Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 46 - 60 of 158 results

• I found out that my child's school has asbestos in it. Is there a risk to him (her)?

  If done properly, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition can be safely managed in place. Local education agencies (e.g. , school districts) are required under the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), to inspect for and manage asbestos containing materials properly…

  • Last published: April 24, 2024

• I'm interested in becoming an Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP)-accredited training course provider. Where can I acquire the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model training course materials?

  You can purchase the EPA Model training course materials from the National Technical Information Service . Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos Asbestos Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation

  • Last published: April 24, 2024

• Since asbestos was banned, do I need to be worried about products on the market today containing asbestos?

  On March 28, 2024, EPA issued a final rule prohibiting all ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form of asbestos still manufactured (including imported), processed and distributed in the U.S. The final rule prohibitions are by specific use and phased-in over a period of months to several years, depending…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• Does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognize any state certifications for an approved asbestos program that allows a contractor to teach outside the state they were certified in?

  Yes, in certain circumstances. Under 40 CFR part 763, subpart E, Appendix C, Unit III , “[c]ourses that have been approved by a State with an accreditation program at least as stringent as this MAP are approved under [AHERA] for that particular State, and also for any other State that…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• My neighbor is re-siding and re-roofing his house and there is material all over the ground. Do I need to be worried about asbestos exposure?

  Not all house siding or roofing materials contain asbestos. If you are concerned the material might contain asbestos, you can ask your neighbor whether or not the material has been tested for asbestos. Federal regulations regarding renovations or demolitions of asbestos-containing materials do not apply to a homeowner’s renovation of…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• How do I know if I have asbestos in my home (in floor tile, ceiling tile, shingles, siding, etc.)?

  The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material. Samples should be taken by…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• May an asbestos training provider company provide courses in a language other than English to non-English speakers under the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) who will be working in United States facilities located in those persons native country?

  Yes. Accredited training providers may provide training courses in the language of the country where asbestos abatement work will be performed. Any accreditation certificates issued by these providers, however, should be marked “For Use in [Name of Country] Only.” Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School…

  • Last published: May 13, 2024

• SPCC requirements for transfer areas associated with exempt USTs

  Gas stations typically are not subject to the SPCC Rule because completely buried storage tanks subject to 40 CFR Part 280 or 281 are exempt per §112.1(d)(4). However, a gas station would be subject to the SPCC Rule if it has more than 1,320 gallons of oil in aggregate above…

  • Last published: May 31, 2024

• Is someone who works as a Registered Environmental Assessor also required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to be an accredited asbestos inspector in order to perform asbestos inspection work?

  Yes. If a person’s job entails inspecting schools and/or public or commercial buildings for asbestos containing building materials (ACBM), AHERA requires that said person acquire valid accreditation as an asbestos inspector by completing the necessary training course work before inspecting a school building or public or commercial building. Other Frequent…

  • Last published: May 30, 2024

• May an Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) training provider combine students from different disciplines in order for these students to attend special training modules on selected topics, such as health effects?

  No. Each initial and refresher training course offered for accreditation must be specific to a single discipline and not combined with training for any other discipline. Also, a person seeking accreditation in any of the five accredited Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) disciplines cannot attend two or more courses concurrently…

  • Last published: May 30, 2024

• Is it possible to complete in-house training for purposes of Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) accreditation?

  Yes, as long as the training entity has approval for each of its accredited courses from either EPA or a state program at least as stringent as the MAP. These training programs, however, are subject to audit by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or the state in the same way…

  • Last published: May 30, 2024

• Do the changes in the 2006 Amendments apply to oil-filled manufacturing equipment?

  No. The amendment does not change any requirements for oil-filled manufacturing equipment. Oil-filled manufacturing equipment remains subject to the SPCC requirements (including those for containment), but an owner/operator may determine that secondary containment is impracticable and comply with the alternative measures in section 112.7(d).

  • Last published: May 31, 2024

• What is an oil spill contingency plan?

  Instead of providing secondary containment for qualified oil-filled operational equipment, an owner or operator may prepare an oil spill contingency plan and a written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials to quickly control and remove discharged oil. He/she must also have an inspection or monitoring program for the equipment to…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• Secondary containment requirements for mobile refuelers

  What secondary containment requirements apply to mobile refuelers? General secondary containment requirements in §112.7(c) still apply to mobile refuelers at SPCC regulated facilities. General secondary containment should be designed to address the most likely discharge from the container and from oil transfers into or from the mobile refueler. The general…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), are five transmission electron microscopy (TEM) outside air samples required to be collected with the five inside and the two blanks if the inside samples and blanks are below 70 structures/mm2?

  The five outdoor samples must be collected in addition to the five indoor samples, the two field blanks, and the one sealed blank for a total of thirteen air samples. (40 CFR part 763.90(i)(3)) If the five inside samples are below 70 structures/mm2 and the volume of air used for…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024