Asbestos Safety Awareness Training as Required by OSHA

Significance

• OSHA estimates 1.3 million workers receive exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The greatest exposure occurs in construction and demolition industries. Recognition of asbestos as a significant health hazard has led to strict regulations and training requirements enforced by OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency.
  
  

Training Programs

• Training must be provided by employers for all employees exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos above federal limits. Educational courses should be conducted in an understandable manner to all employees. Ensuring that all employees attend appropriate training programs is the responsibility of the employer. Employees should be trained at least once per year.
  
  

Components

• Asbestos awareness training should include information on the health effects of exposure, the additive risk of smoking and asbestos exposure on cancer risk, the nature and location of the exposure, proper selection and use of protective gear and respirators and the purpose and implementation of medical surveillance programs.