Asbestos Awareness Training

Training of Ship Staff and workers in Ship building/Repair/Recycling yard is one of the keys to a successful operations and maintenance (O&M) program.

If stakeholders do not emphasize the importance of well-trained custodial and maintenance personnel, asbestos O&M tasks may not be performed properly. This could result in higher levels of asbestos fibers in the air and an increased risk.

Asbestos Awareness Training may include such topics as:

• Background information on asbestos

• Health effects of asbestosWorker protection programs

• Locations of ACM in the ship

• Recognition of ACM damage and deterioration

• Repair or removal of a small section of damaged thermal system insulation, or the installation of electrical conduit in an air plenum containing ACM or ACM debris.

• Federal, state, and local asbestos regulations

• Proper asbestos-related work practices

• Descriptions of the proper methods of handling ACM, including waste handling and disposal

• Respirator use, care, and fit-testing Protective clothing donnin, use

• Pre-asbestos abatement work activities

• Work area preparation

• Establishing decontamination units

• Personal protection, including respirator selection, use, fit-testing, and protective clothing

• Worker decontamination procedures

• Safety considerations in the abatement work area