Asbestos

Welcome & Introductions Welcome everyone to the Golden State Bridge Asbestos Training This training is required by Cal/OSHA Section 1529 Introduce yourself and your qualifications Ask: Has anyone had previous asbestos training? What was your experience? Explain this training covers both awareness A-N-D compliance requirements Set expectations: interactive, questions encouraged, real world focused.

Overview Of Today's Training Walk through the agenda so everyone knows what to expect We'll start with the basics and build up to the compliance requirements By the end, you'll understand exactly what Cal/OSHA requires of you This is comprehensive training we'll cover everything from what asbestos IS to how to protect yourself and stay in compliance There will be time for questions throughout.

[Audio] What Is Asbestos Fundamentals Start simple: asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, Not a man made chemical Key concept: 'asbestiform' means the mineral grows in a fibrous habit (like hair) These fibers are what make it dangerous they separate into microscopic pieces Emphasize: you CANNot see individual asbestos fibers with the naked eye The fibers are so small they can stay airborne for hours Ask the group: Who has actually seen raw asbestos mineral? What did it look like?.

[Audio] Asbestiform Vs Non asbestiform This distinction is critical for understanding why some minerals are regulated and others aren't Same chemical composition, completely different physical form Asbestiform = grows as flexible fibers that split apart easily Non asbestiform = grows as solid chunks (like a normal rock) Analogy: think of cotton candy (asbestiform) vs rock candy (non asbestiform) same sugar, different form The fibrous form is what makes it inhalable and dangerous.

[Audio] CALIForNIA STATE rock (sur pen ta night) Fun fact that usually surprises people: California's state rock can contain asbestos Serpentinite is found throughout the Coast Ranges, Klamath Mountains, and Sierra Nevada foothills This means natural asbestos can be encountered during outdoor work in California The chrysotile form of asbestos comes from serpentine rock There have been legislative efforts to change the state rock designation because of this connection Relevant for bridge workers: natural outcrops near project sites may contain asbestos.

[Audio] Chrysotile Fibers Close up What you see in these photos are fiber bundles thousands of individual fibers Individual fibers are invisible to the naked eye (0.02 to 0.2 microns) For comparison, a human hair is about 70 microns Chrysotile is the most common type about 95% of asbestos in U-S buildings The curly, serpentine fiber structure is distinctive under a microscope Key point: just because you can't see fibers doesn't mean they aren't there.

[Audio] Six Types Of Asbestos All six types are regulated and all are carcinogenic no 'safe' type Two mineral groups: Serpentine (chrysotile only) and Amphibole (the other five) Pronunciation help is in the notes practice these before presenting Amphibole fibers are straight and needle like (more dangerous per fiber) Chrysotile fibers are curly and can be expelled from lungs more easily (but still dangerous) Ask: Which group does the California state rock belong to? (Serpentine chrysotile) Cry so tile , Ammo site, crow sid oh lite, Trim oh lite, An tho fye lite, Act ten oh lite.

[Audio] Detailed Type Descriptions Go through each type and its characteristics Chrysotile (95% of asbestos in buildings) most commonly encountered Crocidolite (blue) is considered the most dangerous due to extremely fine fibers Tremolite is important because it's a CONTAMINANT in other products (talc, vermiculite) The Libby, Montana vermiculite mine is a famous case of tremolite contamination For our bridge work: transite products typically contain chrysotile.

[Audio] Six Regulated Types Summary Reinforce the two group classification All six are regulated under Cal/OSHA 1529 In practice, you'll most commonly encounter chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite The 'less common' amphibole types (tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite) are usually found as contaminants Quiz opportunity: Can anyone name the one serpentine type? (Chrysotile).

[Audio] Vocabulary: Talc And Vermiculite These terms come up frequently in asbestos discussions Talc: found in baby powder, cosmetics, industrial lubricants can be contaminated with tremolite asbestos Johnson & Johnson lawsuits are a current example of talc/asbestos issues Vermiculite: the Libby, Montana mine (W R Grace) contaminated 70% of U-S vermiculite supply Vermiculite insulation in attics (brand name Zonolite) is a common concern Key takeaway: asbestos contamination can show up in unexpected products.

[Audio] Asbestos Fiber Detail Let this image sink in this is what we're dealing with at a microscopic level These fibers are incredibly durable they don't break down in the body Once inhaled, fibers can remain in lung tissue for decades The body's immune response to these persistent fibers causes the scarring and cancer This is why there's no safe exposure level even small amounts accumulate.

[Audio] Why Asbestos Was Used (part 1) Understanding Why it was used helps you predict WHerE you'll find it Heat resistance: anywhere there's fire risk or high temperatures Strength/durability: mixed into construction materials to make them tougher Insulation: both thermal A-N-D electrical found around pipes, boilers, and wiring Chemical resistance: used in environments with chemical exposure Cheap and available: this is why it was used SO extensively it was the perfect industrial mineral Ask: Based on these properties, where might you expect to find it on the bridge?.

[Audio] Why Asbestos Was Used (part 2) Binder: joint compounds, spackle, plaster anything applied wet Durability enhancer: flooring, roofing, cement pipes Lubricant: spray applications, troweled materials like mastics This is directly relevant to our bridge work the guardrail bolt thread lubricant is an example of the lubricant use Key point: asbestos wasn't just in obvious products like insulation it was everywhere.

[Audio] Friable Vs Non friable This is one of the most IMPORTANT concepts in asbestos regulation Friable: can be crumbled by hand pressure when dry H-I-G-H risk of fiber release Non friable: solid, intact material lower risk but Not no risk Critical quote: 'Non friable doesn't mean safe. It means safe until you mess with it.' Cutting, drilling, grinding non friable material makes it friable This is why work practices matter so much even 'safe' materials become dangerous when disturbed.

[Audio] Surfacing Materials E-P-A and O-S-H-A agree on this definition Surfacing = materials applied TO building surfaces (fireproofing, acoustic coatings) Important distinction: plaster, stucco, paint, and wall texturing are Not surfacing per O-S-H-A unless they're friable A-C-M Surfacing materials are typically Class I when being removed Common examples: spray applied fireproofing (very common in commercial buildings) Ask: Why does O-S-H-A distinguish surfacing from other materials? (Higher friability risk).

[Audio] Thermal System Insulation (tsi) T-S-I is the second major category alongside surfacing Found on mechanical systems: pipes, boilers, tanks, valves, elbows Purpose: temperature control keeping heat in or out T-S-I removal is ALWAYS Class I work the highest risk category Even patching materials on T-S-I are included in this definition Bridge relevance: check any older mechanical systems for T-S-I.

[Audio] Sprayed on Acoustic Ceiling 'Popcorn' or 'cottage cheese' ceilings are one of the most well known asbestos products Very common in buildings from the 1950's-1980's These are surfacing materials Class I removal Highly friable when disturbed Even minor water damage can cause these to deteriorate and release fibers Important: some newer textured ceilings do Not contain asbestos testing is required.

[Audio] Fireproofing Examples Show the images and discuss what fireproofing looks like in the field Spray applied fireproofing on steel beams is extremely common This material is typically very friable crumbles easily Often found above drop ceilings where it's out of sight Any demolition or renovation that disturbs fireproofing requires full Class I controls Ask: Has anyone encountered fireproofing on a job site?.

[Audio] Friability Changes Over Time KEY CONCEPT: materials don't stay in one category forever Weather, age, moisture, mechanical stress all degrade materials A vinyl floor tile (Category I non friable) can become friable when cracked and aged E-P-A Category 1: resilient, flexible (lower risk of becoming friable) E-P-A Category 2: harder, brittle (more likely to crumble higher risk) For bridge work: outdoor exposure to weather accelerates this process Always reassess material condition before starting work.

[Audio] Organizing Asbestos Products Into Categories Different agencies use different terms this causes confusion OSHA, E-P-A--, D-O-T each have their own regulatory framework Some terms are shared (hazard, exposure, risk) Some are agency specific (O-S-H-A-'s 'competent person' definition differs from other agencies) ALWAYS refer to the specific agency's definition for the regulation you're working under When in doubt, use Cal/OSHA 1529 definitions that's our primary regulation Misunderstanding terms can lead to compliance violations.

[Audio] Caution Visual Warning Let these warning images reinforce the seriousness of what we're discussing These caution signs are required by regulation around asbestos work areas We'll cover the specific signage requirements later in the regulatory section Ask: Have you seen signs like these on job sites? Did you know what they meant?.

[Audio] Mudded Elbows And Junctions 'Mudded' = hand applied insulating cement at pipe joints CRITICAL: even on fiberglass insulated lines, the elbow insulation may be asbestos This is a very common surprise finding during renovation work The mud/cement at elbows and junctions is often a completely different material than the pipe insulation Must be tested separately from the surrounding insulation Treat as pacm until testing proves otherwise.

[Audio] Transite Air Duct / Pipe 'Transite' = brand name that became generic term for asbestos cement products Normally non friable when intact becomes friable and dangerous when cut, drilled, broken, or deteriorated Any work that could disturb transite requires regulated procedures Even removing a bolt through transite creates regulated debris.

[Audio] Gasket Materials Asbestos gaskets were used extensively in industrial and mechanical applications Found in flanged pipe connections, valve bodies, pumps, compressors Often overlooked during surveys because they're inside mechanical assemblies Removing or replacing gaskets disturbs the material regulated work Some gaskets are paper thin but still contain significant asbestos content Test before removing A-N-Y gasket material in older systems.

[Audio] Asbestos Cement Products (transite) Transite was manufactured by Johns Manville and widely used Applications: pipes, wall panels, siding, roofing, electrical backing boards Non friable when INTACT this is key Hazardous when: disturbed, damaged, deteriorated, cut, drilled, broken Power tools on transite create massive fiber release BRIDGE CONTEXT: The transite shims and guardrail bolt lubricant are our primary asbestos concerns.

[Audio] Asbestos Cement Pipe Images Show the various conditions transite pipe can be found in When intact: grayish, smooth surface, looks like concrete When broken: you can see the fiber matrix in cross section Broken transite should be treated as friable material Disposal requires proper asbestos waste handling procedures Document the condition of any transite encountered on site.

[Audio] When Is Asbestos Dangerous? Transition point: we've covered What asbestos is and WHerE it's found now Why it's dangerous Key message: the material itself isn't the hazard disturbance is the hazard Go through each disturbance scenario and ask for examples from their experience Pre-1980's buildings are especially suspect, but asbestos was used into the late 1990's in some products Dry sweeping is specifically called out because it's a common bad practice Emphasize that pre-1980's buildings are especially high risk for asbestos containing materials. Ask: What work activities on the bridge could disturb asbestos?.

[Audio] Making Things Clear Four critical takeaways on this slide make sure each one lands Intact/undisturbed = usually low risk (emphasis on 'usually') Friable = H-I-G-H risk treat with maximum caution NO safe exposure level even 'small' exposures accumulate over a career Stress that small exposures add up over time — cumulative dose matters with asbestos. The 'no safe level' point is backed by OSHA, NIOSH, E-P-A--, and W-H-O This is why we have strict regulations even for brief exposures.

[Audio] Health Effects This is the most sobering part of the training take it seriously Three main diseases: asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma KEY POINT: symptoms take 10-40 plus Y-E-A-R-S to appear (latency period) Someone exposed today may not show symptoms until 2050's or 2060's Smoking plus asbestos = risk multiplied (not just added) up to 50x increased lung cancer risk Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos no other known cause This is personal: many construction workers have died from these diseases Use this as motivation for why the regulations matter.

[Audio] How To Identify Asbestos CRITICAL message: You CANNot identify asbestos by looking at it The O-N-L-Y reliable method is laboratory testing (PLM Polarized Light Microscopy) Samples must be collected by an AHerA-accredited inspector Results: ND (none detected), percentage plus type, or 'Trace' (less than 1%) Even 'trace' amounts trigger Cal/OSHA regulations for construction materials (>0.1%) never cut, break, or disturb material to 'check' for asbestos Don't rely on color, smell, texture, or appearance When in doubt, treat it as pacm until tested.

[Audio] Three Asbestos Regulations Three overlapping regulatory frameworks all may apply simultaneously AHerA: applies to K-12 schools only (but sets inspector accreditation standards used everywhere) neshap (E-P-A--): applies to A-L-L buildings focuses on demolition and renovation notifications O-S-H-A (Cal/OSHA 1529): applies to A-L-L employers focuses on worker protection For our bridge work, Cal/OSHA 1529 is our PRIMARY regulation But neshap notification may also be required for demolition/renovation Key: these regulations don't conflict they layer on top of each other.

[Audio] Cal/osha 1529 Overview This is the regulation that governs EVERYTHING we do with asbestos on the job The 'reasonable chance' standard is important if there's A-N-Y possibility of disturbance, it's regulated Three things Cal/OSHA cares about: material type, airborne potential, exposure level The size of the job doesn't matter even small tasks are regulated 'I'll just work around it' is Not an acceptable approach unless the material truly stays intact Cal/OSHA inspectors can and do show up unannounced.

[Audio] Key Definitions: Acm And Pacm ACM = confirmed >1% asbestos by lab testing pacm = ASSUMED to contain asbestos until proven otherwise pacm is critical: T-S-I--, older cement products, and transite pipe are pacm by default You can only 'de pacm' material through proper testing by an accredited inspector BRIDGE SPECIFIC: Our transite shims are ACM/PACM until proven otherwise The guardrail bolt lubricant has been identified as containing asbestos Treat everything suspect as pacm this protects you A-N-D keeps you in compliance.

[Audio] Work Classifications (class I-iv) This is foundational to everything that follows take time on this slide Class 1: T-S-I and surfacing removal HIGHEST risk, most controls required Class 2: other A-C-M removal (floor tile, roofing, siding, transite) still heavily regulated Class 3: repair and maintenance where disturbance is likely common on the bridge Class 4: contact without disturbance, or cleanup from other classes Class I always requires certified asbestos workers Ask: Based on the bridge's asbestos materials, which classes might apply to our work?.

[Audio] Regulated Territory 'I'll just work around it' is the most dangerous phrase in asbestos work UNLESS you can guarantee: no contact, no damage, no dust, no debris Cutting, breaking, drilling, or moving ACM = you're in regulated territory This means: training, controls, P-P-E--, monitoring, documentation There's no 'too small to matter' exception BRIDGE EXAMPLE: drilling a bolt hole near a transite shim = regulated work.

[Audio] Bridge specific Asbestos Two confirmed asbestos containing materials on the Golden State Bridge: 1. TRANSITE SHimS asbestos cement material used as spacers/shims 2. GUARDRAIL bolt THREAD lubricant contains asbestos as a lubricant/binder Any work that involves these materials requires compliance with Cal/OSHA 1529 Even incidental contact during other work needs to be planned for Make sure everyone knows WHerE these materials are located on the structure Ask: Has anyone already encountered these materials during their work?.

[Audio] Bridge Reference Image Use this image to orient the crew to the specific locations Point out areas where transite shims are known to be present Discuss the work scenarios that could lead to accidental disturbance Remind crew: if you're unsure whether your work might affect these materials, S-T-O-P and ask.

[Audio] Engineering Controls Overview Transition: Now we move from 'what is asbestos' to 'how we protect ourselves' The hierarchy of controls is Not optional it's the required approach Engineering controls must be used before relying on PPE/respirators If an inspector asks 'what controls are you using?' and the answer is only 'respirators,' you have a violation Walk through the hierarchy from top to bottom BRIDGE APPLICATION: wet methods and containment when working near transite shims All methods must be documented Cal/OSHA wants to see your written plan.

[Audio] Wet Methods And Amended Water 'Amended water' = water plus surfactant (like dish soap) that helps penetration Plain water beads up on many A-C-M surfaces the surfactant breaks surface tension Required for A-L-L four classes of asbestos work no exceptions Material must be THOROUGHLY saturated, not just misted If it dries during work, re wet IMMEDIATELY BRIDGE SPECIFIC: transite shim work requires amended water before any cutting or drilling Exception: only when wetting creates a GREATER hazard (electrical) and this must be documented Demonstrate amended water preparation if possible.

[Audio] Enclosures And Ventilation These are the containment and ventilation methods for asbestos work Negative pressure enclosure: sealed area maintained under vacuum so fibers can’t escape Required for Class I removal of T-S-I and surfacing materials L-E-V-: H-E-P-A vacuum attached to tools to capture fibers at the source Mini enclosures are a scaled down version for smaller Class I jobs All enclosures must maintain negative pressure and require air monitoring Ask: Has anyone worked inside a negative pressure enclosure before?.

[Audio] Hepa Filtration And Glove Bags HEPA = 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns this catches asbestos fibers A-L-L vacuums used for asbestos work must be HEPA-equipped regular shop vacs are PROHIBITED Using a regular vacuum on asbestos dust actually makes it worse blows fibers into the air Glove bags: sealed bags for small scale pipe insulation removal Must inspect glove bags for leaks before every use Demonstrate glove bag setup if training materials are available Ask: Has anyone used H-E-P-A vacuums or glove bags on a job site?.

[Audio] Respiratory Protection – Requirements A written Respiratory Protection Program per Cal/OSHA Section 5144 is required Respirator type depends on work class and exposure level Class I inside enclosures: supplied air because exposure is highest Class II-IV: minimum half face A-P-R with P100/HEPA filters Engineering controls must come before respirators if an inspector asks what controls you use and the answer is only respirators, that’s a violation Next slide covers fit testing, medical clearance, and maintenance.

[Audio] Respiratory Protection – Fit Testing And Maintenance F-I-T testing: required before first use A-N-D annually no exceptions Workers must be clean shaven where the respirator seals to the face Medical evaluation before fit testing physician must clear you for respirator use Some conditions (severe asthma, heart conditions) may prevent respirator use Maintenance: clean, inspect, and store properly after E-V-E-R-Y use Document all maintenance Cal/OSHA wants to see the records Ask: Is everyone current on fit testing? When was your last medical evaluation?.

[Audio] Personal Protective Equipment (ppe) P-P-E is the last line of defense engineering controls come first Disposable coveralls (Tyvek type) prevent fiber contamination of street clothes Street clothes are PROHIBITED during abatement work fibers embed in fabric This prevents 'take home' contamination to vehicles, homes, and families Eye protection: safety glasses or goggles to prevent fiber contact with eyes Gloves: prevent skin contact and fiber pickup on hands Boot covers: prevent tracking contaminated dust outside the work area A-L-L disposable P-P-E must be disposed of as asbestos waste never take contaminated P-P-E home to wash.

[Audio] Decontamination Procedures Proper decon prevents spreading contamination outside the work area Class I/II: full 3-stage decon unit (equipment room, shower, clean room) Workers shower before changing into clean clothes Contaminated clothing goes into labeled bags in the equipment room Class III/small scale: H-E-P-A vacuum clothing, wet wipe, change clothes Equipment decon: H-E-P-A vacuum all tools and equipment before removing from area never use compressed air to clean off this launches fibers everywhere BRIDGE CONTEXT: even small jobs near transite require basic decon procedures Key rule: contamination stays IN the work area nothing leaves without being cleaned.

[Audio] Regulated Areas, Signs, And Labels Regulated areas must be established when exposure exceeds or may exceed P-E-L or Excursion Limit Demarcated with barrier tape, signs, or physical barriers not just a verbal warning The Warning Sign Language Is Mandatory: Danger Asbestos Cancer And Lung Disease Hazard Authorized Personnel Only Must also state the respirator requirements Labels required on A-L-L waste containers, products, and bags Multi employer sites: you must notify all other employers BRIDGE: any regulated work area near the transite shims needs proper signage and barriers General contractor has supervisory responsibility on multi employer sites.

[Audio] Medical Surveillance – Examinations Required for workers exposed at or above P-E-L for 30 plus days per year Also required for workers in Class I, II, or 3 work Pre placement exam before first assignment to asbestos work Annual exams thereafter, plus a termination exam when leaving the employer Exam includes: chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, work/exposure history questionnaire Next slide covers the physician’s written opinion and employee rights Ask: Is everyone current on their medical surveillance exams?.

[Audio] Medical Surveillance – Records And Rights Physician must provide a written opinion to both employer A-N-D employee within 30 days The opinion must include any work limitations and whether you can wear a respirator Employee has the right to see all their medical records at any time All records maintained for employment duration plus 30 YEARS Medical removal protection: if a doctor says you need to be removed from asbestos work, the employer must comply Employer pays for A-L-L medical examinations and consultations no cost to the worker.

[Audio] Competent Person Requirements A competent person must be on site for A-L-L asbestos work Cal/OSHA inspectors will ask to speak with the competent person if there isn't one, work stops Class I/II: must have EPA MAP Contractor/Supervisor certification Class III/IV: must be trained per E-P-A custodial/maintenance requirements Responsibilities: inspect work area, identify hazards, authority to correct problems Must have the AUTHORITY to stop work if hazards are found For the bridge: identify W-H-O is the competent person for asbestos work Ask: Does everyone know who the competent person is on this project?.

[Audio] Housekeeping Requirements These seem simple but are among the most C-I-T-E-D violations H-E-P-A vacuum is the O-N-L-Y acceptable method for asbestos dust/debris cleanup DRY SWEEPING IS PROHIBITED this is explicitly banned by 1529 D-R-Y dusting IS PROHIBITED no feather dusters, no compressed air Wet methods: wet mopping, wet wiping with amended water Regular shop vacs are Not acceptable only HEPA-filtered vacuums Shoveling dry waste is prohibited waste must be wetted first BRIDGE: if you see dust or debris near known A-C-M locations, do Not sweep it up Contact the competent person for proper cleanup procedures.