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Profiling:
Asbestos Abatement Contractors
Asbestos Materials Building Inspectors
Asbestos Project Designers
Asbestos Removal Workers
Asbestos Worker Supervisors or Asbestos Removal Mechanics
Asbestos Consultants
Site Surveillance Technicians
Why are these jobs emerging?
They fit the category of:
Existing occupations with new opportunities created by changes in
legislation, social concerns, demographics, industry or the market place
Amendments to California laws governing asbestos abatement continue to
create new worker opportunities. EPA's Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule, to
be completed by 1996, bans almost all commercial asbestos products.
The Asbestos Removal Emergency Response Act (AHERA) lists strict
requirements for reducing the level of asbestos in schools. This and
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations are spurring job
opportunities in asbestos abatement in schools, buildings and homes.
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS
What They Do
Asbestos Removal Contractors prepare and submit competitive bids for
asbestos removal work. They oversee all phases of projects and are
responsible for timely completion. They also take full responsibility for
meeting EPA agency regulatory requirements.
Skills
- Understand EPA laws
- Communicate effectively with all kinds of people
- Compute costs and make estimates using business math
- Make crucial decisions based on verifiable information
- Write accurate, detailed reports
Training/Requirements
- Contractors' License from the Contractors' State
License Board.
License requirements:
- At least four years journeylevel experience in asbestos removal
- Pass a six hour trade and business operation test
Hourly Wage: Not Available
Occupational Codes
DOT: 182.167-010
OES: 150170
ASBESTOS MATERIALS BUILDING INSPECTORS
What They Do
Asbestos Materials Building Inspectors identify, sample and assess the
hazard potential of asbestos-containing materials in buildings. They also
fill out the detailed inspection reports required by federal, State and local
EPA agencies.
Skills
- Do complex calculations
- Write reports, using clear language
- Do detail work with accuracy
- Perform effectively under stress or in emergencies
Training/Requirements
- High school diploma preferred
- EPA approved building inspector training certificate
- Experience as Asbestos Removal Worker
Hourly Wage
Range: $7.20 - $18.00
Occupational Codes
DOT: 168.267-010
OES: 219080
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber used in nearly every building for its
special properties. Its resistance to both heat and cold led to widespread
use in wall insulation, paint and a variety of other building products. EPA
issued the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule to be completed by 1996 which
bans almost all commercial asbestos products.
Why is asbestos removed?
Asbestos exposure poses health dangers when fibers, accidentally released
into the air, are inhaled as buildings are being repaired or remodeled.
Fiber particle can only be seen with a microscope. It takes 600 bundled
together to equal the thickness of a human hair! They can cause serious
diseases such as cancer if they travel through the air passages into
the lungs.
ASBESTOS PROJECT DESIGNERS
What They Do
Asbestos Project Designers develop a specific plan for each asbestos
abatement work-site. They design the step by step plan for construction and
maintenance of asbestos particle containment barriers and negative pressure
exhaust ventilation. They provide for air monitoring and respiratory
protection and arrange for asbestos waste disposal.
Skills
- Understand EPA laws
- Communicate effectively with all kinds of people
- Compute costs and make estimates using business math
- Make crucial decisions based on verifiable information
- Write accurate, detailed reports
- Do complex calculations
- Write reports, using clear language
- Do detail work with accuracy
- Perform effectively under stress or in emergencies
Training/Requirements
- Must be a Licensed Consultant with EPA approved asbestos abatement
certification as project designer, contractor, supervisor, and inspector
- Contractors' License from the Contractors' State License Board
License requirements:
- At least four years journeylevel experience in asbestos removal
- Pass a six hour trade and business operation test
Inspector certificate requirements
- EPA approved building inspector training certificate
- Experience as Asbestos Removal Worker
Hourly Wage: Not Available
Occupational Codes: Not Available
ASBESTOS REMOVAL WORKERS
What They Do
Asbestos Removal Workers remove materials containing asbestos from walls,
ceilings and floors in homes and buildings. They put scaffolds together and
seal off work areas. They position decontamination units or portable
showers at work entrances to safely remove airborne fibers. Wearing
protective clothing and an air purifying respirator-mask, they spray
chemicals over the asbestos to soften it for removal. Using knives and
scrapers, they chip asbestos from surfaces and put it in plastic disposal
bags for transport to authorized disposal sites.
Skills
- Understand and use blueprints, drawings or other detailed instructions
- Take exact measurements
- Understand and use basic arithmetic
- Work from scaffolds
- Stay calm in emergencies
Training/Requirements
- High school diploma preferred
- Hazardous Waste Worker Certificate from an EPA approved school
- Experience in related work such as Construction Laborer preferred
Hourly Wage: $6.80 - $25.00
Occupational Codes
DOT: 869.684-082
OES: 878990
Asbestos Removal Workers wear protective clothing and equipment for safety.
ASBESTOS WORKER SUPERVISORS OR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT MECHANICS
What They Do
Asbestos Worker Supervisors take charge of the day-to-day operations of the
abatement site and ensure the security of the work area. They keep up with
federal, State and local removal or reduction requirements and work in
cooperation with building owners, consultants and air-monitoring technicians
to meet construction deadlines safely and efficiently.
Skills
- Schedule and oversee the work of others
- Understand and use blueprints, drawings or other detailed instructions
- Stay calm in emergencies
Training/Requirements
- High school diploma preferred
- Hazardous Waste Worker Certificate from an EPA approved school.
- Experience doing asbestos removal work
Hourly Wage: $16.00 -$37.00
Occupational Codes
DOT: 869.134-026
OES: 810050
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) lists stricter
requirements for reducing the level of asbestos (abatement) in schools.
Where the Jobs Are:
- Asbestos abatement contractors
- Labor organizations
International Association of Heat and Frost
Insulation and Asbestos Workers Local #16
2601 Mission ST, Room 700
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-1286
International Association of Heat and Frost
Insulation and Asbestos Workers #208
355 North Sheridan Street
Corona, CA 91720
(909) 279-6104
Yellow Page Categories
Asbestos Abatement and Removal Service
Asbestos Consulting and Testing
Hazardous Material Control and Removal
ASBESTOS CONSULTANTS
What They Do
Asbestos Consultants inspect buildings for asbestos, collect samples,
prepare and manage contracts and abatement plans, design abatement projects,
and monitor projects to ensure that government regulatory requirements
are met.
Skills
- Write reports using clear language
- Communicate skillfully with work teams, public officials and customers
Training/Requirements
- Pass the exam for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
Certificate requirements:
- Experience: one year in asbestos abatement
- B.S. Degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene,
construction management or science
or
- Experience: two years in asbestos abatement
- B.S. Degree (any field)
or
- Experience: three years in asbestos abatement
- A.A. Degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene,
construction management or related biological or physical science
or
- Experience: four years in asbestos abatement
- High school diploma or an equivalent certificate
Hourly Wage: Not Available
Occupational Codes: Not Available
SITE SURVEILLANCE TECHNICIANS
What They Do
Site Surveillance Technicians monitor asbestos removal work and insure that
safety requirements are met. They provide sample air monitoring services,
survey buildings and administer contracts under the supervision of Asbestos
Consultants.
Skills
- Make logical decisions in the field
- Do work directed by others or independently
- Interact with work team and others
Training/Requirements
- Pass the exam for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
Certificate requirements:
- Experience: six months doing asbestos abatement under the supervision
of an Asbestos Consultant
- High school diploma or an equivalent certificate
Hourly Wage
Median: $15.00 - $18.00
Occupational Codes: Not Available
Because of its danger to humans, all asbestos workers must attend training
and be certified by EPA approved schools. Training information and
programs are described above.
Who gives the exam for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
Certificate?
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Occupational Safety & Health
Asbestos Consultant Certification Unit
2424 Arden Way, Suite 485
Sacramento, CA 95825-2499
(916) 263-2800
http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/dosh1.html
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
EMPLOYER SPONSORED TRAINING
Employers commonly pay for off-site HAZMAT worker safety certification and
certificate renewal.
The overall blueprint for training workers in HAZMAT technology is
continuous learning. Technological advances, the identification of new or
previously unknown environmental waste hazards, and changes in EPA
regulations make continuous learning crucial to workers. Many employers
sponsor worker on-site training that promotes self managed career
development and job proficiency .
PRIVATE SECTOR TRAINING
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Responses (HAZWOPER) worker safety
programs are also given by private sector training providers in most large
cities in California.
Training is usually completed in one or two weeks. Graduates earn a
Certificate of Worker Safety Training, allowing them to work in hazardous
waste or hazardous material jobs.
Note:
HAZWOPER and Hazardous Materials Worker Safety Training providers are
usually not listed under schools in the yellow pages. Instead, they are
listed under the following yellow page categories:
- Safety Training and Consultation
- Asbestos Removal
- Hazardous Material Control and Removal
Most of the public universities in California give Hazardous Materials
Worker Safety Training courses. Offered through the university extension
program, the short course usually takes only 40 hours. Graduates get a
certificate of completion. A sample course outline follows.
SAMPLER OF HAZMAT WORKER SAFETY COURSES IN CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITIES
40-Hour Training for Hazardous Materials Workers
This course was specifically designed to meet OSHA initial training
requirements for employees exposed to hazardous substances, health hazards,
or safety hazards. It covers all relevant standards under Title 29 of the
Code of Federal Regulations. Topics include personal protective equipment,
respirator fit testing, decontamination, confined space entry procedures,
contingency plan development, drum handling techniques, communications and
more. Prior to the start of class, students must provide evidence of having
a recent physical. Please bring $8 materials fee to the first class.
Units: Non-Credit
Fee: $450.00
Refresher course for Asbestos Abatement Contractors and Supervisors
This 1-day course has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency
as an annual refresher course for Asbestos Abatement Contractor/Supervisor
accreditation. It includes a review of the information on asbestos
abatement covered in the Model Plan curriculum for Asbestos Abatement
Contractor Supervisors, new developments in state of the procedures, and a
review and update of changes in federal and state legislation. Certificates
will be awarded to all students who attend the class.
Units: 0.8 CEUs
Fee: $125.00
Refresher Course For Asbestos Abatement Workers
This one-day course has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency
as an annual refresher course for Asbestos Abatement Worker accreditation.
It includes a review of the information on asbestos abatement covered in the
Model Plan curriculum for Asbestos Abatement Workers, new developments in
state of the art procedures, and a review and update of changes in federal
and state legislation. Certificates will be awarded to all students who
attend the class.
Units: 0.8 CEUs
Fee: $125.00
Asbestos Abatement Worker's Training
This 3-day training program on asbestos abatement has been approved by the
Environmental Protection Agency for Worker accreditation. It includes six
hours of hands-on training: working with asbestos substitute materials,
using glove bags and protective clothing, constructing a decontamination
unit, and respirator fit testing. The program will also cover identifi-
cation of asbestos, health effects related to asbestos exposure, protective
equipment, work practices, hygiene, medical monitoring, safety hazards and
air monitoring. It will also include the relevant federal, state, and local
regulatory requirements.
Units: 2.4 CEUs
Fee: $375.00
Asbestos Abatement Training-Contractors and Supervisors
This 4-day training program on asbestos abatement has been approved by the
Environment Protection Agency for contractor/supervisor accreditation. It
includes six hours of hands-on-training working with asbestos substitute
materials, use of glove bags, protective clothing, constructing a decon-
tamination unit and respirator fit testing. The program will also cover
identification of asbestos, health effects related to asbestos exposure,
protective equipment, work practices, hygiene, medical monitoring, safety
hazards and air monitoring. It will also include the relevant federal,
state, and local regulatory requirements, procedures and standards,
establishment of respiratory protection and medical surveillance programs,
insurance and liability issues, record keeping for asbestos abatement
projects, supervisory techniques and contract specifications.
Units: 3.2 CEUs
Fee: $495.00
Lead Abatement Training
Those in charge of lead abatement projects must know safe, effective and
efficient methods of removal. Lead base paint abatement will be covered as
well as interior and exterior dust abatement and soil lead abatement.
Emphasis will be on: worker protection and safety, occupant protection and
safety, occupant protection, cleanup and clearance, waste disposal, resident
and X-ray fluorescence paint analyzers, and legal and insurance issues.
Units: 3.2 CEUs
Fee: $495.00
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of this occupational guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to: