OSHA Asbestos Awareness Training
This course provides general information and guidelines for workers who may accidentally disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM) during routine work operations, in compliance with OSHA standards for asbestos.
Course Overview
The OSHA Asbestos Awareness Training course is developed to meet applicable OSHA standards: 29 CFR 1910.1001 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926.1101 (construction). It covers fundamental knowledge about asbestos, exposure risks, and practical steps to prevent fiber release during simple maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Who Should Enroll?
- Workers performing light maintenance or cleaning tasks where ACM may be accidentally disturbed
- Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and ceiling/fixture installers who work around potential ACM
- Supervisors and safety personnel responsible for crews working in older buildings or industrial sites
Regulatory Requirement
OSHA and the EPA require that employees exposed to asbestos fiber levels at or above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), whether measured or anticipated, receive appropriate training. Asbestos awareness training typically ranges from 2 to 8 hours depending on the job tasks and applicable regulations.
Course Purpose
This training equips learners to recognize asbestos-containing materials, understand how exposure occurs, and learn safe work practices to prevent disturbing asbestos fibers. The course focuses on awareness-level topics for workers who are not performing asbestos abatement but may encounter ACM during routine tasks.
What You'll Learn
- Characteristics of asbestos and common historical and industrial uses
- How asbestos fibers become airborne and modes of exposure
- Health risks associated with asbestos exposure
- Recognizing potential ACM in buildings and work sites
- Basic prevention measures and safe work practices to avoid disturbing ACM
- When to stop work and notify a supervisor or qualified asbestos personnel
Note: This is awareness-level training appropriate for non-abatement workers; personnel performing abatement or regulated work require additional, specialized training and controls.