Training

Employers are responsible for training employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and any regulations applicable to their work environment. In particular, any employee who handles or uses harmful or toxic substances must be trained on safe handling and use of the materials.

Information regarding hazardous ACM or PACM must be provided to employees at the initial time of assignment to a work area where asbestos is present and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations. Employees must be informed of the following:

• Cal/OSHA standards regarding proper handling of ACM and PACM
• Cal/OSHA standards for registration of asbestos work
• Hazards of each class of asbestos work
• Signs and symptoms associated with exposure to asbestos
• The location and availability of known reference material on the hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal of ACM and PACM
• The relationship between asbestos exposure, smoking, and lung cancer
• Medical surveillance program requirements
• The contact information for public health organizations that help workers quit smoking

To learn more about Asbestos Awareness visit our Cal/OSHA Asbestos Awareness Online Training web page.