Mo. Code Regs. tit. 10 § 10-6.250

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 20, October 15, 2024

Section 10 CSR 10-6.250 - Asbestos Projects-Certification, Accreditation and Business Exemption Requirements

If the commission adopts this rule action, the department does not intend to submit this rule amendment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because the rule is administrative and the rule has never been approved as part of the Missouri State Implementation Plan. The evidence supporting the need for this proposed rulemaking is available for viewing at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program at the address listed in the Notice of Public Hearing at the end of this rule. More information concerning this rulemaking can be found at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Proposed Rules web-site www.dnr.mo.gov/proposed-rules

PURPOSE: This rule requires individuals who work in asbestos projects to be certified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Air Pollution Control Program. This rule requires training providers who offer training for asbestos occupations to be accredited by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Air Pollution Control Program. This rule requires persons who hold exemption status from certain requirements of this rule to allow the department to monitor training provided to employees. Each individual who works in asbestos projects must first obtain certification for the appropriate occupation from the department. Each person who offers training for asbestos occupations must first obtain accreditation from the department. Certain business entities who meet the requirements for state-approved exemption status must allow the department to monitor training classes provided to employees who perform asbestos projects. The purpose of this rulemaking is to comply with Executive Order 17-03 and related comments and will remove the unnecessary use of restrictive words, add definitions specific to this rule, update incorporated by reference information, and remove the requirement to provide a forty-five (45)-day comment period for revisions to department-supplied forms. This proposed rulemaking will also add conditions for denial of asbestos occupation certification applications, clarifying requirements to receive and keep asbestos certifications, and is consistent with 643.230.1, RSMo. The evidence supporting the need for this proposed rulemaking, per 536.016, RSMo, is staff comments dated August 23, 2013 and July 11, 2016; and Executive Order 17-03 Red Tape Reduction Review and related comments.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The secretary of state has determined that the publication of the entire text of the material which is incorporated by reference as a portion of this rule would be unduly cumbersome or expensive. This material as incorporated by reference in this rule shall be maintained by the agency at its headquarters and shall be made available to the public for inspection and copying at no more than the actual cost of reproduction. This note applies only to the reference material. The entire text of the rule is printed here.

(1) Applicability. This rule applies to-

(A) All persons who authorize, design, conduct and work in asbestos projects;

(B) Those who monitor airborne asbestos as a result of asbestos projects;

(C) Individuals who conduct asbestos inspections and develop Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) management plans and project designs; and

(D) Those who provide training for individuals involved in subsections (1)(A)-(C) of this rule.

(2) Definitions.

(A) Asbestos-The asbestiform varieties of serpentinite (chrysotile), riebeckite (crocidolite), cummingtonite-grunerite, anthophyllite, and actinolitetremolite.

(B) Facility-Any institutional, commercial, public, industrial, or residential structure, installation, or building (including any structure, installation, or building containing condominiums or individual dwelling units operated as a residential cooperative, but excluding residential buildings having four (4) or fewer dwelling units); any ship; and any active or inactive waste disposal site. For purposes of this definition, any building, structure, or installation that contains a loft used as a dwelling is not considered a residential structure, installation, or building. Any structure, installation or building that was previously subject to this subpart is not excluded, regardless of its current use or function.

(C) Definitions. Definitions of certain terms specified in this rule, other than those defined in this rule section, may be found in 10 CSR 10-6.020.

(3) General Provisions.

(A) Certification.

1. An individual must receive certification from the department before that individual participates in an asbestos project, inspection, AHERA management plan, abatement project design, or asbestos air sampling in the state of Missouri. This certification must be renewed annually with the exception of air sampling professionals. To become certified an individual must meet the qualifications in the specialty area as defined in the EPA's AHERA Model Accreditation Plan, 40 CFR part 763, Appendix C, subpart E promulgated as of July 1, 2018 and hereby incorporated by reference as published by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies can be obtained from the U.S. Publishing Office Bookstore, 710 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington DC 20401. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. The individual must successfully complete a fully-approved U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Missouri-accredited AHERA training course and pass the training course exam and pass the Missouri asbestos examination with a minimum score of seventy percent (70%) and submit a completed department-supplied application form to the department along with the appropriate certification fees. The department shall issue a certificate to each individual that meets the requirements for the job category.

2. In order to receive Missouri certification, individuals must be trained by Missouri accredited providers.

3. Qualifications. An individual shall present proof of these to the department with the application for certification. The following are the minimum qualifications for each job category:

A. An asbestos air sampling professional conducts, oversees, or is responsible for air monitoring of asbestos projects. Air sampling professionals must satisfy one (1) of the following qualifications for certification:

(I) Bachelor of science degree in industrial hygiene plus one (1) year of field experience. The individual must provide a copy of his/her diploma, a certified copy of his/her transcript, and documentation of one (1) year of experience;

(II) Master of science degree in industrial hygiene. The individual must provide a copy of his/her diploma and a certified copy of his/her transcript;

(III) Certification as an industrial hygienist as designated by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. The individual must provide a copy of his/her certificate and a certified copy of his/her transcript, if applicable;

(IV) Three (3) years of practical industrial hygiene field experience including significant asbestos air monitoring and completion of a forty (40)-hour asbestos course including air monitoring instruction. At least fifty percent (50%) of the three (3)-year period must have been on projects where a degreed or certified industrial hygienist or a Missouri certified asbestos air sampling professional was involved. The individual must provide to the department written reference by the industrial hygienist or the asbestos air sampling professional stating the individual's performance of monitoring was acceptable and that the individual is capable of fulfilling the responsibilities associated with certification as an asbestos air sampling professional. The individual must also provide documentation of his/her experience and a copy of his/her asbestos course certificate; or

(V) Other qualifications including, but not limited to, an American Board of Industrial Hygiene accepted degree or a health/safety related degree combined with related experience. The individual must provide a copy of his/her diploma and/or certification, a certified copy of his/her transcript, and letters necessary to verify experience;

B. An asbestos air sampling technician is an individual who has been trained by an air sampling professional to do air monitoring and who conducts air monitoring of asbestos projects. Air sampling technicians need not be certified but are required to pass a training course and have proof of passage of the course at the site along with photo identification. This course shall includes:

(I) Air monitoring equipment and supplies;

(II) Experience with pump calibration and location;

(III) Record keeping of air monitoring data for asbestos projects;

(IV) Applicable asbestos regulations;

(V) Visual inspection for final clearance sampling; and

(VI) A minimum of sixteen (16) hours of air monitoring field equipment training by a certified air sampling professional;

C. An asbestos inspector is an individual who collects and assimilates information used to determine the presence and condition of asbestos-containing material in a building or other air contaminant source. An asbestos inspector must hold a diploma from a fully-approved EPA or Missouri-accredited AHERA inspector course and a high school diploma or its equivalent;

D. An AHERA asbestos management planner is an individual who, under AHERA, reviews the results of inspections, reinspections, or assessments and writes recommendations for appropriate response actions. An AHERA asbestos management planner must hold diplomas from a fully-approved E PA or Missouri-accredited AHERA inspector course and a fully approved EPA or Missouri-accredited management planner course. The individual must also hold a high school diploma or its equivalent;

E. An abatement project designer is an individual who designs or plans asbestos abatement. An abatement project designer must-

(I) Hold a diploma from a fully-approved EPA or Missouri-accredited project designer course;

(II) Have an engineering or industrial hygiene degree;

(III) Have working knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems;

(IV) Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

(V) Have at least four (4) years experience in building design, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The department may require individuals with professional degrees for complex asbestos projects;

F. An asbestos supervisor is an individual who directs, controls, or supervises others in asbestos projects. An asbestos supervisor shall-

(I) Hold a diploma from a fully-approved EPA or Missouri-accredited AHERA abatement contractor/supervisor course; and

(II) Have one (1) year full-time prior experience in asbestos abatement work or in general construction work; and

G. An asbestos abatement worker is an individual who engages in asbestos projects. An asbestos abatement worker shall-

(I) Hold a diploma from a fully-approved EPA; or

(II) Missouri-accredited AHERA worker training course.

4. Certification may be denied for any one (1) or more of the following:

A. Failure to meet minimum training, education, or experience requirements;

B. Providing false or misleading statements in the application;

C. Failure to submit a complete application;

D. Three (3) or more citations or violations of existing asbestos regulations within the last two (2) years;

E. Three (3) or more violations of 29 CFR 1910.1001 or 29 CFR 1926.1101 within the last two (2) years. 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.1101 promulgated as of July 1, 2018 are hereby incorporated by reference as published by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies can be obtained from the U.S. Publishing Office Bookstore, 710 N. Capitol Street N W, Washington, DC 20401. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions;

F. Fraud or failure to disclose facts relevant to their application;

G. Permitting the duplication or use by another of the individual's certificate; and

H. Any other information which may affect the applicant's ability to appropriately perform asbestos work.

(B) Recertification.

1. All asbestos inspectors, management planners, abatement project designers, supervisors, and workers shall pass a Missouri-accredited annual AHERA refresher course and examination in their specialty area. The refresher course must be specific to the individual's initial certification and must meet the requirements of the EPA's AHERA Model Accreditation Plan 40 CFR part 763 promulgated as of July 1, 2018 and hereby incorporated by reference as published by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies can be obtained from the U.S. Publishing Office Bookstore, 710 N. Capitol Street N W, Washington, DC 20401. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.

2. In the case of significant changes in Missouri statutes or rules the department will require individuals to retake a revised version of the Missouri asbestos examination prior to being recertified.

(C) Certification/Recertification Fees. The department shall assess-

1. A seventy-five dollar ($75) application fee for each individual applying for certification except for asbestos abatement workers. Effective January 1, 2017, the application fee is one hundred dollars ($100);

2. A twenty-five dollar ($25) application fee for each asbestos abatement worker. Effective January 1, 2017, the application fee is forty dollars ($40);

3. No application fees for asbestos air sampling technicians;

4. A twenty-five dollar ($25) fee for each Missouri asbestos examination;

5. A five dollar ($5) renewal fee for each renewal certificate for asbestos abatement workers. Effective January 1, 2017, the renewal fee is twenty dollars ($20); and

6. A five dollar ($5) renewal fee for each renewal certificate for non-asbestos abatement workers. Effective January 1, 2017, the renewal fee is fifty dollars ($50).

(D) Accreditation of Training Programs. To be a training provider for the purposes of this rule, a person shall apply for accreditation to the department and comply with EPA's AHERA Model Accreditation Plan 40 CFR part 763, Appendix C, subpart E as incorporated by reference in paragraph (3)(B)1. of this rule. Business entities that are determined by the department to fall under subsection (3)(E) of this rule are exempt from this section.

1. Training providers shall apply for approval of a training course(s) as provided in section 643.228, RSMo, on the department-supplied Asbestos Training Course Accreditation form.

A. In addition to the written application, the training provider is to present each initial course for the department to audit. The department may deny accreditation of a course if the applicant fails to provide information required within sixty (60) days of receipt of written notice that the application is deficient. All training providers must apply for reaccreditation biennially.

B. Training providers must submit documentation that their courses meet the criteria set forth in this rule. Out-of-state providers must submit documentation of biennial audit by an accrediting agency with a written verification that Missouri rules are addressed in the audited course.

C. Providers must pay an accreditation fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per course category prior to issuance or renewal of an accreditation. No person is to pay more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) for all course categories for which accreditation is requested at the same time.

2. At least two (2) weeks prior to the course starting date, training providers shall notify the department of their intent to offer initial training and refresher courses. The notification shall include the course title, starting date, the location at which the course will take place, and a list of the course instructors.

3. All training courses shall have a ratio of students to instructors in hands-on demonstrations that shall not exceed ten-to-one (10:1).

4. Instructor qualifications.

A. An individual must be Missouri-certified in a specialty area before they will be allowed to teach in that specialty area, except that instructors certified as supervisors may also instruct a worker course.

B. An individual with experience and education in industrial hygiene shall teach the sections of the training courses concerning the performance and evaluation of air monitoring programs and the design and implementation of respiratory protection programs. The department does not require that the instructor hold a degree in industrial hygiene, but the individual must provide documentation and written explanation of experience and training.

C. An individual who is a Missouri-certified supervisor, and who has sufficient training and work experience to effectively present the assigned subject matter, shall teach the hands-on training sections of all courses.

D. An individual who teaches the portions of the project designer's course involving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, must-

(I) Be a licensed architect or a licensed engineer; or

(II) Must provide documentation of training and at least five (5) years' experience in the field.

5. The course provider must administer and monitor all course examinations. The course provider assumes responsibility for the security of exam contents and shall ensure that the participant passes the exam on his/her own merit. Minimum security measures for the written exams include ample space between participants, absence of written materials other than the examination and supervision of the exam by course provider.

6. When the provider offers training on short notice, the training provider shall notify the department as soon as possible but no later than two (2) days prior to commencement of that training.

7. When the provider cancels the course, the training provider should notify the department at the same time s/he notifies course participants, and shall follow-up with written notification.

8. When rules, policies, or procedures change, the training provider must update the initial and refresher courses. The training provider must notify the department as soon as s/he makes the changes.

9. The department may withdraw accreditation from providers who fail to accurately portray their Missouri accreditation in advertisements, who fail to ensure security of examinations, who fail to ensure that each student passes the exam on his/her own merit, or who issue improper certificates.

10. Training course providers must notify the department of any changes in training course content or instructors. Training course providers must submit resumés of all new instructors to the department as soon as substitutions or additions are made.

11. The department may revoke or suspend accreditation of any course subject to this rule if alterations in the course cause it to fail the department's accreditation criteria.

12. Training providers shall have thirty (30) days to correct identified deficiencies in training course(s) before the department revokes accreditation.

(E) Business Exemptions. The department may exempt a person from registration, certification, and certain notification requirements provided the person conducts asbestos projects solely at the person's own place(s) of business as part of normal operations in the facility and the person is also subject to the requirements and applicable standards of the E PA and United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926.1101 as incorporated by reference in subparagraph (3)(A)4.E. of this rule. The person shall submit an application for exemption to the department on the department-supplied form. This exemption shall not apply to asbestos abatement contractors, to those subject to the requirements of AHERA, and to those persons who provide a service to the public in their place(s) of business as the economic foundation of the facility. These shall include, but not be limited to, child daycare centers, restaurants, nursing homes, retail outlets, medical care facilities, hotels, and theaters. The department shall review the exemption application within one hundred eighty (180) days. State-exempted business entities shall comply with all federal air sampling requirements for planned renovation operations.

1. Training course requirements.

A. The person shall fill out the department-supplied form describing training provided to employees and an explanation of how the training meets the applicable OSHA and EPA standards.

B. The person shall notify the department two (2) weeks before the person conducts training programs. This notification shall include the course title, start-up date, location, and course instructor(s).

C. If the person cancels the course, the person shall notify the department at the same time the person notifies course participants and follow up with written notification to the department.

D. When regulations, policies, or procedures change, the person must update the initial and refresher courses and notify the department as soon as the person makes the changes.

E. When the person conducts hands-on training, the ratio of students to instructors shall not exceed ten-to-one (10:1).

F. The person must allow representative(s) of the department to attend the training course for purposes of determining compliance with this rule.

G. Exempted persons shall submit to the director changes in curricula, instructors, and other significant revisions to the training program as they occur and submit resumés of all new instructors to the department as soon as substitutions or additions are made.

H. The department may revoke or suspend an exemption if on-site inspection indicates that the training fails the exemption requirements. These include, but are not limited to, a decrease in course length, a change in course content or use of different instructors than those indicated in the application. The department, in writing, shall notify the person responsible for the training of deficiencies. The person shall have thirty (30) days to correct the deficiencies before the department issues final written notice of exemption withdrawal.

2. If the department finds an exemption application deficient, the person has sixty (60) days to correct the deficiencies. If, within sixty (60) days, the person fails to provide the department with the required information, the department may deny approval of the exemption.

3. The person shall submit a fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) with the application for exemption. This is a nonrefundable one (1)-time fee.

(F) All information required under this rule must be submitted on the appropriate forms and contain accurate, legible information. Failure to provide the required information, failure to submit legible information, submission of false information or failure to provide complete information as required, shall be a violation of this rule and may result in the director's denial or revocation of the forms provided.

(4) Reporting and Record Keeping. (Not Applicable)

(5) Test Methods. (Not Applicable)

10 CSR 10-6.250

Adopted by Missouri Register January 4, 2016/Volume 41, Number 01, effective 2/29/2016

Amended by Missouri Register January 2, 2019/Volume 44, Number 1, effective 2/28/2019