CSST Exam Study Prep (Review in progress... again. 12/3/18)

Why was asbestos added to construction materials ?

It was a great insulator and binder. It added strength and durability against weathering and use. It was non-corrosive, did not conduct electricity, and made spray-on products easier to apply.

What are the two classes of asbestos and their associated types?

The two classes of asbestos are Serpentine and Amphiboles.

Serpentine consists of one type: Chrysotile.

Amphiboles consists of five types: Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Tremolite, Actinolite.

Of the different types of Amphiboles, which types were most commonly used commercially?

Amosite and Crocidolite

What is the predominant color and structure of Chrysotile asbestos ?

white , long , curly , hollow

What is the predominant color and structure of Amosite asbestos ?

brown / tan ; long and straight

What is the predominant color and structure of Crocidolite ?

blue ; long and straight

What is the definition of a Surfacing Material?

means material that is sprayed-on, troweled-on, or otherwise applied to surfaces, such as acoustical plaster on ceilings and fireproofing materials on structural members, or other materials on surfaces for acoustical, fireproofing, or other purposes.

What is the definition of Thermal Systems Insulation (TSI)?

means material applied to pipes, fittings, boilers, breeching, tanks, ducts, or other interior structural components to prevent heat loss or gain, or water condensation, or for other purposes.

What is the definition of a Miscellaneous Material?

means interior building material that is not surfacing material or thermal system insulation.

What is the definition of Friable?

means that material, when dry, may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, and includes previously nonfriable materials after such previously nonfriable material becomes damaged to the extent that when dry it may be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.

What is the primary type of asbestos used in the U.S ?

Chrysotile.

List three building materials / locations where ACM is likely to be found

There are over 3000 building products that may contain asbestos. A limited list of examples are: taping mud, flooring mastics/adhesives, popcorn ceilings, fireproofing, vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring backing, transite, fire doors, fume hoods, felt under roofs or siding, kiln bricks and cement, lab equipment, fire safety equipment, auditorium curtains, gaskets, vibration joints, HVAC duct tape, and many many more.

What are the 3 major diseases related to asbestos exposures ?

Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma.

What is a latency period ? What is the latency period for asbestos related illnesses ?

The time between exposure to asbestos and the time symptoms appear. 10-40 years.

What asbestos-related disease normally appears only after prolonged, heavy, occupational exposure to asbestos ?

Asbestosis

What asbestos related disease primarily affects those exposed to asbestos who smoke cigarettes?

Lung cancer. There is a synergistic effect that increases the workers chances of getting lung cancer over 50 times.

Who must participate in a medical surveillance program?

8 CCR1529 (m) (1).

A. The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who, for a combined total of 30 or more days per year, are engaged in Class I, II, and III work or are exposed at or above the permissible exposure limit. For purposes of this paragraph, any day in which a worker engages in Class II or Class III operations or a combination thereof on intact material for one hour or less (taking into account the entire time spent on the removal operation, including cleanup) and, while doing so, adheres fully to the work practices specified in this standard, shall not be counted.

B. For employees otherwise required by this standard to wear a negative pressure respirator, employers shall ensure employees are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. This determination shall be made under the supervision of a physician.

When are asbestos medical surveillance physical exams required ?

1. Prior to assignment of the employee to an area where negative- pressure respirators are worn;

2. When the employee is assigned to an area where exposure to asbestos may be at or above the permissible exposure limit for 30 or more days per year, or engage in Class I, II or III work for a combined total of 30 or more days per year, a medical examination must be given within 10 working days following the thirtieth day of exposure;

3. And at least annually thereafter.

4. If the examining physician determines that any of the examinations should be provided more frequently than specified, the employer shall provide such examinations to affected employees at the frequencies specified by the physician.

5. Exception: No medical examination is required of any employee if adequate records show that the employee has been examined in accordance with this subsection within the past 1 year period.

6. Employers shall provide a medical examination at the termination of employment for any employee who has been exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos at or above the permissible exposure limit and/or excursion limit. The medical examination shall be given within 30 calendar days before or after the date of termination of employment.

What should be performed at an asbestos medical surveillance exam ?

1. A medical and work history with special emphasis directed to the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.

2. On initial examination, the standardized questionnaire contained in Part 1 of Appendix D in 8 CCR 1529, and, on annual examination, the abbreviated standardized questionnaire contained in Part 2 in 8 CCR 1529.

3. A physical examination directed to the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems, including a chest roentgenogram to be administered in accordance with Table 2 [8 CCR 1529 (m) (2)(B)3], and pulmonary function tests of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV(1)). Interpretation and classification of chest roentgenograms shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix E in 8 CCR 1529

4. Any other examinations or tests deemed necessary by the examining physician.

According to CalOSHA how often should you have a chest roentgenogram (X-ray)

Years since first occupational exposure:

0-10 years - Once every three years if under 40 years old. Annually if 40 years old or over.

10+ years - Annually

Is there a safe level of asbestos exposure ?

No

What are the 7 major components of the AHERA regulation? Originally, to whom did they apply ?

inspection and reinspection requirements, sampling and inspection procedures, lab approval process, accredited and non accredited training programs, clearance air testing, management plan requirements, notification requirements. Originally applied to K through 12 schools.

How many days is the required accredited training for a Building Inspector , Management Planner , Project Supervisor, Abatement Worker , Project Designer ?

Building Inspector - 3 days

Management Planner - 2 days

Contractor Supervisor - 5 days

Abatement Worker - 4 days

Project Designer - 3 days

When is unaccredited in-house training acceptable ?

Class III (16 hours), Class IV (minimum 2 hours), and asbestos awareness trainings.

What regulation and agency requires an asbestos inspection be done prior to renovations and demolitions and requires removal of friable ACM prior to demolition ?

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) enforced by the EPA and it's delegated Air Quality Management Districts. CalOSHA also requires inspections for worker safety.

What are the 3 categories of materials identified in a NESHAP building inspection ?

Friable Materials , Category 1 non friable, and Category 2 Non Friable

What is a friable asbestos material according to NESHAP?

Any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos as determined using the PLM method, that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.

What does NESHAP stand for?

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

What is a Category 1 nonfriable ACM, and Category 2 nonfriable ACM according to NESHAP?

Category 1 nonfriable asbestos-containing material means asbestos-containing packings, gaskets, resilient floor coverings, and asphalt roofing products containing more than 1 percent asbestos as determined by PLM. Category 2 nonfriable ACM means any material, excluding Category 1 nonfriable ACM, containing more than 1 percent asbestos as determined by PLM.

What is RACM?

Regulated asbestos containing material (RACM) means (a) Friable asbestos material (b) Category 1 nonfriable ACM that has become friable, (c) Category 1 nonfriable ACM that will be or has been subjected to sanding, grinding, cutting or abrading, or (D) Category 2 nonfriable ACM that has a high probability of becoming or has become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the forces expected to act on the material in the course of demolition or renovation operations regulated by the NESHAP.

Is a NESHAP notification required for demolition of a facility even if no asbestos was found during the inspection?

Yes

When is a FED EPA (NESHAP) notification required for asbestos abatement ?

On renovation projects involving more than 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet of RACM.

EXCEPTION: Local air quality management districts may have rules that supercede this requirement (i.e. Bay Area Air Quality Management District requires notification for greater than 100 square or linear feet of ACM)

How many days prior notice is required for NESHAP notification of RACM removal?

10 working days

According to NESHAP, what does 'adequately wet' mean?

Means sufficiently mix or penetrate with liquid to prevent the release of particulates. if visible emissions are observed coming from the asbestos-containing material, then that material has not been adequately wetted. However, the absence of visible emissions is not sufficient evidence of being adequately wet.

Is NESHAP notification required for the demolition of a single family residence?

No. NESHAP applies to 'facilities'. A facility means any institutional, commercial, public, or industrial building, but does not include residential buildings that have four or fewer dwelling units.

EXCEPTION: Local air quality management districts may have rules that supercede this requirement (i.e. Bay Area Air Quality Management District does not have a residential exemption in their rule)

According to NESHAP, what is the definition of 'demolition'?

means the wrecking or taking out of any load-supporting structural member of a facility together with any related handling operations or the intentional burning of any facility. (So, demolition doesn't necessarily mean a building is coming down. It could just be a load-bearing wall inside a building. The removal of a non-load bearing wall inside a facility would not be demolition, according to the regulation.)

Is NESHAP notification required for the manual removal of asbestos-containing mastic?

No.

Is NESHAP notification required for the mechanical removal of more than 160 square feet of asbestos-containing mastic?

Yes. Removal of otherwise nonfriable ACM by mechanical means will render it friable. Therefore, it is RACM and the AQMD must be notified prior to removal.

What is the federal OSHA regulation that regulates asbestos exposure for construction?

29 CFR 1926.1101

What types of work are included in OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.1101

demolition, salvage, removal, encapsulation of ACM, construction, alteration of ACM or construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, renovation, or clean up of debris.

What does PEL stand for? What is the PEL for asbestos? What is an EL? What is the EL for asbestos?

Permissible Exposure Limit.

0.1 f/cc for an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA).

Excursion Limit

1.0 f/cc over 30 minutes at peak exposure time.

What does f/cc mean?

Fibers per cubic centimeter

What does PACM stand for? What materials are PACM ?

Presumed Asbestos Containing Materials.

PACM means thermal system insulation and surfacing material found in buildings constructed no later than 1980.

What are the four classes of work defined by Cal OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101

Class 1 , Class 2 , Class 3, and Class 4

Define Class 1 from 29 CFR 1926.1101

means activities involving the removal of TSI and surfacing ACM and PACM. (in amounts greater than 1 glove bag)

Define Class 2 from 29 CFR 1926.1101

means activities involving the removal of ACM which is not TSI or surfacing material. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of asbestos-containing wallboard, floor tile and sheeting, roofing and siding shingles, and construction mastics. (in amounts greater than 1 glove bag)

Define Class 3 from 29 CFR 1926.1101

means repair and maintenance operations, where "ACM", including TSI and surfacing material is likely to be disturbed. (in amounts no greater than 1 standard sized [60" x 60"] glove bag)

Define Class 4 from 29 CFR 1926.1101

means maintenance and custodial activities during which employees contact ACM and PACM and activities to clean up waste and debris containing ACM and PACM.

What engineering controls are always required regardless of the class of work?

1. Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters (except for some roof jobs)

2. Wet methods (except where not feasible)

3. Prompt clean up

In addition to the engineering controls required regardless of the class of work, what control methods are required to achieve compliance with the PEL and EL?

1. Local exhaust ventilation with HEPA filter

2. Enclosure or isolation of removal processes

3. Ventilation of the regulated area to move contaminated air away from the breathing zone of employees and toward a filtration device equipped with a HEPA filter

4. Use of other work practices and engineering controls that the Assistant Secretary (OSHA) can show to be feasible

5. If control methods are insufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL and/or EL the employer shall use them to reduce the levels as low as possible and supplement with greater respiratory protection.

What work practice and engineering controls for the removal of ACM or PACM are prohibited?

1. High speed abrasive saws without a point of cut ventilator or enclosures with HEPA filtered exhaust air.

2. Compressed air used to remove asbestos unless used in conjunction with an enclosed ventilation system designed to capture ACM dust.

3. Dry sweeping, shoveling, or other dry clean up of ACM/PACM dust/debris.

4. Employee rotation as a means of reducing employee exposure to asbestos.

What controls methods are required for a Class I Negative Pressure Enclosure (NPE)?

1. NPE may be of any configuration

2. Must have at least 4 air changes an hour

3. A minimum of -0.02 column inches of water pressure differential

4. Must be kept under negative pressure the entire time it's in use

5. Air movement shall be directed away from employees performing the asbestos work and towards a filtration device with HEPA filters.

A contractor is going to remove floor tile and mastic from a large single room. The dimensions of the room is 50' wide, 100' long, and 20' high. They intend to use negative air machines that can pull 2000 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

What is the quantity of floor tile and mastic to be removed?

What is the volume of air in the room?

How many negative air machines will they need to use to get a minimum of 4 air changes per hour (ACH)?

They are removing 5,000 square feet of floor tile and 5,000 square feet of floor tile mastic.

There is 100,000 cubic feet of air in the room.

Assuming there is good air circulation in the room and the negative air machines really are pulling 2000 cfm, they will need a minimum of 4 negative air machines to get 4 air changes an hour.

Is the removal of TSI with a glovebag a one man job?

No. It requires two workers for Class I abatement using glovebags.

Are Class II asbestos abatement projects required to be performed under negative pressure according to CalOSHA?

No.

When can a contractor cease air monitoring ?

If the periodic monitoring required by subsection (f)(3) of 8 CCR 1529 reveals that employee exposures, as indicated by statistically reliable measurements, are below the permissible exposure limit and excursion limit the employer may discontinue monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring.

True/False. A contractor can cease personal air sampling for class 1 and 2 work with a negative exposure assessment?

True

At what level of exposure does CalOSHA regulate exposure to asbestos?

Any level of asbestos exposure is regulated by CalOSHA.

What is the definition of an Asbestos Containing Construction Material in California?

Means any manufactured construction material which contains more than 0.1% asbestos by weight.

What is a CIH?

A Certified Industrial Hygienist means one that is certified in the practice of industrial hygiene by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

What is the 4:1 rule for ladders?

For every four feet of height you must climb on the ladder move the base one foot away from the wall.

Are shorts appropriate on a job site?

No they are not, unless they are used under disposable protective clothing.

What is typical PPE required on a construction site?

High visibility safety vest, hard hat, safety glasses, steel toe boots, full length pants, appropriate hearing protection, possibly a long sleeve shirt or jacket, heavy duty work gloves and/or nitrile gloves

Is asbestos always disposed of as Hazardous Waste?

No. Non-friable ACM waste is considered non-hazardous asbestos waste. Friable ACM waste is considered a non-RCRA hazardous waste in California.

If a friable material contains 0.5% asbestos by weight, confirmed by point count, does it have to be disposed of as a non-RCRA hazardous waste?

No. It is not considered an asbestos-containing material by NESHAP or DTSC so it can be disposed of as general construction waste. Since CalOSHA regulates any exposure to asbestos CalOSHA regulations will still apply.

Describe the implications of simply following regulations versus maintaining state of the art practices

Liability may be based on state of the art practices.

What are the three different kinds of liability contractors and consultants should be concerned with?

Criminal Liability - arises from a violation of a statute (such as NESHAP). Statutes impose criminal punishments for disobeying.

Regulatory Liability - imposed through the operations of governmental regulatory agencies. Penalties can be loss of certifications to monetary penalties (such as OSHA or EPA)

Civil Liability - arises out of controversies between private parties and is imposed through lawsuits. These are rules derived from written opinion from judges. This is most likely to arise under either contract or tort.

What is the difference between contract and tort liability?

Contract Liability refers to not fulfilling the terms of a previously-agreed upon contract.

Tort Liability refers to a civil wrong for which the law provides a remedy of money damages. This is often due to negligence. A complainant must show injury or damage caused by someone else's breach of duty or rule of conduct.

Identify the most likely parties to a legal action against a contractor

building owners, building occupants, other 3rd parties

Describe the difference between claims-made insurance and occurrence-based insurance ?

Claims made - Claims can be made only during the policy period for something that occurred during the policy period.

Occurrence - insures occurrences that take place during the policy period regardless of when the claim is filed. A claim can be filed at any time during, or after, the policy period as long as the occurrence took place during the policy period.

What are the types of insurance a building owner would want an asbestos contractor to possess before being allowed to work in the building ?

Workers compensation, comprehensive general liability, and errors and omissions.

Why is a systems approach to building inspection favorable over a component system?

Knowing the types of systems in a building will allow you to anticipate where components are located even when they are hidden, and to determine homogeneous areas related to systems. A component approach is limited to counting what you seen in an individual space.

Why is a fire rating of a building/building material important to an inspector ?

fire rating may indicate the use of suspect ACM (e.g. fire-rated doors).

Can altering fire proofing in buildings affect insurance and fire proofing of buildings ?

YES, adding encapsulant or removing fire proofing can greatly reduce the flame retardant nature of fire proofing.

What is an architectural drawing ?

Shows finished surfaces and materials of a building.

What is on a structural drawing ?

Includes the foundation, floor, framing, roof framing, ceiling construction, etc

What is on a mechanical drawing ?

Includes mainly the HVAC system. This can include water pipe systems used for heating and cooling air systems.

What is on a plumbing drawing ?

Includes plumbing details for non-mechanical purposes. This will include both fresh water purposes and disposal/sewer purposes.

What is on an electrical drawing ?

A floor plan with power utility and lighting details.

Where in a building would asbestos fireproofing most likely be ?

On unenclosed steel beams, columns and decking most often found in multistory buildings. Fireproofing on decking may be overspray. Overspray may also be present on the tops of ceilings or in walls, or even inside ductwork or wall cavities.

Name at least 3 types of asbestos surveys

AHERA school, renovation activities, purchase / sale of property, regulatory compliance, prior to demolition, destructive vs non destructive.

Do you need to re-sample materials that had been previously sampled by a non-accredited individual ?

Yes, unless an accredited inspector signs and dates a statement that declares the previous samples were sampled within compliance of AHERA. This is probably unlikely.

What components are included in an AHERA inspection?

For each area of a school building (with some exceptions), each person performing an inspection shall:

1. Visually inspect the area to identify the locations of all suspected ACBM.

2. Touch all suspected ACBM to determine whether they are friable

3. Identify all homogeneous areas of friable suspected ACBM and all homogeneous areas of nonfriable suspected ACBM.

4. Assume that some or all of the homogeneous areas are ACM, and, for each homogeneous area that is not assumed to be ACM, collect and submit for analysis bulk samples.

5. Assess friable material in areas where samples are collected, friable material in areas that are assumed to be ACBM, and friable ACBM identified during a previous inspection.

6. Record the all the information in a report and submit to the client.

According to AHERA, what information is required to be reported to the representative of the local education agency within 30 days of an inspection?

1. Inspection report with the date of the inspection signed by each accredtied person maing the inspectin, state of accreditation, and if applicable, his/her accreditation number.

2.An inventory of the locations of the homogeneous areas where samples are collected, exact locations, dates, and areas of assumed ACMs.

3. Methodology for collection of the samples

4. List of materials and their type (TSI, surfacing or misc.)

5. Assessments of friable materials

What is the difference between an inspection and an assessment

An inspection involves identifying suspect asbestos containing materials and homogeneous areas, touching materials, and possibly collecting samples.

An assessment involves assessing the damage and/or potential for damage of the material and placing it in one of 7 damage categories

What are the 7 damage categories under AHERA?

1. Damaged or significantly damaged TSI ACM

2. Damaged friable surfacing ACM

3. Significantly damaged friable surfacing ACM

4. Damaged or significantly damaged friable miscellaneous ACM

5. ACBM with potential for damage

6. ACBM with potential for significant damage

7. Any remaining friable ACBM or friable suspected ACBM.

What is Adhesion

means adhered to the substrate or insulated component

What is Cohesion

means material with structural integrity

What is the difference between 'damaged' and 'significantly damaged'?

A material is 'significantly damaged' if damage is localized in amounts more than 25% of the area or distributed over 10% of the area. 'Damaged' is less than that.

Define Severity

means whether the damage is superficial or deep. Superficial might include water stains, flaking, blistering, abrasions or scratches. Deep might include major separation of layers gouges, water damage, punctures, tears, etc.

What is the difference between periodic and episodic damage ?

Periodic damage is recurring or continuous. For example, periodic damage results from the abrasion of TSI when a worker steps on it daily to read a gauge. Or, it might result from a continual (though sporadic) water leak onto or from TSI covered pipe. Episodic damage is a one-time occurrence, an accident/incident that is unlikely to occur again. For example, episodic damage results from a pipe or valve bursting, or a plumber disregarding safe work practices, etc.

What is a damaged material by AHERA ?

Essentially a material that has lost it's cohesion or adhesion properties

What is a significantly damaged material by AHERA ?

Damaged ACBM where the damage is extensive AND severe.

What is potential damage by AHERA ?

1. Friable ACBM is in an area regularly used by building occupants, including maintenance personnel, in the course of their normal activities, and;

2. There are indications that there is a reasonable likelihood that the material or its covering will become damaged, deteriorated, or delaminated due to factors such as changes in building use, changes in O&M practices, changes in occupancy or recurrent damage.

What is potential significant damage by AHERA ?

1. Friable ACBM is in an area regularly used by building occupants, including maintenance personnel, in the course of their normal activities, and;

2. There are indications that there is a reasonable likelihood that the material or its covering will become significantly damaged, deteriorated, or delaminated due to factors such as changes in building use, changes in O&M practices, changes in occupancy or recurrent damage, or;

3. The material is subject to major or continuing disturbance, due to factors including, but not limited to accessibility or, under certain circumstances, vibration or air erosion.

Name the different types of response actions in AHERA.

Removal

Encapsulation

Enclosure

Repair

Manage (Operations and Maintenance program)

What are the major differences between 8 CCR 1529 and 29 CFR 1926.1101

8 CCR 1529 is the state (CalOSHA) regulation and 29 CFR 1926.1101 is the federal (OSHA) regulation.

8 CCR 1529 requires written report of use, contractor registration for over 100 sq. feet of removal per year, notification for temporary work sites, consultant / technician licensing and Carcinogen report of use requirements found in 8 CCR 5203.

What is Accessible by AHERA ?

Material is subject to disturbance by building occupants or custodial or maintenance personnel in the course of their normal activities.

What is Exposed by AHERA ?

Material that is not concealed from view by any kind of barrier, such as a drop ceiling, a radiator housing, or a metal jacket

What is Functional Space by AHERA ?

A room, group of rooms, or homogeneous area (including crawl spaces or the space between a dropped ceiling and the floor or decking above), such as a classroom(s), a cafeteria, gymnasium, hallway(s), designated by a person accredited to prepare management plans, design abatement projects, or conduct response actions.