Asbestos is a hazardous material that requires skilled professionals to identify and remove in a safe manner. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of several asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma. Treatment for these diseases can cost thousands of dollars a month, and is not worth the risk of removing asbestos on your own.
Due to the severity of the risk, the Federal government has mandated terms for asbestos professional accreditation. Federal law requires asbestos professionals to be specially trained on how to properly inspect for and render treatment of asbestos, including monitor its removal and the subsequent repair of the property.
In addition, special training is required if an asbestos professional wishes to develop asbestos treatment and management plans for schools or manage and design asbestos abatement projects. All these requirements are meant to ensure that the public exposure to asbestos is minimized.
Asbestos accreditation training is governed by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA). Under the authority of the AHERA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the EPA Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) (40 CFR Part 763, Appendix C to Subpart E), which established five required training disciplines:
- Worker,
- Contractor/Supervisor,
- Inspector,
- Management planner, and
- Project designer.
The MAP also established one recommended discipline: project monitor. The Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1990 (ASHARA) increased the amount of training hours previously required.
It is mandatory for all asbestos professionals to take an initial training series and then take refresher courses each year to maintain their accreditation status. All state training courses must, at minimum, meet EPA guidelines. Refresher training can be either in-person or online. Each state is responsible for approving refresher courses.
To find an accredited asbestos professional in your area, visit the EPA’s listing at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/regioncontact.html.