Finishing First iFTI Bernie Mizula Answers Question on Asbestos

Bernie Mizula has been providing industrial hygiene consulting and training services in general practice for over 24 years. His professional practice includes chemical exposure assessment, indoor air quality (IAQ), occupational noise and vibration, health physics, heat and cold stress, ergonomics and the application of the Hierarchy of Controls. He joined the Finishing First and iFTI team in early 2020 to address jobsite health issues that that arise from hazards such as PCBs, lead and asbestos. 

This week he discusses Asbestos. Read more below the video.

It seems to be small amounts and not any dust created. GCs currently opt for Handler certification because they state Painter/Glazier is not listed under Allied Trades. NYC Health has these listed: Allied Trades: Any person performing any limited or special tasks in preparation for, or ancillary to, an asbestos project, such as a carpenter, electrician, plumber or similar occupation, or any other person who may potentially disturb friable or non-friable asbestos during the course of any employment. Or: Asbestos Handler (Worker) Any person, who removes, encapsulates, encloses, repairs or disturbs friable or non-friable asbestos, or who handles asbestos material in any manner, which may result in the release of asbestos fiber. According to the EPA this would likely be classified as Type 2 asbestos work requiring 16hrs of Special O&M Training. It would also have to comply with your States asbestos regulations. There is also OSHA: this 2-day OSHA Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Initial Training Course (OSHA Class III) is designed for custodial and maintenance individuals who perform duties where asbestos-containing material (ACM) is likely to be disturbed. This falls under NESHAP and the EPA has written guidance letters concerning such.