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(continued)
with high efficiency filters.

Not in excess of 5 f/cc Full facepiece air-purifying
(50 X PEL). respirator equipped with high
efficiency filters.
Not in excess of 10 f/cc Any powered air-purifying respirator
(100 X PEL). equipped with high efficiency filters
or any supplied air respirator
operated in continuous flow mode.
Not in excess of 100 f/cc Full facepiece supplied air respirator
(1,000 X PEL). operated in pressure demand mode.
Greater than 100 f/cc Full facepiece supplied air respirator
(1,000 X PEL) or operated in pressure demand mode,
unknown concentration. equipped with an auxiliary positive
pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus.


Note: a. Respirators assigned for high environmental concentrations may be used at lower concentrations, or when required respirator use is independent of concentration.
Note:b. A high efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger.
(h) Protective work clothing and equipment -
(1) Provision and use: If an employee is exposed to asbestos above the TWA and/or excursion limit, or where the possibility of eye irritation exists, the employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee and ensure that the employee uses, appropriate protective work clothing and equipment such as, but not limited to:
(A) Coveralls or similar full-body work clothing;
(B) Gloves, head coverings, and foot coverings; and
(C) Face shields, vented goggles, or other appropriate protective equipment which complies with Section 3382.
(2) Removal and storage.
(A) The employer shall ensure that employees remove work clothing contaminated with asbestos only in change rooms provided in accordance with subsection (i)(1) of this section.
(B) The employer shall ensure that no employee takes contaminated work clothing out of the change room, except those employees authorized to do so for the purpose of laundering, maintenance, or disposal.
(C) Contaminated work clothing shall be placed and stored in closed containers which prevent dispersion of the asbestos outside the container.
(D) Containers of contaminated protective devices or work clothing which are to be taken out of change rooms or the workplace for cleaning, maintenance or disposal, shall bear labels in accordance with subsection (j)(4) of this section.
(3) Cleaning and replacement:
(A) The employer shall clean, launder, repair, or replace protective clothing and equipment required by this subsection to maintain their effectiveness.
(B) The employer shall provide clean protective clothing and equipment at least weekly to each affected employee.
(C) The employer shall prohibit the removal of asbestos from protective clothing and equipment by blowing or shaking.
(D) Laundering of contaminated clothing shall be done so as to prevent the release of airborne fibers of asbestos in excess of the permissible exposure limits prescribed in subsection (c) of this section.
(E) Any employer who gives contaminated clothing to another person for laundering shall inform such person of the requirement in subsection (h)(3)(D) of this section to effectively prevent the release of airborne fibers of asbestos in excess of the permissible exposure limits.
(F) The employer shall inform any person who launders or cleans protective clothing or equipment contaminated with asbestos of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to asbestos.
(G) Contaminated clothing shall be transported in sealed impermeable bags, or other closed, impermeable containers, and labeled in accordance with subsection (j) of this section.
(i) Hygiene facilities and practices -
(1) Change rooms.
(A) The employer shall provide clean change rooms for employees who work in areas where their airborne exposure to asbestos is above the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(B) The employer shall ensure that change rooms are in accordance with Section 3367, and are equipped with two separate lockers or storage facilities, so separated as to prevent contamination of the employee's street clothes from his protective work clothing and equipment.
(2) Showers.
(A) The employer shall ensure that employees who work in areas where their airborne exposure is above the TWA and/or excursion limit, shower at the end of the work shift.
(B) The employer shall provide shower facilities which comply with Section 3366(f).
(C) The employer shall ensure that employees who are required to shower pursuant to subsection (i)(2)(A) of this section do not leave the workplace wearing any clothing or equipment worn during the work shift.
(3) Lunchrooms.
(A) The employer shall provide lunchroom facilities for employees who work in areas where their airborne exposure is above the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(B) The employer shall ensure that lunchroom facilities have a positive pressure, filtered air supply, and are readily accessible to employees.
(C) The employer shall ensure that employees who work in areas where their airborne exposure is above the PEL and/or excursion limit wash their hands and faces prior to eating, drinking or smoking.
(D) The employer shall ensure that employees do not enter lunchroom facilities with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface asbestos fibers have been removed from the clothing or equipment by vacuuming or other method that removes dust without causing the asbestos to become airborne.
(4) Smoking in work areas: The employer shall ensure that employees do not smoke in work areas where they are occupationally exposed to asbestos because of activities in that work area.
(j) Communication of hazards to employees -
Introduction: This section applies to the communication of information concerning asbestos hazards in general industry to facilitate compliance with this standard. Asbestos exposure in general industry occurs in a wide variety of industrial and commercial settings. Employees who manufacture asbestos-containing products may be exposed to asbestos fibers. Employees who repair and replace automotive brakes and clutches may be exposed to asbestos fibers. In addition, employees engaged in housekeeping activities in industrial facilities with asbestos product manufacturing operations, and in public and commercial buildings with installed asbestos containing materials may be exposed to asbestos fibers. Most of these workers are covered by this general industry standard. It should be noted that employees who perform housekeeping activities during and after construction activities are covered by the asbestos construction standard, Section 1529. However, housekeeping employees, regardless of industry designation, should know whether building components they maintain may expose them to asbestos. The same hazard communication provisions will protect employees who perform housekeeping operations in all three asbestos standards; general industry, construction, and shipyard employment. As noted in the construction standard, building owners are often the only and/or best source of information concerning the presence of previously installed asbestos containing building materials. Therefore they, along with employers of potentially exposed employees, are assigned specific information conveyance and retention duties under this section.
(1) Installed Asbestos Containing Material: Employers and building owners are required to treat installed TSI and sprayed on and troweled-on surfacing materials as ACM in buildings constructed no later than 1980 for purposes of this standard. These materials are designated "presumed ACM" or "PACM", and are defined in subsection (b) of this section. Asphalt and vinyl flooring material installed no later than 1980 also must be treated as asbestos-containing. The employer or building owner may demonstrate that PACM and flooring material do not contain asbestos by complying with subsection (j)(8)(C) of this section.
(2) Duties of employers and building and facility owners.

(A) Building and facility owners shall determine the presence, location, and quantity of ACM and/or PACM at the work site. Employers and building and facility owners shall exercise due diligence in complying with these requirements to inform employers and employees about the presence and location of ACM and PACM.
(B) Building and facility owners shall maintain records of all information required to be provided pursuant to this section and/or otherwise known to the building owner concerning the presence, location and quantity of ACM and PACM in the building/facility. Such records shall be kept for the duration of ownership and shall be transferred to successive owners.
(C) Building and facility owners shall inform employers of employees, and employers shall inform employees who will perform housekeeping activities in areas which contain ACM and/or PACM of the presence and location of ACM and/or PACM in such areas which may be contacted during such activities.
Identification of ACM and PACM shall be made by an industrial hygienist or by persons whose skill and experience with respect to identification of asbestos hazards, is the equivalent to that of industrial hygienists and so can be demonstrated by the owner.

(3) Warning signs.
(A) Posting.
1. Warning signs shall be provided and displayed at each regulated area.
2. In addition, warning signs shall be posted at all approaches to regulated areas so that an employee may read the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area.
(B) Sign specifications:
1. The warning signs required by subsection (j)(3) of this section shall bear the following information:
DANGER ASBESTOS CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

2. In addition, where the use of respirators and protective clothing is required in the regulated area under this section, the warning signs shall include the following:
RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA

(C) Where minerals in the regulated area are only tremolite, anthophyllite or actinolite, the employer may replace the term "asbestos" with the appropriate mineral name.
(D) The employer shall ensure that employees working in and contiguous to regulated areas comprehend the warning signs required to be posted by subsection (j)(3)(A) of this section. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs and graphics.
(E) At the entrance to mechanical rooms/areas in which employees reasonably can be expected to enter and which contain ACM and/or PACM, the building owner shall post signs which identify the material which is present, its location, and appropriate work practices which, if followed, will ensure that ACM and/or PACM will not be disturbed. The employer shall ensure, to the extent feasible, that employees who come in contact with these signs can comprehend them. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs, graphics, and awareness training.

(4) Warning labels.
(A) Labeling: Warning labels shall be affixed to all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris, and other products containing asbestos fibers, or to their containers. When a building owner or employer identifies previously installed ACM and/or PACM, labels or signs shall be affixed or posted so that employees will be notified of what materials contain ACM and/or PACM. The employer shall attach such labels in areas where they will clearly be noticed by employees who are likely to be exposed, such as at the entrance to mechanical rooms/areas. Signs required by subsection (j)(3) of this section may be posted in lieu of labels so long as they contain information required for labeling.
(B) Label specifications: The labels shall comply with the requirements of Section 5194 (f) of the Hazard Communication standard, and shall include the following information:
DANGER CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS AVOID CREATING DUST CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE
HAZARD

(5) Material safety data sheets: Employers who are manufacturers or importers of asbestos or asbestos products shall comply with the requirements regarding development of material safety data sheets as specified in Section 5194(g) of the Hazard Communication standard, except as provided by subsection (j)(6) of this section.
(6) The provisions for labels required by subsection (j)(4) of this section or for material safety data sheets required by subsection (j)(5) of this section do not apply where:
(A) Asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent, coating, binder, or other material, provided that the manufacturer has demonstrated by objective data that during all reasonably foreseeable uses, handling, storage, disposal, processing, or transportation, no airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of the TWA permissible exposure level and/or excursion limit will be released. The record of objective data shall include at least those elements specified in subsection (m)(2)(B) of this section.
(B) No label is required when asbestos is present in a waste product in concentrations less than 1.0%
Note: Section 5194 requires that manufactured and imported products containing more than 0. 1 % asbestos by weight be labeled with an appropriate warning. The exemption specified in subsection (j)(6)(B) only applies to waste products or waste containers.
(7) Employee information and training.
(A) The employer shall institute a training program for all employees who are exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos at or above the PEL and/or excursion limit and ensure their participation in the program.
(B) Training shall be provided prior to or at the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter.
(C) The training program shall be conducted in a manner which the employee is able to understand. The employer shall ensure that each employee is informed of the following:
1. The health effects associated with asbestos exposure;
2. The relationship between smoking and exposure to asbestos, producing lung cancer;

3. The quantity, location, manner of use, release, and storage of asbestos, and the specific nature of operations which could result in exposure to asbestos;
4. The purpose for and a description of the air monitoring program;
5. The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by subsection (l) of this section;
6. The engineering controls and work practices associated with the employee's job assignment;
7. The purpose, proper use, and limitations of respirators and protective clothing, if required;
8. The specific procedures implemented to protect employees from exposure to asbestos, such as appropriate work practices, emergency and clean-up procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used;
9. The content of this standard, including appendices;

10. The names, addresses and phone numbers of public health organizations which provide information, materials, and/or conduct programs concerning smoking cessation. The employer may distribute the list of such organizations contained in Appendix I to this section, to comply with this requirement;
11. The requirements for posting signs and affixing labels and the meaning of the required legends for such signs and labels.
(D) The employer shall also provide, at no cost to employees who perform housekeeping operations in an area which contains ACM or PACM, an asbestos awareness training course, which shall at a minimum contain the following elements: health effects of asbestos, locations of ACM and PACM in the building/facility, recognition of ACM and PACM damage and deterioration, requirements in this standard relating to housekeeping, and proper response to fiber release episodes -to all employees who perform housekeeping work in areas where ACM and/or PACM is present. Each such employee shall be so trained at least once a year.
(E) Access to information and training materials.
1. The employer shall make a copy of this standard and its appendices readily available without cost to all affected employees.
2. The employer shall provide, upon request, all materials relating to the employee information and training program to the Chief and the Director.
3. The employer shall inform all employees concerning the availability of self-help smoking cessation program material. Upon employee request, the employer shall distribute such material, consisting of NIH Publication No. 89-1647, or equivalent self-help material, which is approved or published by a public health organization listed in Appendix I to this section.
(8) Criteria to rebut the designation of installed material as PACM.
(A) At any time, an employer and/or building owner may demonstrate, for purposes of this standard, that PACM does not contain asbestos. Building owners and/or employers are not required to communicate information about the presence of building material for which such a demonstration pursuant to the requirements of subsection (j)(8)(B) of this section has been made. However, in all such cases, the information, data and analysis supporting the determination that PACM does not contain asbestos, shall be retained pursuant to subsection (m) of this section.

(B) An employer or owner may demonstrate that PACM does not contain asbestos by the following:
1. Having a completed inspection conducted pursuant to the requirements of AHERA (40 CFR 763, Subpart E) which demonstrates that no ACM is present in the material; or
2. Performing tests of the material containing PACM which demonstrate that no ACM is present in the material. Such tests shall include analysis of bulk samples in the manner described in 40 CFR 763.86. The tests, evaluation and sample collection shall be conducted by an accredited inspector or by a CIH. Analysis of samples shall be performed by persons or laboratories with proficiency demonstrated by current successful participation in a nationally recognized testing program such as the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) or the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) or the Round Robin for bulk samples administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) or an equivalent nationally recognized round robin testing program.
(C) The employer and/or building owner may demonstrate that flooring material including associated mastic and backing does not contain asbestos, by a determination of an industrial hygienist based upon recognized analytical techniques showing that the material is not ACM.
(k) Housekeeping -
(1) All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of ACM waste and debris and accompanying dust.
(2) All spills and sudden releases of material containing asbestos shall be cleaned up as soon as possible.
(3) Surfaces contaminated with asbestos may not be cleaned by the use of compressed air.
(4) Vacuuming: HEPA-filtered vacuuming equipment shall be used for vacuuming asbestos containing waste and debris. The equipment shall be used and emptied in a manner which minimizes the reentry of asbestos into the workplace.
(5) Shoveling, dry sweeping and dry clean-up of asbestos may be used only where vacuuming and/or wet cleaning are not feasible.

(6) Waste disposal: Waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers, equipment, and clothing contaminated with asbestos consigned for disposal, shall be collected, recycled and disposed of in sealed impermeable bags, or other closed, impermeable containers.
(7) Care of asbestos-containing flooring material.
(A) Sanding of asbestos-containing floor material is prohibited.
(B) Stripping of finishes shall be conducted using low abrasion pads at speeds lower than 300 rpm, and wet methods.
(C) Burnishing or dry buffing may be performed only on asbestos- containing flooring which has sufficient finish so that the pad cannot contact the asbestos-containing material.
(8) Waste and debris and accompanying dust in an area containing accessible ACM and/or PACM or visibly deteriorated ACM, shall not be dusted or swept dry, or vacuumed without using a HEPA filter.
(l) Medical surveillance -
(1) General
(A) Employees covered: The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who are or will be exposed to airborne concentrations of fibers of asbestos at or above the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(B) Examination by a physician.
1. The employer shall ensure that all medical examinations and procedures are performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician, and shall be provided without cost to the employee and at a reasonable time and place.
2. Persons other than licensed physicians, who administer the pulmonary function testing required by this section, shall complete a training course in spirometry sponsored by an appropriate academic or professional institution.
(2) Pre-placement examinations.
(A) Before an employee is assigned to an occupation exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers at or above the TWA and/or excursion limit, a pre-placement medical examination shall be provided or made available by the employer.
(B) The employer shall obtain that part of the examining physician's opinion required by subsection (l)(7)(A)l. of this section before the employee is assigned to any job requiring the use of respiratory protective equipment or personal protective equipment.
(C) The employer shall obtain that part of the examining physician's opinion required by (l)(7)(A)2. of this section within 45 working days of the employee's assignment to any work involving exposure to asbestos in excess of the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(D) Such examination shall include, as a minimum:
1. A medical and work history;
2. A complete physical examination of all systems with emphasis on the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system and digestive tract;

3. Completion of the respiratory disease standardized questionnaire in Appendix D to this section, Part 1;
4. A chest roentgenogram in accordance with Table 2;
5. Pulmonary function tests to include forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV(1.0)); and
6. Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining physician.
7. Interpretation and classification of chest roentgenogram shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix E to this section.
(3) Periodic examinations.
(A) Periodic medical examinations shall be made available annually.
(B) The scope of the medical examination shall be in conformance with the protocol established in subsection (l)(2)(D) of this section, except that the frequency of chest roentgenogram shall be conducted in accordance with Table 2, and the abbreviated standardized questionnaire contained in, Part 2 of Appendix D to this section shall be administered to the employee.
TABLE 2. FREQUENCY OF CHEST ROENTGENOGRAM


Years since first exposure Age of employee
Less than 40 40 and older
0 to 10 Every 3 years Annually [FNa1]
10 Annually [FNa1] Annually [FNa1]
[FNa1] Oblique x-rays need only be performed every 3 years.


(4) Termination of employment examinations.
(A) The employer shall provide, or make available, a termination of employment medical examination for any employee who has been exposed to airborne concentrations of fibers of asbestos at or above the TWA and/or excursion limit.
(B) The medical examination shall be in accordance with the requirements of the periodic examinations stipulated in subsection (l)(3) of this section, and shall be given within 30 calendar days before or after the date of termination of employment.
(5) Recent examinations: No medical examination is required of any employee if adequate records show that the employee has been examined in accordance with any of subsections (l)(2) through (l)(4) of this section within the past 1 year period. A pre-employment medical examination which was required as a condition of employment by the employer, may not be used by that employer to meet the requirements of this subsection, unless the cost of such examination is borne by the employer.
(6) Information provided to the physician: The employer shall provide the following information to the examining physician:
(A) A copy of this standard and Appendices D and E.
(B) A description of the affected employee's duties as they relate to the employee's exposure.
(C) The employee's representative exposure level or anticipated exposure level.

(D) A description of any personal protective and respiratory equipment used or to be used.
(E) Information from previous medical examinations of the affected employee that is not otherwise available to the examining physician.
(7) Physician's written opinion.
(A) The employer shall obtain a written signed opinion from the examining physician. This written opinion shall contain the results of the medical examination and shall include:
1. Any recommended limitations on the employee or upon the use of personal protective equipment such as clothing or respirators;
2. The physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected medical conditions that would place the employee at an increased risk of material health impairment from exposure to asbestos;
3. A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the results of the medical examination and of any medical conditions resulting from asbestos exposure that require further explanation or treatment; and
4. A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the increased risk of lung cancer attributable to the combined effect of smoking and asbestos exposure.
(B) The employer shall instruct the physician not to reveal in the written opinion given to the employer specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure to asbestos.
(C) The employer shall provide a copy of the physician's written opinion to the affected employee within 30 days from its receipt.
(m) Recordkeeping -
(1) Exposure measurements.
Note: The employer may utilize the services of competent organizations such as industry trade associations and employee associations to maintain the records required by this section.

(A) The employer shall keep an accurate record of all measurements taken to monitor employee exposure to asbestos as prescribed in subsection (d) of this section.
(B) This record shall include at least the following information:
1. The date of measurement;
2. The operation involving exposure to asbestos which is being monitored;
3. Sampling and analytical methods used and evidence of their accuracy;
4. Number, duration, and results of samples taken;
5. Type of respiratory protective devices worn, if any; and
6. Name, social security number and exposure of the employees whose exposures are represented.
(C) The employer shall maintain this record for at least thirty (30) years in accordance with Section 3204.

(2) Objective data for exempted operations.
(A) Where the processing, use, or handling of products made from or containing asbestos is exempted from other requirements of this section under subsection (d)(2)(C) of this section, the employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record of objective data reasonably relied upon in support of the exemption.
(B) The record shall include at least the following:
1. The product qualifying for exemption:
2. The source of the objective data;
3. The testing protocol, results of testing, and/or analysis of the material for the release of asbestos;
4. A description of the operation exempted and how the data support the exemption; and

5. Other data relevant to the operations, materials, processing, or employee exposures covered by the exemption.
(C) The employer shall maintain this record for the duration of the employer's reliance upon such objective data.
(3) Medical surveillance.
(A) The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee subject to medical surveillance by subsection (l)(1)(A) of this section, in accordance with Section 3204.
(B) The record shall include at least the following information:
1. The name and social security number of the employee;
2. Physician's written opinions;
3. Any employee medical complaints related to exposure to asbestos; and
4. A copy of the information provided to the physician as required by subsection (l)(6) of this section.
(C) The employer shall ensure that this record is maintained for the duration of employment plus thirty (30) years, in accordance with Section 3204.
(4) Training: The employer shall maintain all employee training records for one (1) year beyond the last date of employment of that employee.
(5) Availability.
(A) The employer, upon written request, shall make all records required to be maintained by this section available to the Chief and the Director for examination and copying.
(B) The employer, upon request, shall make any exposure records required by subsection (m)(1) of this section available for examination and copying to affected employees, former employees, designated representatives and the Chief, in accordance with Section 3204(a) through (e), and (g) through (i)
(C) The employer, upon request, shall make employee medical records required by subsection (m)(3) of this section available for examination and copying to the subject employee, to anyone having the specific written consent of the subject employee, and the Chief, in accordance with Section 3204.
(6) Transfer of records.
(A) The employer shall comply with the requirements concerning transfer of records set forth in Section 3204(h).
(B) Whenever the employer ceases to do business and there is no successor employer to receive and retain the records for the prescribed period, the employer shall notify the Director at least 90 days prior to disposal of records and, upon request, transmit them to the Director.
(n) Observation of monitoring -
(1) Employee observation: The employer shall provide affected employees or their designated representatives an opportunity to observe any monitoring of employee exposure to asbestos conducted in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.
(2) Observation procedures: When observation of the monitoring of employee exposure to asbestos requires entry into an area where the use of protective clothing or equipment is required, the observer shall be provided with and be required to use such clothing and equipment and shall comply with all other applicable safety and health procedures.
(o) Reports of use (User Registration, Temporary Worksite Notification, and incident reporting) - See section 5203. Exceptions:
A. Automotive repair facilities which are registered with the State Bureau of Automotive Repairs meet the registration requirements of this subsection but are not otherwise exempt from this section.
B. Operations such as retail, wholesale, warehousing, transportation or distribution of products containing asbestos are exempt from report of use requirements of this section, provided such products are handled or stored in sealed or unbroken containers.
C. Products in which the asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent, coating, binder, or other material, provided that the manufacturer has demonstrated by objective data that during all reasonably foreseeable uses, handling, storage, disposal, processing or transportation, no airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of the PEL [TWA] and/or excursion limit will be released. The record of objective data shall include at least those elements specified in subsection (m)(2)(B) of this section.
D. Large outdoor storage such as mine ore tailings piles, if posted in accordance with the requirements of 8 CCR 5208(j)(3).
(p) Appendices -
(1) Appendices A, C, D, E, and F to this section are incorporated as part of this section and the contents of these Appendices are mandatory
(2) Appendices B, G, H, I, and J to this section are informational and are not intended to create any additional obligations not otherwise imposed or to detract from any existing obligations.


Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3, 6501.5, 9020, 9021.5, 9030, and 9040, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3, 6501.5, 6501.7, 6501.8, 6501.9, 6502, 9003, 9004(b), 9005, 9006, 9009, 9020, 9021.5, 9030, and 9040, Labor Code; and Section 25910, Health and Safety Code.






Appendix A
OSHA Reference Method Mandatory

This mandatory appendix specifies the procedure for analyzing air samples for asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite and specifies quality control procedures that must be implemented by laboratories performing the analysis. The sampling and analytical methods described below represent the elements of the available monitoring methods (such as appendix B to this section, the most current version of the OSHA method ID-60, or the most current version of the NIOSH 7400 method) which OSHA considers to be essential to achieve adequate employee exposure monitoring while allowing employers to use methods that are already established within their organizations. All employers who are required to conduct air monitoring under subsection (d) of this section are required to utilize analytical laboratories that use this procedure, or an equivalent method, for collecting and analyzing samples.
Sampling and Analytical Procedure
1. The sampling medium for air samples shall be mixed cellulose ester filter membranes. These shall be designated by the manufacturer as suitable for asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite counting. See below for rejection of blanks.
2. The preferred collection device shall be the 25-mm diameter cassette with an open-faced 50-mm extension cowl. The 37-mm cassette may be used if necessary but only if written justification for the need to use the 37-mm filter cassette accompanies the sample results in the employee's exposure monitoring record. Do not reuse or reload cassettes for asbestos sample collection.
3. An air flow rate between 0.5 liter/min and 2.5 liters/min shall be selected for the 25-mm cassette. If the 37-mm cassette is used, an air flow rate between 1 liter/min and 2.5 liters/min shall be selected.
4. Where possible, a sufficient air volume for each air sample shall be collected to yield between 100 and 1,300 fibers per square millimeter on the membrane filter. If a filter darkens in appearance or if loose dust is seen on the filter, a second sample shall be started.
5. Ship the samples in a rigid container with sufficient packing material to prevent dislodging the collected fibers. Packing material that has a high electrostatic charge on its surface (e.g., expanded polystyrene) cannot be used because such material can cause loss of fibers to the sides of the cassette.
6. Calibrate each personal sampling pump before and after use with a representative filter cassette installed between the pump and the calibration devices.
7. Personal samples shall be taken in the "breathing zone" of the employee (i.e., attached to or near the collar or lapel near the worker's face).
8. Fiber counts shall be made by positive phase contrast using a microscope with an 8 to 10 X eyepiece and a 40 to 45 X objective for a total magnification of approximately 400 X and a numerical aperture of 0.65 to 0.75. The microscope shall also be fitted with a green or blue filter.
9. The microscope shall be fitted with a Walton-Beckett eyepiece graticule calibrated for a field diameter of 100 micrometers (+/- 2 micrometers).
10. The phase-shift detection limit of the microscope shall be about 3 degrees measured using the HSE phase shift test slide as outlined below.
a. Place the test slide on the microscope stage and center it under the phase objective.
b. Bring the blocks of grooved lines into focus.
Note: The slide consists of seven sets of grooved lines (ca. 20 grooves to each block) in descending order of visibility from sets 1 to 7, seven being the least visible. The requirements for asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite counting are that the microscope optics must resolve the grooved lines in set 3 completely, although they may appear somewhat faint, and that the grooved lines in sets 6 and 7 must be invisible. Sets 4 and 5 must be at least partially visible but may vary slightly in visibility between microscopes. A microscope that fails to meet these requirements has either too low or too high a resolution to be used for asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite.
c. If the image deteriorates, clean and adjust the microscope optics. If the problem persists, consult the microscope manufacturer.
11. Each set of samples taken will include 10 percent field blanks or a minimum of 2 field blanks. These blanks must come from the same lot as the filters used for sample collection. The field blank results shall be averaged and subtracted from the analytical results before reporting. A set consists of any sample or group of samples for which an evaluation for this standard must be made. Any samples represented by a field blank having a fiber count in excess of the detection limit of the method being used shall be rejected.
12. The samples shall be mounted by the acetone/triacetin method or a method with an equivalent index of refraction and similar clarity.
13. Observe the following counting rules.
a. Count only fibers equal to or longer than 5 micrometers. Measure the length of curved fibers along the curve.
b. Count all particles as asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite that have a length-to-width ratio (aspect ratio) of 3:1 or greater.
c. Fibers lying entirely within the boundary of the Walton-Beckett graticule field shall receive a count of 1. Fibers crossing the boundary once, having one end within the circle, shall receive the count of one half (1/2). Do not count any fiber that crosses the graticule boundary more than once. Reject and do not count any other fibers even though they may be visible outside the graticule area.
d. Count bundles of fibers as one fiber unless individual fibers can be identified by observing both ends of an individual fiber.
e. Count enough graticule fields to yield 100 fibers. Count a minimum of 20 fields; stop counting at 100 fields regardless of fiber count.
14. Blind recounts shall be conducted at the rate of 10 percent.
Quality Control Procedures
1. Intra-laboratory program. Each laboratory and/or each company with more than one microscopist counting slides shall establish a statistically designed quality assurance program involving blind recounts and comparisons between microscopists to monitor the variability of counting by each microscopist and between microscopists. In a company with more than one laboratory, the program shall include all laboratories and shall also evaluate the laboratory-to-laboratory variability.
2. a. Interlaboratory program. Each laboratory analyzing asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite samples for compliance determination shall implement an interlaboratory quality assurance program that as a minimum includes participation of at least two other independent laboratories. Each laboratory shall participate in round robin testing at least once every 6 months with at least all the other laboratories in its interlaboratory quality assurance group. Each laboratory shall submit slides typical of its own work load for use in this program. The round robin shall be designed and results analyzed using appropriate statistical methodology.

b. All laboratories should participate in a national sample testing scheme such as the Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (PAT), the Asbestos Registry sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
3. All individuals performing asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite analysis must have taken the NIOSH course for sampling and evaluating airborne asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite dust or an equivalent course.
4. When the use of different microscopes contributes to differences between counters and laboratories, the effect of the different microscope shall be evaluated and the microscope shall be replaced, as necessary.
5. Current results of these quality assurance programs shall be posted in each laboratory to keep the microscopists informed.


Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.








Appendix B
Sampling and Analysis (Non-mandatory)


Matrix Air:

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits:
Time Weighted Average............ 0.1 fiber/cc
Excursion Level (30 minutes)..... 1.0 fiber/cc


Collection Procedure:
A known volume of air is drawn through a 25-mm diameter cassette containing a mixed-cellulose ester filter. The cassette must be equipped with an electrically conductive 50-mm extension cowl. The sampling time and rate are chosen to give a fiber density of between 100 to 1,300 fibers/mm2 on the filter.

Recommended Sampling Rate.... 0.5 to 5.0 liters/ minute (L/min)
Recommended Air Volumes:
Minimum...................... 25 L
Maximum...................... 2,400 L


Analytical Procedure:
A portion of the sample filter is cleared and prepared for asbestos fiber counting by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) at 400X. Commercial manufacturers and products mentioned in this method are for descriptive use only and do not constitute endorsements by USDOL-OSHA. Similar products from other sources can be substituted.
1. Introduction
This method describes the collection of airborne asbestos fibers using calibrated sampling pumps with mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) filters and analysis by phase contrast microscopy (PCM). Some terms used are unique to this method and are defined below: Asbestos: A term for naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos includes chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite asbestos), tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated and/or altered. The precise chemical formulation of each species will vary with the location from which it was mined. Nominal compositions are listed:

Chrysotile.............. Mg 3 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4
Crocidolite............. Na 2 Fe3 2+ Fe 2 3+ Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2

Amosite................. (Mg,Fe) 7 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2
Tremolite-actinolite.... Ca 2 (Mg,Fe) 7 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2
Anthophyllite........... (Mg,Fe) 7 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2


Asbestos Fiber: A fiber of asbestos which meets the criteria specified below for a fiber.
Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the length of a fiber to it's diameter (e.g. 3:1, 5:1 aspect ratios).
Cleavage Fragments: Mineral particles formed by comminution of minerals, especially those characterized by parallel sides and a moderate aspect ratio (usually less than 20:1).
Detection Limit: The number of fibers necessary to be 95% certain that the result is greater than zero.
Differential Counting: The term applied to the practice of excluding certain kinds of fibers from the fiber count because they do not appear to be asbestos.

Fiber: A particle that is 5 m m or longer, with a length-to-width ratio of 3 to 1 or longer.
Field: The area within the graticule circle that is superimposed on the microscope image.
Set: The samples which are taken, submitted to the laboratory, analyzed, and for which, interim or final result reports are generated.
Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite: The non-asbestos form of these minerals which meet the definition of a fiber. It includes any of these minerals that have been chemically treated and/or altered.
Walton-Beckett Graticule: An eyepiece graticule specifically designed for asbestos fiber counting. It consists of a circle with a projected diameter of 100 plus or minus 2 m m (area of about 0.00785 mm 2) with a crosshair having tic-marks at 3- m m intervals in one direction and 5- m m in the orthogonal direction. There are marks around the periphery of the circle to demonstrate the proper sizes and shapes of fibers. This design is reproduced in Figure 1. of this appendix. The disk is placed in one of the microscope eyepieces so that the design is superimposed on the field of view.

1.1. History
Early surveys to determine asbestos exposures were conducted using impinger counts of total dust with the counts expressed as million particles per cubic foot. The British Asbestos Research Council recommended filter membrane counting in 1969. In July 1969, the Bureau of Occupational Safety and Health published a filter membrane method for counting asbestos fibers in the United States. This method was refined by NIOSH and published as P & CAM 239. On May 29, 1971, OSHA specified filter membrane sampling with phase contrast counting for evaluation of asbestos exposures at work sites in the United States. The use of this technique was again required by OSHA in 1986. Phase contrast microscopy has continued to be the method of choice for the measurement of occupational exposure to asbestos.
1.2. Principle
Air is drawn through a MCE filter to capture airborne asbestos fibers. A wedge shaped portion of the filter is removed, placed on a glass microscope slide and made transparent. A measured area (field) is viewed by PCM. All the fibers meeting defined criteria for asbestos are counted and considered a measure of the airborne asbestos concentration.
1.3. Advantages and Disadvantages
There are four main advantages of PCM over other methods:
(1) The technique is specific for fibers. Phase contrast is a fiber counting technique which excludes non-fibrous particles from the analysis.
(2) The technique is inexpensive and does not require specialized knowledge to carry out the analysis for total fiber counts.
(3) The analysis is quick and can be performed on-site for rapid determination of air concentrations of asbestos fibers.
(4) The technique has continuity with historical epidemiological estimates of expected disease can be inferred from long-term determinations of asbestos exposures.
The main disadvantage of PCM is that it does not positively identify asbestos fibers. Other fibers which are not asbestos may be included in the count unless differential counting is performed. This requires a great deal of experience to adequately differentiate asbestos from non-asbestos fibers. Positive identification of asbestos must be performed by polarized light or electron microscopy techniques. A further disadvantage of PCM is that the smallest visible fibers are about 0.2 m m in diameter while the finest asbestos fibers may be as small as 0.02 m m in diameter. For some exposures, substantially more fibers may be present than are actually counted.
1.4. Workplace Exposure
Asbestos is used by the construction industry in such products as shingles, floor tiles, asbestos cement, roofing felts, insulation and acoustical products. Non-construction uses include brakes, clutch facings, paper, paints, plastics, and fabrics. One of the most significant exposures in the workplace is the removal and encapsulation of asbestos in schools, public buildings, and homes. Many workers have the potential to be exposed to asbestos during these operations.
About 95% of the asbestos in commercial use in the United States is chrysotile. Crocidolite and amosite make up most of the remainder. Anthophyllite and tremolite or actinolite are likely to be encountered as contaminants in various industrial products.
1.5. Physical Properties
Asbestos fiber possesses a high tensile strength along its axis, is chemically inert, non-combustible, and heat resistant. It has a high electrical resistance and good sound absorbing properties. It can be weaved into cables, fabrics or other textiles, and also matted into asbestos papers, felts, or mats.
2. Range and Detection Limit
2.1. The ideal counting range on the filter is 100 to 1,300 fibers/mm 2 With a Walton-Beckett graticule this range is equivalent to 0.8 to 10 fibers/field. Using NIOSH counting statistics, a count of 0.8 fibers/field would give an approximate coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.13.
2.2. The detection limit for this method is 4.0 fibers per 100 fields or 5.5 fibers/mm 2. This was determined using an equation to estimate the maximum CV possible at a specific concentration (95% confidence) and a Lower Control Limit of zero. The CV value was then used to determine a corresponding concentration from historical CV vs. fiber relationships. As an example:
Lower Control Limit (95% Confidence) = AC - 1.645(CV)(AC)
Where:
AC = Estimate of the airborne fiber concentration (fibers/cc) Setting the Lower Control Limit = 0 and solving for CV:
0 = AC - 1.645(CV)(AC)
CV = 0.61
This value was compared with CV vs. count curves. The count at which CV = 0.61 for Leidel-Busch counting statistics or for an OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center (OSHA-SLTC) CV curve (see Appendix A for further information) was 4.4 fibers or 3.9 fibers per 100 fields, respectively. Although a lower detection limit of 4 fibers per 100 fields is supported by the OSHA-SLTC data, both data sets support the 4.5 fibers per 100 fields value.
3. Method Performance - Precision and Accuracy
Precision is dependent upon the total number of fibers counted and the uniformity of the fiber distribution on the filter. A general rule is to count at least 20 and not more than 100 fields. The count isdiscontinued when 100 fibers are counted, provided that 20 fields have already been counted. Counting more than 100 fibers results in only a small gain in precision. As the total count drops below 10 fibers, an accelerated loss of precision is noted. (continued)