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Evaluating and Controlling Exposure
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
- Shipyard Employment
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.
Analytical Methods
OSHA
OSHA has developed and validated methods for use by the Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC) laboratory. The following method has been adopted by many laboratories for the analysis of chemical compounds. Exposures should be evaluated with standard total dust sampling techniques for comparison to the OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL).
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM). US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-154, (2003).
- Asbestos and Other Fibers by PCM [948 KB PDF, 15 pages]. Method No. 7400, (1994, August). A PCM procedure, equivalent to the OSHA methods.
- Asbestos fibers by TEM [37 KB PDF, 7 pages]. 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.
Analytical Methods
OSHA
OSHA has developed and validated methods for use by the Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC) laboratory. The following method has been adopted by many laboratories for the analysis of chemical compounds. Exposures should be evaluated with standard total dust sampling techniques for comparison to the OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL).
- Polarized Light Microscopy of Asbestos. Method ID-191, (1992). Describes the collection and analysis of asbestos bulk materials by light microscopy techniques including phase-polar illumination and central-stop dispersion microscopy.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM). US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-154, (2003). Published two methods for the determination of asbestos in bulk materials.
Other
- Sampling and Analysis of Multi-Layered Materials
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.
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-149, (2007, September). Provides a physical description, exposure limits, measurement method, personal protection and sanitation, first aid, respirator recommendations, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, and cancer sites.
- Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (1981, January). Contains information on identification, physical and chemical properties, health hazards, exposure limits, exposure sources and control methods, monitoring, personal hygiene, storage, spills and leaks, and personal protective equipment
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.
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.
- 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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