Evaluating Exposure

Determinations of employee exposure shall be made from breathing zone air samples that are representative of the 8-hour TWA and 30-minute short-term exposures of each employee.

Medical surveillance

Medical surveillance guidance is provided in the following appendices to the OSHA Standards:

• General Industry
• 29 CFR 1910.1001 - Appendix D. Medical questionnaires; Mandatory.
• 29 CFR 1910.1001 - Appendix E. Interpretation and classification of chest roentgenograms; Mandatory.
• 29 CFR 1910.1001 - Appendix H. Medical surveillance guidelines for asbestos; Non-mandatory.
• Shipyard Employment
• 29 CFR 1915.1001 - Appendix D. Medical questionnaires; Mandatory
• 29 CFR 1915.1001 - Appendix E. Interpretation and classification of chest roentgenograms; Mandatory.
• 29 CFR 1915.1001 - Appendix I. Medical surveillance guidelines for asbestos; Non-mandatory.

Exposure monitoring

Exposure monitoring samples must be analyzed by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) for OSHA purposes. PCM methods accurately assess fiber exposure levels, but PCM can not differentiate between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) methods may be used to identify fibers, but may not be used to quantify air concentrations for occupational exposure.

• OSHA reference method; Mandatory (General Industry). OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001 Appendix A.
• OSHA reference method; Mandatory (Shipyard Employment). OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1915.1001 Appendix A.
• Asbestos in Air. OSHA Analytical Method ID-160, (1997).
• Detailed procedure for asbestos sampling and analysis; Non-mandatory (General Industry). OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001 Appendix B.
• Detailed procedure for asbestos sampling and analysis; Non-mandatory (Shipyard Employment). OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1915.1001 Appendix B
• NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (2003).
• Asbestos and Other Fibers by PCM [949 KB PDF, 15 pages]. NIOSH Method No. 7400, (1994, August). A PCM procedure, equivalent to the OSHA methods.
• Asbestos fibers by TEM [40 KB PDF, 7 pages]. NIOSH Method No. 7402, (1994, August). Uses TEM to identify fibers (OSHA will accept this TEM procedure, as it uses PCM to determine exposure).

Bulk sample analysis

Bulk sample analysis should be done by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). Bulk analysis results will likely apply to both OSHA and EPA regulations.

• Polarized Light Microscopy of Asbestos. OSHA Method ID-191, (1992). Ddescribes the collection and analysis of asbestos bulk materials by light microscopy techniques including phase-polar illumination and central-stop dispersion microscopy.
• Polarized light microscopy of asbestos; Non-mandatory (General Industry). OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001 Appendix J.
• Polarized light microscopy of asbestos; Non-mandatory (Shipyard Employment). OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1915.1001 Appendix K.
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published two methods for the determination of asbestos in bulk materials.
• Asbestos, Chrysotile by XRD [44 KB PDF, 6 pages]. NIOSH Method No. 9000, (1994, August).
• Asbestos (bulk) by PLM [176 KB PDF, 9 pages]. NIOSH Method No. 9002, (1994, August).
• Directory of Accredited Laboratories. National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), (2011, March 4). Includes online searchable directory. This accreditation is required for analyses being performed in compliance with AHERA regulations.
• Sampling and Analysis of Multi-Layered Materials
• Compliance with OSHA's Asbestos Standard - Composite Bulk Samples. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1997, February 7).
• Asbestos NESHAP Clarification Regarding Analysis of Multi-Layered Systems. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Register Environmental Document, (1995, December 19). Provides clarification regarding the requirements of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for asbestos. Multi-Layer Analysis is required for all samples except "wall systems."

Controlling Exposure

Controlling the exposure to asbestos can be done through engineering controls, administrative actions, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Engineering controls include such things as isolating the source and using ventilation systems. Administrative actions include limiting the workers exposure time and providing showers. Personal protective equipment include wearing the proper respiratory protection and clothing. The following resources contain information to help control asbestos exposures.

Automotive

Precautions to prevent exposure to asbestos in friction products (brakes and clutches).

• Work practices and engineering controls for automotive brake and clutch inspection, disassembly, repair and assembly; Mandatory. OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001 Appendix F.
• Asbestos-Automotive Brake and Clutch Repair Work. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2006, July 26). Also available as a 30 KB PDF, 5 pages.
• Information for Auto Mechanics. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Examines exposure opportunities among auto mechanics involved with brake linings, clutch facings, and other friction materials. [References Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers, (2007, April)].
• Control of Asbestos Exposure During Brake Drum Service. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 89-121, (1989, August). Presents recommendations for engineering controls and work practices to reduce exposure to asbestos during brake maintenance operations.
• Asbestos Exposure During Servicing of Motor Vehicle Brake and Clutch Assemblies. Publication No. 78-127, (1975, August). Offers procedures to control asbestos exposure.

Facilities

Operations and maintenance (O&M) practices are used to control hazards of asbestos.

• Smoking cessation program information for asbestos; Non-mandatory. OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001 Appendix I. Includes contact information for organizations that provide smoking cessation information and program material.
• Asbestos in Buildings Publications. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Offers building owners guidance to understand technical issues, determine if asbestos is present in a building, plan a control program, and choose the course of further action if necessary. Order from the TSCA Hot Line.
• Managing Asbestos In Place, A Building Owner's Guide to Operations and Maintenance Programs for Asbestos-Containing Materials (Green Book).
• Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Program Online. Virginia Tech, Environmental, Health and Safety Services. Provides standard work practices and procedures including education and training, occupant awareness, building surveys, inspections and hazards, exposure monitoring, recordkeeping and management.

Other

• Applicability Determination Index (ADI). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Enables the user to query the database of National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) which includes "regulatory interpretations". Enter keyword "Asbestos".
• Asbestos in Your Home. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Provides EPA guidance for home owners.

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