Which Asbestos Training Course Do I Need?
Choosing an asbestos training course can be confusing. A worker removing asbestos materials does not have the same duties as an inspector examining a building. A supervisor needs different preparation from a maintenance employee who may only encounter asbestos during routine work.
The correct course depends on what the employee will actually do, the type of property involved, and the regulations that apply in that state. Before registering, it helps to understand the main training disciplines.
Asbestos Worker Training
Worker training is intended for people who perform asbestos abatement work. Their duties may include preparing regulated areas, using protective equipment, removing asbestos containing materials, cleaning the work area, and handling waste.
Under the EPA Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, initial worker training includes classroom instruction and practical exercises. Accredited workers must then complete the appropriate annual refresher training to maintain their eligibility for reaccreditation.
Someone who only has awareness training is not qualified to perform asbestos removal simply because that person recognizes a potentially hazardous material.
Contractor and Supervisor Training
A contractor or supervisor oversees asbestos abatement activities. This role carries broader responsibility for work practices, regulatory compliance, employee protection, containment, air monitoring coordination, and emergency procedures.
Contractor and supervisor training covers many of the subjects taught in a worker course, but it also addresses project management and regulatory duties.
The EPA states that a person who maintains contractor and supervisor accreditation may perform both supervisory and worker roles. Someone who later completes only a worker refresher may retain the worker role but lose the ability to continue acting as a contractor or supervisor.
Building Inspector Training
An accredited asbestos building inspector examines a property for materials that may contain asbestos. The inspector learns how to review building records, recognize suspect materials, develop a sampling plan, document conditions, and prepare an inspection report.
The inspector’s job is not the same as laboratory analysis. Samples must be handled and analyzed according to applicable requirements.
This training is relevant to professionals who inspect schools, public buildings, commercial properties, and other structures covered by asbestos regulations.
Management Planner Training
A management planner uses information from an asbestos inspection to assess risks and recommend response actions. This role is particularly important under AHERA, which addresses asbestos management in schools.
Management planner candidates generally need building inspector training first. The planner must understand inspection reports, material condition, potential disturbance, response options, and continuing surveillance.
Project Designer Training
A project designer prepares the plans and specifications for an asbestos response action. The work may involve containment methods, sequencing, decontamination, ventilation, waste handling, and other technical requirements.
This course is intended for professionals designing asbestos abatement projects rather than employees carrying out the physical removal.
Operations and Maintenance Training
Maintenance and custodial employees may disturb asbestos containing material while performing repairs or routine building work. The required training depends on their duties and the type of disturbance that could occur.
Some employees need basic awareness instruction. Others performing Class III asbestos work require more extensive operations and maintenance training, including practical instruction.
An employer should evaluate the work itself instead of choosing a course based only on an employee’s job title.
Find the Right Course at The Asbestos Institute
The Asbestos Institute offers AHERA, OSHA, lead, hazmat, and related safety courses through classroom instruction, live webinars, and approved online formats. Initial AHERA courses requiring classroom participation are offered in person, while eligible refresher courses may be available online or by live webinar.
Course acceptance and licensing requirements can vary by state. Contact The Asbestos Institute at 602 864 6564 before registering if you are uncertain which course applies to your work.
References
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Asbestos Professionals
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-professionals
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Asbestos Construction Standard
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1101
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-R/part-763/subpart-E/appendix-Appendix%20C%20to%20Subpart%20E%20of%20Part%20763
The Asbestos Institute, All Classes
https://www.theasbestosinstitute.com/all-classes/