Asbestos Classification

The OSHA standard establishes a classification system for asbestos maritime work. The following four classes are matched with increasingly stringent control requirements:

• Class I is the most potentially hazardous class of asbestos jobs and involves the removal of thermal system insulation and sprayed-on or troweled-on surfacing asbestos containing materials or presumed asbestos-containing materials.
• Class II includes the removal of other types of asbestos-containing materials that are not thermal system insulation, such as resilient flooring and roofing materials containing asbestos.
• Class III focuses on repair and maintenance operations where asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.
• Class IV pertains to custodial activities where employees clean up asbestos-containing waste and debris.

All Class I, II, and III asbestos work, or any other operations where airborne asbestos exceeds the PEL, must be performed within regulated areas. A regulated area is a marked-off site where employees work with asbestos. Only persons permitted by an employer and required by work duties to be present in regulated areas may enter a regulated area. The designated competent person supervises all asbestos work performed in this area.

To learn more about Shipyard Chemical Hazards visit our Shipyard Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.