response action shall be considered complete if either: a. Each sample collected inside the abatement area consists of at least 1,199 L of air for a 25 mm filter, or 2,799 L of air for a 37 mm filter, and the arithmetic mean of their asbestos structure concentrations per square millimeter of filter is less than or equal to 70 s/mm2; or b. The three blank samples have an arithmetic mean of the asbestos structure con- centration on the blank filters that is less than or equal to 70 s/mm2 and the average airborne asbestos concentration measured inside the abatement area is not statistically higher than the average airborne asbestos concentration measured outside the abatement area as determined by the Z-test. The Z-test is carried out by calculating Environmental Protection Agency Pt. 763, Subpt. E, App. C 6. If the Z-statistic is less than or equal to 1.65, the response action is complete. If the Z-statistic is greater than 1.65, reclean the abatement site and collect a new set of samples. [52 FR 41857, Oct. 30, 1987] APPENDIX B TO SUBPART E OF PART 763 [RESERVED] APPENDIX C TO SUBPART E OF PART 763—ASBESTOS MODEL ACCREDITATION PLAN rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with CFR I. Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan for States The Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) for States has eight components: (A) Definitions (B) Initial Training (C) Examinations (D) Continuing Education (E) Qualifications (F) Recordkeeping Requirements for Training Providers (G) Deaccreditation (H) Reciprocity (I) Electronic reporting A. Definitions For purposes of Appendix C: 1. ‘‘Friable asbestos-containing material (ACM)’’ means any material containing more than one percent asbestos which has been applied on ceilings, walls, structural members, piping, duct work, or any other part of a building, which when dry, may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. The term includes non-friable asbestos-containing material after such previously non-friable material becomes damaged to the extent that when dry it may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. 2. ‘‘Friable asbestos-containing building material (ACBM)’’ means any friable ACM that is in or on interior structural members or other parts of a school or public and commercial building. 3. ‘‘Inspection’’ means an activity undertaken in a school building, or a public and commercial building, to determine the presence or location, or to assess the condition of, friable or non-friable asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) or suspected ACBM, whether by visual or physical examination, or by collecting samples of such material. This term includes reinspections of friable and non-friable known or assumed ACBM which has been previously identified. The term does not include the following: a. Periodic surveillance of the type described in 40 CFR 763.92(b) solely for the purpose of recording or reporting a change in the condition of known or assumed ACBM; b. Inspections performed by employees or agents of Federal, State, or local government solely for the purpose of determining compliance with applicable statutes or regulations; or c. visual inspections of the type described in 40 CFR 763.90(i) solely for the purpose of determining completion of response actions. 4. ‘‘Major fiber release episode’’ means any uncontrolled or unintentional disturbance of ACBM, resulting in a visible emission, which involves the falling or dislodging of more than 3 square or linear feet of friable ACBM. 5. ‘‘Minor fiber release episode’’ means any uncontrolled or unintentional disturbance of ACBM, resulting in a visible emission, which involves the falling or dislodging of 3 square or linear feet or less of friable ACBM. 6. ‘‘Public and commercial building’’ means the interior space of any building which is not a school building, except that the term does not include any residential apartment building of fewer than 10 units or detached single-family homes. The term includes, but is not limited to: industrial and office buildings, residential apartment buildings and condominiums of 10 or more dwelling units, government-owned buildings, colleges, museums, airports, hospitals, churches, preschools, stores, warehouses and factories. Interior space includes exterior hallways connecting buildings, porticos, and mechanical systems used to condition interior space. 7. ‘‘Response action’’ means a method, including removal, encapsulation, enclosure, repair, and operation and maintenance, that protects human health and the environment from friable ACBM. 8. ‘‘Small-scale, short-duration activities (SSSD)’’ are tasks such as, but not limited to: a. Removal of asbestos-containing insulation on pipes. b. Removal of small quantities of asbestoscontaining insulation on beams or above ceilings. c. Replacement of an asbestos-containing gasket on a valve. d. Installation or removal of a small section of drywall. e. Installation of electrical conduits through or proximate to asbestos-containing materials. SSSD can be further defined by the following considerations: f. Removal of small quantities of ACM only if required in the performance of another maintenance activity not intended as asbestos abatement. g. Removal of asbestos-containing thermal system insulation not to exceed amounts greater than those which can be contained in a single glove bag. h. Minor repairs to damaged thermal system insulation which do not require removal. i. Repairs to a piece of asbestos-containing wallboard. 817 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211171 PO 00000 Frm 00827 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\211171.XXX 211171 Pt. 763, Subpt. E, App. C 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) j. Repairs, involving encapsulation, enclosure, or removal, to small amounts of friable ACM only if required in the performance of emergency or routine maintenance activity and not intended solely as asbestos abatement. Such work may not exceed amounts greater than those which can be contained in a single prefabricated mini-enclosure. Such an enclosure shall conform spatially and geometrically to the localized work area, in order to perform its intended containment function. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with CFR B. Initial Training Training requirements for purposes of accreditation are specified both in terms of required subjects of instruction and in terms of length of training. Each initial training course has a prescribed curriculum and number of days of training. One day of training equals 8 hours, including breaks and lunch. Course instruction must be provided by EPA or State-approved instructors. EPA or State instructor approval shall be based upon a review of the instructor’s academic credentials and/or field experience in asbestos abatement. Beyond the initial training requirements, individual States may wish to consider requiring additional days of training for purposes of supplementing hands-on activities or for reviewing relevant state regulations. States also may wish to consider the relative merits of a worker apprenticeship program. Further, they might consider more stringent minimum qualification standards for the approval of training instructors. EPA recommends that the enrollment in any given course be limited to 25 students so that adequate opportunities exist for individual hands-on experience. States have the option to provide initial training directly or approve other entities to offer training. The following requirements are for the initial training of persons required to have accreditation under TSCA Title II. Training requirements for each of the five accredited disciplines are outlined below. Persons in each discipline perform a different job function and distinct role. Inspectors identify and assess the condition of ACBM, or suspect ACBM. Management planners use data gathered by inspectors to assess the degree of hazard posed by ACBM in schools to determine the scope and timing of appropriate response actions needed for schools. Project designers determine how asbestos abatement work should be conducted. Lastly, workers and contractor/supervisors carry out and oversee abatement work. In addition, a recommended training curriculum is also presented for a sixth discipline, which is not federally-accredited, that of ‘‘Project Monitor.’’ Each accredited discipline and training curriculum is separate and distinct from the others. A person seeking accreditation in any of the five accredited MAP disciplines cannot attend two or more courses concurrently, but may attend such courses sequentially. In several instances, initial training courses for a specific discipline (e.g., workers, inspectors) require hands-on training. For asbestos abatement contractor/supervisors and workers, hands-on training should include working with asbestos-substitute materials, fitting and using respirators, use of glovebags, donning protective clothing, and constructing a decontamination unit as well as other abatement work activities. 1. WORKERS A person must be accredited as a worker to carry out any of the following activities with respect to friable ACBM in a school or public and commercial building: (1) A response action other than a SSSD activity, (2) a maintenance activity that disturbs friable ACBM other than a SSSD activity, or (3) a response action for a major fiber release episode. All persons seeking accreditation as asbestos abatement workers shall complete at least a 4–day training course as outlined below. The 4–day worker training course shall include lectures, demonstrations, at least 14 hours of hands-on training, individual respirator fit testing, course review, and an examination. Hands-on training must permit workers to have actual experience performing tasks associated with asbestos abatement. A person who is otherwise accredited as a contractor/ supervisor may perform in the role of a worker without possessing separate accreditation as a worker. Because of cultural diversity associated with the asbestos workforce, EPA recommends that States adopt specific standards for the approval of foreign language courses for abatement workers. EPA further recommends the use of audio-visual materials to complement lectures, where appropriate. The training course shall adequately address the following topics: (a) Physical characteristics of asbestos. Identification of asbestos, aerodynamic characteristics, typical uses, and physical appearance, and a summary of abatement control options. (b) Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure. The nature of asbestos-related diseases; routes of exposure; dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level; the synergistic effect between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure; the latency periods for asbestos-related diseases; a discussion of the relationship of asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancers of other organs. (c) Employee personal protective equipment. Classes and characteristics of respirator 818 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211171 PO 00000 Frm 00828 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\211171.XXX 211171 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with CFR Environmental Protection Agency Pt. 763, Subpt. E, App. C types; limitations of respirators; proper selection, inspection; donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures for respirators; methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negativepressure fit checks); qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures; variability between field and laboratory protection factors that alter respiratory fit (e.g., facial hair); the components of a proper respiratory protection program; selection and use of personal protective clothing; use, storage, and handling of non-disposable clothing; and regulations covering personal protective equipment. (d) State-of-the-art work practices. Proper work practices for asbestos abatement activities, including descriptions of proper construction; maintenance of barriers and decontamination enclosure systems; positioning of warning signs; lock-out of electrical and ventilation systems; proper working techniques for minimizing fiber release; use of wet methods; use of negative pressure exhaust ventilation equipment; use of highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums; proper clean-up and disposal procedures; work practices for removal, encapsulation, enclosure, and repair of ACM; emergency procedures for sudden releases; potential exposure situations; transport and disposal procedures; and recommended and prohibited work practices. (e) Personal hygiene. Entry and exit procedures for the work area; use of showers; avoidance of eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing (gum or tobacco) in the work area; and potential exposures, such as family exposure. (f) Additional safety hazards. Hazards encountered during abatement activities and how to deal with them, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire and explosion hazards, scaffold and ladder hazards, slips, trips, and falls, and confined spaces. (g) Medical monitoring. OSHA and EPA Worker Protection Rule requirements for physical examinations, including a pulmonary function test, chest X-rays, and a medical history for each employee. (h) Air monitoring. Procedures to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers, focusing on how personal air sampling is performed and the reasons for it. (i) Relevant Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements, procedures, and standards. With particular attention directed at relevant EPA, OSHA, and State regulations concerning asbestos abatement workers. (j) Establishment of respiratory protection programs. (k) Course review. A review of key aspects of the training course. 2. CONTRACTOR/SUPERVISORS A person must be accredited as a contractor/supervisor to supervise any of the following activities with respect to friable ACBM in a school or public and commercial building: (1) A response action other than a SSSD activity, (2) a maintenance activity that disturbs friable ACBM other than a SSSD activity, or (3) a response action for a major fiber release episode. All persons seeking accreditation as asbestos abatement contractor/supervisors shall complete at least a 5–day training course as outlined below. The training course must include lectures, demonstrations, at least 14 hours of hands-on training, individual respirator fit testing, course review, and a written examination. Hands-on training must permit supervisors to have actual experience performing tasks associated with asbestos abatement. EPA recommends the use of audiovisual materials to complement lectures, where appropriate. Asbestos abatement supervisors include those persons who provide supervision and direction to workers performing response actions. Supervisors may include those individuals with the position title of foreman, working foreman, or leadman pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. At least one supervisor is required to be at the worksite at all times while response actions are being conducted. Asbestos workers must have access to accredited supervisors throughout the duration of the project. The contractor/supervisor training course shall adequately address the following topics: (a) The physical characteristics of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. Identification of asbestos, aerodynamic characteristics, typical uses, physical appearance, a review of hazard assessment considerations, and a summary of abatement control options. (b) Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure. The nature of asbestos-related diseases; routes of exposure; dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level; synergism between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure; and latency period for diseases. (c) Employee personal protective equipment. Classes and characteristics of respirator types; limitations of respirators; proper selection, inspection, donning, use, maintenance, and storage procedures for respirators; methods for field testing of the facepiece-to-face seal (positive and negativepressure fit checks); qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures; variability between field and laboratory protection factors that alter respiratory fit (e.g., facial hair); the components of a proper respiratory protection program; selection and use of personal protective clothing; and use, storage, 819 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211171 PO 00000 Frm 00829 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\211171.XXX 211171 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with CFR Pt. 763, Subpt. E, App. C 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) and handling of non-disposable clothing; and regulations covering personal protective equipment. (d) State-of-the-art work practices. Proper work practices for asbestos abatement activities, including descriptions of proper construction and maintenance of barriers and decontamination enclosure systems; positioning of warning signs; lock-out of electrical and ventilation systems; proper working techniques for minimizing fiber release; use of wet methods; use of negative pressure exhaust ventilation equipment; use of HEPA vacuums; and proper clean-up and disposal procedures. Work practices for removal, encapsulation, enclosure, and repair of ACM; emergency procedures for unplanned releases; potential exposure situations; transport and disposal procedures; and recommended and prohibited work practices. New abatement-related techniques and methodologies may be discussed. (e) Personal hygiene. Entry and exit procedures for the work area; use of showers; and avoidance of eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing (gum or tobacco) in the work area. Potential exposures, such as family exposure, shall also be included. (f) Additional safety hazards. Hazards encountered during abatement activities and how to deal with them, including electrical hazards, heat stress, air contaminants other than asbestos, fire and explosion hazards, scaffold and ladder hazards, slips, trips, and falls, and confined spaces. (g) Medical monitoring. OSHA and EPA Worker Protection Rule requirements for physical examinations, including a pulmonary function test, chest X-rays and a medical history for each employee. (h) Air monitoring. Procedures to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers, including descriptions of aggressive air sampling, sampling equipment and methods, reasons for air monitoring, types of samples and interpretation of results. EPA recommends that transmission electron microscopy (TEM) be used for analysis of final air clearance samples, and that sample analyses be performed by laboratories accredited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). (i) Relevant Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements, procedures, and standards, including: (i) Requirements of TSCA Title II. (ii) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40 CFR part 61), Subparts A (General Provisions) and M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos). (iii) OSHA standards for permissible exposure to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers and respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134). (iv) OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.58). (v)EPA Worker Protection Rule, (40 CFR part 763, Subpart G). (j) Respiratory Protection Programs and Medical Monitoring Programs. (k) Insurance and liability issues. Contractor issues; worker’s compensation coverage and exclusions; third-party liabilities and defenses; insurance coverage and exclusions. (l) Recordkeeping for asbestos abatement projects. Records required by Federal, State, and local regulations; records recommended for legal and insurance purposes. (m) Supervisory techniques for asbestos abatement activities. Supervisory practices to enforce and reinforce the required work practices and discourage unsafe work practices. (n) Contract specifications. Discussions of key elements that are included in contract specifications. (o) Course review. A review of key aspects of the training course. 3. INSPECTOR All persons who inspect for ACBM in schools or public and commercial buildings must be accredited. All persons seeking accreditation as an inspector shall complete at least a 3–day training course as outlined below. The course shall include lectures, demonstrations, 4 hours of hands-on training, individual respirator fit-testing, course review, and a written examination. EPA recommends the use of audiovisual materials to complement lectures, where appropriate. Hands-on training should include conducting a simulated building walkthrough inspection and respirator fit testing. The inspector training course shall adequately address the following topics: (a) Background information on asbestos. Identification of asbestos, and examples and discussion of the uses and locations of asbestos in buildings; physical appearance of asbestos. (b) Potential health effects related to asbestos exposure. The nature of asbestos-related diseases; routes of exposure; dose-response relationships and the lack of a safe exposure level; the synergistic effect between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure; the latency periods for asbestos-related diseases; a discussion of the relationship of asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancers of other organs. (c) Functions/qualifications and role of inspectors. Discussions of prior experience and qualifications for inspectors and management planners; discussions of the functions of an accredited inspector as compared to those of an accredited management planner; discussion of inspection process including inventory of ACM and physical assessment. (d) Legal liabilities and defenses. Responsibilities of the inspector and management 820 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211171 PO 00000 Frm 00830 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\211171.XXX 211171