Asbestos & Other Fibres Training Course

Asbestos & Other Fibres BOHS S301 Training Course

Course Objectives

This module introduces the student to occupational hygiene practice in relation to fibrous dusts. The module concentrates on
asbestos, but other fibres, ego MMMF, ARAMIDS, etc., which are increasingly finding uses in industry are also covered.
On successful completion of this module there will be benefit to those working in asbestos consultancy as well as main stream occupational hygiene, giving an understanding of the health risks associated with asbestos and other fibres as well as the means of evaluation and control.
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:
· describe the composition, nature and properties of asbestos and other man made mineral fibres. (MMMF)
· describe the health effects and apply appropriate exposure limits. advise on the implications of asbestos and MMMF in workplace activities as well as in situ in buildings.
· sample and identify asbestos fibres.
· conduct air sampling to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibres in accordance with HSE approved procedures.
· advise on containment, removal, disposal and management of asbestos in buildings in accordance with current legislation.

COURSE CONTENTS

1. Asbestos and other fibres (5%)
1.1 Asbestos
Describe the six regulated forms Of asbestos in relation to the serpentine and amphibole groups of minerals.
Describe the effects of thermal degradation on asbestos minerals.
Discuss their characteristic properties, such as flexibility, high tensile strength, combustibility, low thermal conductivity and resistance to chemical attack.
1.2 Uses of Asbestos
Explain the physical and chemical properties of asbestos which have determined the use to which it has been put by industry. Discuss the three types of asbestos which have found significant commercial use (amosite, chrysotile and crocidolite) and the types of materials they were added to. Describe the use and occurrence of the other types of asbestos particularly as possible contaminants in other minerals.
1.3 MMMF
The physical and chemical properties of other fibres such as mineral wools, ceramic fibres, special purpose fibres and
continuous filament fibres
Educational Objectives
The student should know the types and forms of asbestos fibres and their historica1 industrial uses.
2. Health Hazards And Exposure Limits (5%)
2.1 Health Effects of Asbestos
Describe the fu11 range of health effects ranging from the benign (pleural plaques) to the terminal (mesothelioma) in the light
of results from epidemiological studies carried out on asbestos workers. pay particular attention to the report by DOLL
and PETal Effects on Health of Exposure to Asbestos, which was published in 1985.
Review subsequent influential publications.
Cover dose-response relationships, the effects of smoking whilst working with asbestos and the risks to health from low
level exposure.
2.2 Inhalation Studies
Review research studies of the effects of natural and synthetic fibres on laboratory animals, with particular attention being
given to inhalation studies. Draw attention to the differences and similarities between the results of inhalation studies on
laboratory animals subjected to various types of FIBRE.
Compare the animal experimental evidence and that derived from known human experience.
2.3 Control Limits etc for Asbestos Review control limits, action levels and the clearance indicator for asbestos together
with the philosophy behind setting them. Draw attention to the relationship between control limits and action levels.
2.4 MMMF
Describe the health effects of MMMF's such as skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation as well as carcinogenic effects.
Explain the Department of Health Committee on Carcinogenicity, Review and the IARC 28 classification.
2.5 Typical Exposures to MMMF
Give examples of typical exposures while working with MMMF in fibres/ml and explain what can be achieved under good
working conditions. Operations discussed should include the whole range of possible exposure levels. Comment on the
relationship between mass standards and number standards.
Educational Objectives
The student should be able to describe the health effects of asbestos and other fibres and relate these to typical exposures and
the exposure limits for different fibres.
3. LEGISLATION (10%)
3.1 Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Discuss the basic concepts of this enabling legislation with particular reference to employer's responsibilities for asbestos.
3.2 Asbestos Regulations
Review all the relevant current Regulations on asbestos:
· Control of Asbestos at work Regulations 1987(aS amended 1999)
· Asbestos Licensing Regulations 1983 (as amended 1999)
· Management of Health and safety at work Regulations (1999)
· Special waste Regulations 1996
· Construction {Design and Management> Regulations 1994
· Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
· Maintenance and testing of enclosures and the need for control other than RPE. Consider the management of asbestos removal projects, particular attention being paid to legal duties imposed by the Health and safety at Work Act, the CAW Regulations and
the various Codes of Practice which apply.
3.3 Approved Codes of Practice
Discuss the provisions of the Approved Codes of Practice for the CAWR and the status of the ACOP Educational Objectives
The student should have a clear understanding of the legislation relating to asbestos.
4. Asbestos In Buildings And Surveys (20%)
4.1 Types and Uses of Asbestos in Buildings
Use the HSE and/or Department of Environment as a primary source of information on products and their locations in buildings. Explain the physical and chemical properties of asbestos which have determined the use to which it has been put by industry. Discuss the three types of asbestos which have found significant commercial use (amosite, chrysotile and crocidolite> in relation to sprayed and thermal insulation, insulating boards, coatings, cement products and other reinforced products (eg. vinyl tiles, roofing felts> commonly used in building construction. Discuss the uses and composition of other asbestos products likely to be used or found inside buildings on plant, machinery or domestic appliances (eg. textiles, friction materials, seals, gaskets etc). Describe the use and occurrence of the other types of asbestos particularly as possible contaminants in other minerals.
4.2 Surveys of asbestos containing materials in buildings
Discuss the types of survey which can be carried out following relevant HSE guidance. How to plan, organise and conduct surveys. what parameters need to be assessed and recorded during the survey. Typical errors and how to present results and record the location of asbestos containing materials.
4.3 Bulk sampling
The reasons for bulk sampling ranging from the collection of one sample through to a complete asbestos audit of a building to
compile an asbestos register. The techniques used and precautions required when collecting bulk samples. Reference to
MDHS 77 for guidance on sampling.
4.4 Risk assessment of asbestos containing materials in buildings
Examine strategies for risk assessment of asbestos containing materials in buildings and the compilation of asbestos registers.
outline the types and sources of information required and discuss the uses to which this information is put.
4.5 Management of asbestos containing materials in buildings
Examine strategies for management of asbestos containing materials in buildings and the use of asbestos registers and
permit to work systems. Outline the types and sources of information required and discuss the uses to which this information
is put. Describe the decision making protocols for prioritising management actions.
Educational Objectives
The student should be able to describe the uses of asbestos in buildings and the public health risk these might pose. The student
should understand the principles of and requirements for: asbestos surveys, risk assessment and risk management strategies and their role in reducing health risks.
5. Asbestos Removal and Clearance Testing (20%)
5.1 preparation
Discuss the steps required in a job specification, preparation of a plan of work by the contractor, tender evaluation and the various roles required under the CDM Regulations for management of the site. Other health and safety aspects including emergency procedures should be included.
5.2 Enclosures
With reference to HSE EH Guidance Notes and Approved Codes of practice, describe with practical examples the following:
· Correct principles of an enclosure for asbestos removal.
· Methods of enclosure examination and the documentation associated with the enclosure.
· Correct procedures for entry, exit and decontamination and the use of negative pressure monitors
· Use of secondary enclosures.
5.3 Removal procedures
Describe the varl9us control measures available to a removal company to ensure that asbestos dust levels are kept as low as
is reasonably practicable inside the enclosure.
5.4 Waste Removal
Describe the requirements for removal, storage and disposal of waste from an enclosure.
5.4 Role of Analyst
Describe the role of the analyst as a competent person/consultant. Understand the requirements for quality management
systems in accordance with EN4S001 and accreditation by UKAS.
5.5 Air monitoring and other techniques
Identify the various stages where air monitoring should be employed. Discuss what other inspection techniques such as
the dust lamp, smoke tubes, negative pressure monitors are also useful for checking of the effectiveness of the work
and the control measures.
5.6 Clearance testing of enclosures Demonstrate the essential requirements of clearance testing for an asbestos enclosure
and the decontamination unit.
Educational objectives
The student should be thoroughly familiar with current good practice in enclosures for asbestos removal and should understand
the principles of clearance testing.
6. Air sampling (20%)
6. 1 Types of air sampling
Detail the types of air sampling that can be carried out (see MDHS 39/4). Examine the sampling requirements and their relevance
for identification of sources of contamination, assessment of personal exposure and the checking of efficiency and
effectiveness of control measures.
6.2 Air Sampling equipment and procedures
Discuss the requirements of the ERM, EH10, MDHS 39, MDHS 59 and the replacement WHO method in relation to
sampling of airborne asbestos and MMMF.
Demonstrate the equipment required and the adjustment, measurement and calibration of sampling rate. Discuss the
requirements for recording calibration and site sampling information to EN 45001 standards.
6.3 Clearance Sampling
Discuss when and how clearance sampling is carried out, what should be looked for and the types and frequency of disturbance
which should take place.
Educational Objectives
The student should have a detailed knowledge of the approved methods for sampling of airborne asbestos and MMMF.
7. Analysis of Bulk Samples (10%)
7.1 Macroscopic examination
Using MDHS 77 as a basis, demonstrate examination by low power stereo microscope, including the recognition of the
basic physical properties of the main asbestos types ie. colour, lustre, elasticity, tenacity, morphology and behaviour In water.
7.2 Sample preparation
Explain and demonstrate the options for sample preparation to segregate the asbestos for analysis. Using MDHS 77 as a
basis, demonstrate sample preparation methods to remove matrix materials before PLM identification, Including acid washing,
solvent extraction and combustion.
7.3 Polarised Light Microscopy
Examine using polarised light microscopy characteristics such as morphology, colour, pleochroism, birefringence (interference
colourS), sign of elongation and extinction of different asbestos types.
7.4 Dispersion staining
Describe and demonstrate dispersion stain microScopy using R.I. liquids together with a McCrone dispersion staining
objective or phase contrast microscopy with polariser in relation to the assessment of refractive indices of asbestos and other fibres.
7.5 Health and Safety Precautions
During Identification
Discuss the precautions required when working with asbestos and other fibres ego the use of glove boxes and ventilated
cabinets as well as the required precautions when using acids during sample preparation and when handling R.I. liquids.
7.6 Quality Control
Discuss Quality control procedures, likely detection limits, problems of cross contamination during sampling and analysis, together with the handling of homogeneous and heterogeneous samples.
7.7 Interfering fibres and products
Describe other types of fibres and other products which may interfere with asbestos identification ego leather swarf, skin cells,
polyethylene. Problems with products such as floor tiles.
Educational Objectives
The student should be able to describe the approved methods for analysis of bulk fibre samples and have an understanding of the
exposure controls and quality controls required during this activity.
8. Fibre Counting (10%)
8.1 Setting Up Microscopes
Use of light microscopy, setting up of Koehler illumination, calibration of stage micrometer, test slides.
Describe the theory of phase contrast microscopy, with particular attention being paid to the microscope specifications
outlined in guidance material. Demonstrate and allow students to practice the use of the walton-Beckett graticule, stage
micrometer and NPL test slide. Students should be given the opportunity to set up various makes of microscope used in this
work as well as to count slides of known quality such as those used in the RICE scheme.
8.2 Filter Preparation
Make students familiar with the preparation of filters and counting of fibres in accordance with the recognised counting
rules, using the MDHS 39 (latest version) and the WHO method as a basis. Discuss the limitations of the methods together
with examination of accuracy, precision and systematic differences.
8.3 Calculation of Results and Quality
Control
Examine the reliability of results in relation to quality control schemes such as UKAS, RICE and ISO and European standards for
GLP.
8.4 Electron Microscopy
An outline of the basic principles of SEM and TEM.
The discrimination between asbestos types and other fibres using SEM and TEM together with Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis
(EDXA).

BOHS MODULE S301 - 5 day course
This module introduces the student to occupational hygiene practice in relation to fibrous dusts. The module concentrates on asbestos but other fibres, e.g. MMMF, ARAMIDS, which are increasingly finding uses in industry, are also covered. This course will cover asbestos and other fibres, health hazards and exposure limits, legislation, asbestos in buildings and surveys, asbestos removal and clearance testing, air sampling, analysis of bulk samples and fibre counting. The course concludes with multiple choice and essay examinations, successful completion of which enables candidates to progress to the Certificate of
Competence in asbestos and other fibres through the British Occupational Hygiene Society. The course is suitable for those candidates who have knowledge of the subject and probably possess a combination of the P401 to P405 Modules.