94-14815. Interpretive Rule for Roof Removal Operations Under the Asbestos NESHAP  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 116 (Friday, June 17, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-14815]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: June 17, 1994]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 61
    
    [FRL-4893-5]
    
     
    
    Interpretive Rule for Roof Removal Operations Under the Asbestos 
    NESHAP
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
    
    ACTION: Interpretive rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') is today 
    publishing an interpretive rule regarding roof removal operations under 
    the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for 
    Asbestos (``Asbestos NESHAP''). The purpose of the interpretive rule is 
    to clarify the Asbestos NESHAP as it affects roof removal operations 
    by: specifying which roof removal operations EPA construes the NESHAP 
    to cover; and specifying roof removal work practices that EPA deems to 
    be in compliance with the NESHAP in roofing operations where the NESHAP 
    applies.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: June 17, 1994.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Ripp at (703) 308-8727 at 
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning 
    and Standards, Stationary Source Compliance Division. For copies, 
    contact Mr. Larry Tessier at 1-800-368-5888 or at (703) 305-5938.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 20, 1990, EPA published in the 
    Federal Register (55 FR 48406) revisions to the Asbestos NESHAP, which 
    is codified at 40 CFR part 61, subpart M. Members of the roofing 
    industry have expressed confusion regarding the asbestos NESHAP and 
    have requested clarification from EPA with regard to how compliance 
    with the NESHAP can be achieved for roof removal operations.
        EPA is today publishing, as a new appendix A to subpart M of 40 CFR 
    part 61, the interpretive rule that is set forth below. The purpose of 
    the interpretive rule is to clarify the Asbestos NESHAP as it affects 
    roof removal operations by: (i) Specifying which roof removal 
    operations EPA construes the NESHAP to cover; and (ii) specifying roof 
    removal work practices that EPA deems to be in compliance with the 
    NESHAP in roofing operations where the NESHAP applies.
        The new appendix A to the Asbestos NESHAP does not supersede, alter 
    or replace the Asbestos NESHAP; nor does it change the scope or 
    stringency of the NESHAP. Rather appendix A interprets the NESHAP as it 
    applies to roof removal operations, in order to provide particularized 
    guidance which, if followed, would promote compliance with, and more 
    effective and consistent enforcement of, the NESHAP in such operations. 
    This interpretive rule is intended as guidance to the roofing industry 
    and the public and does not constitute an action which is subject to 
    judicial review under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 
    7607(b)(1), or under the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 704. In 
    addition, because the rule prescribed in this notice is an interpretive 
    rule and does not promulgate or revise a standard or regulation listed 
    in section 307(d)(1) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7607(d)(1)), the 
    procedural requirements for rulemaking under the Clean Air Act and the 
    Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to this action. See 42 U.S.C. 
    7607(d); 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
        It is the present intent of EPA that if this interpretive rule is 
    revoked or withdrawn before new regulations regarding asbestos 
    emissions or work practices for handling of asbestos containing 
    materials during roof removal operations under the Clean Air Act are 
    promulgated by EPA, then EPA shall replace the interpretive rule with 
    another interpretation or guidance document that would address how the 
    NESHAP applies to roof removal in renovation and demolition operations. 
    It is also the present intent of EPA that prior to replacing or 
    substantially revising this interpretive rule, EPA would consult with 
    the public regarding such action.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 61
    
        Air pollution control, Asbestos.
    
        Dated: May 31, 1994.
    Mary D. Nichols,
    Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation.
        40 CFR part 61 is amended as follows:
        1. The authority citation for part 61 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: Secs. 101, 112, 114, 116, 301, Clean Air Act as 
    amended (42 U.S.C. 7401, 7412, 7414, 7416, 7601).
    
    Subpart M--[Amended]
    
        2. Appendix A is added to subpart M to read as follows:
    
    Appendix A to Subpart M--Interpretive Rule Governing Roof Removal 
    Operations
    
    I. Applicability of the Asbestos NESHAP
    
        1.1. Asbestos-containing material (ACM) is material containing 
    more than one percent asbestos as determined using the methods 
    specified in appendix A, subpart F, 40 CFR part 763, section 1, 
    Polarized Light Microscopy. The NESHAP classifies ACM as either 
    ``friable'' or ``nonfriable''. Friable ACM is ACM that, when dry, 
    can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. 
    Nonfriable ACM is ACM that, when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverized 
    or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
        1.2. Nonfriable ACM is further classified as either Category I 
    ACM or Category II ACM. Category I ACM and Category II ACM are 
    distinguished from each other by their potential to release fibers 
    when damaged. Category I ACM includes asbestos-containing gaskets, 
    packings, resilient floor coverings, resilient floor covering 
    mastic, and asphalt roofing products containing more than one 
    percent asbestos. Asphalt roofing products which may contain 
    asbestos include built-up roofing; asphalt-containing single ply 
    membrane systems; asphalt shingles; asphalt-containing underlayment 
    felts; asphalt-containing roof coatings and mastics; and asphalt-
    containing base flashings. ACM roofing products that use other 
    bituminous or resinous binders (such as coal tars or pitches) are 
    also considered to be Category I ACM. Category II ACM includes all 
    other nonfriable ACM, for example, asbestos-cement (A/C) shingles, 
    A/C tiles, and transite boards or panels containing more than one 
    percent asbestos. Generally speaking, Category II ACM is more likely 
    to become friable when damaged than is Category I ACM. The 
    applicability of the NESHAP to Category I and II ACM depends on: (1) 
    the condition of the material at the time of demolition or 
    renovation, (2) the nature of the operation to which the material 
    will be subjected, (3) the amount of ACM involved.
        1.3. Asbestos-containing material regulated under the NESHAP is 
    referred to as ``regulated asbestos-containing material'' (RACM). 
    RACM is defined in Sec. 61.141 of the NESHAP and includes: (1) 
    friable asbestos-containing material; (2) Category I nonfriable ACM 
    that has become friable; (3) Category I nonfriable ACM that has been 
    or will be sanded, ground, cut, or abraded; or (4) Category II 
    nonfriable ACM that has already been or is likely to become 
    crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder. If the coverage 
    threshold for RACM is met or exceeded in a renovation or demolition 
    operation, then all friable ACM in the operation, and in certain 
    situations, nonfriable ACM in the operation, are subject to the 
    NESHAP.
    
    A. Threshold Amounts of Asbestos-Containing Roofing Material
    
        1.A.1. The NESHAP does not cover roofing projects on single 
    family homes or on residential buildings containing four or fewer 
    dwelling units. 40 CFR 61.141. For other roofing renovation 
    projects, if the total asbestos-containing roof area undergoing 
    renovation is less than 160 ft2, the NESHAP does not apply, 
    regardless of the removal method to be used, the type of material 
    (Category I or II), or its condition (friable versus nonfriable). 40 
    CFR 61.145(a)(4). However, EPA would recommend the use of methods 
    that damage asbestos-containing roofing material as little as 
    possible. EPA has determined that where a rotating blade (RB) roof 
    cutter or equipment that similarly damages the roofing material is 
    used to remove Category I nonfriable asbestos-containing roofing 
    material, the removal of 5580 ft2 of that material will create 
    160 ft2 of RACM. For the purposes of this interpretive rule, 
    ``RB roof cutter'' means an engine-powered roof cutting machine with 
    one or more rotating cutting blades the edges of which are blunt. 
    (Equipment with blades having sharp or tapered edges, and/or which 
    does not use a rotating blade, is used for ``slicing'' rather than 
    ``cutting'' the roofing material; such equipment is not included in 
    the term ``RB roof cutter''.) Therefore, it is EPA's interpretation 
    that when an RB roof cutter or equipment that similarly damages the 
    roofing material is used to remove Category I nonfriable asbestos-
    containing roofing material, any project that is 5580 ft2 or 
    greater is subject to the NESHAP; conversely, it is EPA's 
    interpretation that when an RB roof cutter or equipment that 
    similarly damages the roofing material is used to remove Category I 
    nonfriable asbestos-containing roofing material in a roof removal 
    project that is less than 5580 ft2, the project is not subject 
    to the NESHAP, except that notification is always required for 
    demolitions. EPA further construes the NESHAP to mean that if 
    slicing or other methods that do not sand, grind, cut or abrade will 
    be used on Category I nonfriable ACM, the NESHAP does not apply, 
    regardless of the area of roof to be removed.
        1.A.2. For asbestos cement (A/C) shingles (or other Category II 
    roofing material), if the area of the roofing material to be removed 
    is at least 160 ft2 and the removal methods will crumble, 
    pulverize, reduce to powder, or contaminate with RACM (from other 
    ACM that has been crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder) 160 
    ft2 or more of such roofing material, the removal is subject to 
    the NESHAP. Conversely, if the area of the A/C shingles (or other 
    Category II roofing materials) to be removed is less than 160 
    ft2, the removal is not subject to the NESHAP regardless of the 
    removal method used, except that notification is always required for 
    demolitions. 40 CFR 61.145(a). However, EPA would recommend the use 
    of methods that damage asbestos-containing roofing material as 
    little as possible. If A/C shingles (or other Category II roofing 
    materials) are removed without 160 ft2 or more of such roofing 
    material being crumbled, pulverized, reduced to powder, or 
    contaminated with RACM (from other ACM that has been crumbled, 
    pulverized or reduced to powder), the operation is not subject to 
    the NESHAP, even where the total area of the roofing material to be 
    removed exceeds 160 ft2; provided, however, that if the 
    renovation includes other operations involving RACM, the roof 
    removal operation is covered if the total area of RACM from all 
    renovation activities exceeds 160 ft2. See the definition of 
    regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM), 40 CFR 61.141.
        1.A.3. Only roofing material that meets the definition of ACM 
    can qualify as RACM subject to the NESHAP. Therefore, to determine 
    if a removal operation that meets or exceeds the coverage threshold 
    is subject to the NESHAP, any suspect roofing material (i.e. roofing 
    material that may be ACM) should be tested for asbestos. If any such 
    roofing material contains more than one percent asbestos and if the 
    removal operation is covered by the NESHAP, then EPA must be 
    notified and the work practices in Sec. 61.145(c) must be followed. 
    In EPA's view, if a removal operation involves at least the 
    threshold level of suspect material, a roofing contractor may choose 
    not to test for asbestos if the contractor follows the notification 
    and work practice requirements of the NESHAP.
    
    B. A/C Shingle Removal (Category II ACM Removal)
    
        1.B.1. A/C shingles, which are Category II nonfriable ACM, 
    become regulated ACM if the material has a high probability of 
    becoming or has become crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by 
    the forces expected to act on the material in the course of 
    demolition or renovation operations. 40 CFR 61.141. However, merely 
    breaking an A/C shingle (or any other category II ACM) that is not 
    friable may not necessarily cause the material to become RACM. A/C 
    shingles are typically nailed to buildings on which they are 
    attached. EPA believes that the extent of breakage that will 
    normally result from carefully removing A/C shingles and lowering 
    the shingles to the ground will not result in crumbling, pulverizing 
    or reducing the shingles to powder. Conversely, the extent of 
    breakage that will normally occur if the A/C shingles are dropped 
    from a building or scraped off of a building with heavy machinery 
    would cause the shingles to become RACM. EPA therefore construes the 
    NESHAP to mean that the removal of A/C shingles that are not 
    friable, using methods that do not crumble, pulverize, or reduce the 
    A/C shingles to powder (such as pry bars, spud bars and shovels to 
    carefully pry the material), is not subject to the NESHAP provided 
    that the A/C shingles are properly handled during and after removal, 
    as discussed in this paragraph and the asbestos NESHAP. This 
    interpretation also applies to other Category II nonfriable 
    asbestos-containing roofing materials.
    
    C. Cutting vs. Slicing and Manual Methods for Removal of Category I ACM
    
        1.C.1. Because of damage to the roofing material, and the 
    potential for fiber release, roof removal operations using rotating 
    blade (RB) roof cutters or other equipment that sand, grind, cut or 
    abrade the roof material are subject to the NESHAP. As EPA 
    interprets the NESHAP, the use of certain manual methods (using 
    equipment such as axes, hatchets, or knives, spud bars, pry bars, 
    and shovels, but not saws) or methods that slice, shear, or punch 
    (using equipment such as a power slicer or power plow) does not 
    constitute ``cutting, sanding, grinding or abrading.'' This is 
    because these methods do not destroy the structural matrix or 
    integrity of the material such that the material is crumbled, 
    pulverized or reduced to powder. Hence, it is EPA's interpretation 
    that when such methods are used, assuming the roof material is not 
    friable, the removal operation is not subject to the regulation.
        1.C.2. Power removers or power tear-off machines are typically 
    used to pry the roofing material up from the deck after the roof 
    membrane has been cut. It is EPA's interpretation that when these 
    machines are used to pry roofing material up, their use is not 
    regulated by the NESHAP.
        1.C.3. As noted previously, the NESHAP only applies to the 
    removal of asbestos-containing roofing materials. Thus, the NESHAP 
    does not apply to the use of RB cutters to remove non-asbestos built 
    up roofing (BUR). On roofs containing some asbestos-containing and 
    some non-asbestos containing materials, coverage under the NESHAP 
    depends on the methods used to remove each type of material in 
    addition to other coverage thresholds specified above. For example, 
    it is not uncommon for existing roofs to be made of non-asbestos BUR 
    and base flashings that do contain asbestos. In that situation, EPA 
    construes the NESHAP to be inapplicable to the removal of the non-
    asbestos BUR using an RB cutter so long as the RB cutter is not used 
    to cut 5580 ft\2\ or more of the asbestos-containing base flashing 
    or other asbestos-containing material into sections. In addition, 
    the use of methods that slice, shear, punch or pry could then be 
    used to remove the asbestos flashings and not trigger coverage under 
    the NESHAP.
    
    II. Notification
    
        2.1. Notification for a demolition is always required under the 
    NESHAP. However, EPA believes that few roof removal jobs constitute 
    ``demolitions'' as defined in the NESHAP (Sec. 61.141). In 
    particular, it is EPA's view that the removal of roofing systems 
    (i.e., the roof membrane, insulation, surfacing, coatings, 
    flashings, mastic, shingles, and felt underlayment), when such 
    removal is not a part of a demolition project, constitutes a 
    ``renovation'' under the NESHAP. If the operation is a renovation, 
    and Category I roofing material is being removed using either manual 
    methods or slicing, notification is not required by the NESHAP. If 
    Category II material is not friable and will be removed without 
    crumbling, pulverizing, or reducing it to powder, no notification is 
    required. Also, if the renovation involves less than the threshold 
    area for applicability as discussed above, then no notification is 
    required. However, if a roof removal meets the applicability and 
    threshold requirements under the NESHAP, then EPA (or the delegated 
    agency) must be notified in advance of the removal in accordance 
    with the requirements of Sec. 61.145(b), as follows:
         Notification must be given in writing at least 10 
    working days in advance and must include the information in 
    Sec. 61.145(b)(4), except for emergency renovations as discussed 
    below.
         The notice must be updated as necessary, including, for 
    example, when the amount of asbestos-containing roofing material 
    reported changes by 20 percent or more.
         EPA must be notified if the start date of the roof 
    removal changes. If the start date of a roof removal project is 
    changed to an earlier date, EPA must be provided with a written 
    notice of the new start date at least 10 working days in advance. If 
    the start date changes to a later date, EPA must be notified by 
    telephone as soon as possible before the original start date and a 
    written notice must be sent as soon as possible.
         For emergency renovations (as defined in Sec. 61.141), 
    where work must begin immediately to avoid safety or public health 
    hazards, equipment damage, or unreasonable financial burden, the 
    notification must be postmarked or delivered to EPA as soon as 
    possible, but no later than the following work day.
    
    III. Emission Control Practices
    
    A. Requirements to Adequately Wet and Discharge No Visible Emission
    
        3.A.1. The principal controls contained in the NESHAP for 
    removal operations include requirements that the affected material 
    be adequately wetted, and that asbestos waste be handled, collected, 
    and disposed of properly. The requirements for disposal of waste 
    materials are discussed separately in section IV below. The emission 
    control requirements discussed in this section III apply only to 
    roof removal operations that are covered by the NESHAP as set forth 
    in Section I above.
        3.A.2. For any operation subject to the NESHAP, the regulation 
    (Secs. 61.145(c)(2)(i), (3), (6)(i)) requires that RACM be 
    adequately wet (as defined in Sec. 61.141) during the operation that 
    damages or disturbs the asbestos material until collected for 
    disposal.
        3.A.3. When using an RB roof cutter (or any other method that 
    sands, grinds, cuts or abrades the roofing material) to remove 
    Category I asbestos-containing roofing material, the emission 
    control requirements of Sec. 61.145(c) apply as discussed in Section 
    I above. EPA will consider a roof removal project to be in 
    compliance with the ``adequately wet'' and ``discharge no visible 
    emission'' requirements of the NESHAP if the RB roof cutter is 
    equipped and operated with the following: (1) a blade guard that 
    completely encloses the blade and extends down close to the roof 
    surface; and (2) a device for spraying a fine mist of water inside 
    the blade guard, and which device is in operation during the cutting 
    of the roof.
    
    B. Exemptions From Wetting Requirements
    
        3.B.1. The NESHAP provides that, in certain instances, wetting 
    may not be required during the cutting of Category I asbestos 
    roofing material with an RB roof cutter. If EPA determines in 
    accordance with Sec. 61.145(c)(3)(i), that wetting will unavoidably 
    damage the building, equipment inside the building, or will present 
    a safety hazard while stripping the ACM from a facility component 
    that remains in place, the roof removal operation will be exempted 
    from the requirement to wet during cutting. EPA must have sufficient 
    written information on which to base such a decision. Before 
    proceeding with a dry removal, the contractor must have received 
    EPA's written approval. Such exemptions will be made on a case-by-
    case basis.
        3.B.2. It is EPA's view that, in most instances, exemptions from 
    the wetting requirements are not necessary. Where EPA grants an 
    exemption from wetting because of the potential for damage to the 
    building, damage to equipment within the building or a safety 
    hazard, the NESHAP specifies alternative control methods 
    (Sec. 61.145(c)(3)(i)(B)). Alternative control methods include (a) 
    the use of local exhaust ventilation systems that capture the dust, 
    and do not produce visible emissions, or (b) methods that are 
    designed and operated in accordance with the requirements of 
    Sec. 61.152, or (c) other methods that have received the written 
    approval of EPA. EPA will consider an alternative emission control 
    method in compliance with the NESHAP if the method has received 
    written approval from EPA and the method is being implemented 
    consistent with the approved procedures (Sec. 61.145(c)(3)(ii) or 
    Sec. 61.152(b)(3)).
        3.B.3. An exemption from wetting is also allowed when the air or 
    roof surface temperature at the point of wetting is below freezing, 
    as specified in Sec. 61.145(c)(7). If freezing temperatures are 
    indicated as the reason for not wetting, records must be kept of the 
    temperature at the beginning, middle and end of the day on which 
    wetting is not performed and the records of temperature must be 
    retained for at least 2 years. 42 CFR Sec. 61.145(c)(7)(iii). It is 
    EPA's interpretation that in such cases, no written application to, 
    or written approval by the Administrator is needed for using 
    emission control methods listed in Sec. 61.145(c)(3)(i)(B), or 
    alternative emission control methods that have been previously 
    approved by the Administrator. However, such written application or 
    approval is required for alternative emission control methods that 
    have not been previously approved. Any dust and debris collected 
    from cutting must still be kept wet and placed in containers. All of 
    the other requirements for notification and waste disposal would 
    continue to apply as described elsewhere in this notice and the 
    Asbestos NESHAP.
    
    C. Waste Collection and Handling
    
        3.C.1. It is EPA's interpretation that waste resulting from 
    slicing and other methods that do not cut, grind, sand or abrade 
    Category I nonfriable asbestos-containing roofing material is not 
    subject to the NESHAP and can be disposed of as nonasbestos waste. 
    EPA further construes the NESHAP to provide that if Category II 
    roofing material (such as A/C shingles) is removed and disposed of 
    without crumbling, pulverizing, or reducing it to powder, the waste 
    from the removal is not subject to the NESHAP waste disposal 
    requirements. EPA also interprets the NESHAP to be inapplicable to 
    waste resulting from roof removal operations that do not meet or 
    exceed the coverage thresholds described in section I above. Of 
    course, other State, local, or Federal regulations may apply.
        3.C.2. It is EPA's interpretation that when an RB roof cutter, 
    or other method that similarly damages the roofing material, is used 
    to cut Category I asbestos containing roofing material, the damaged 
    material from the cut (the sawdust or debris) is considered asbestos 
    containing waste subject to Sec. 61.150 of the NESHAP, provided the 
    coverage thresholds discussed above in section 1 are met or 
    exceeded. This sawdust or debris must be disposed of at a disposal 
    site operated in accordance with the NESHAP. It is also EPA's 
    interpretation of the NESHAP that if the remainder of the roof is 
    free of the sawdust and debris generated by the cutting, or if such 
    sawdust or debris is collected as discussed below in paragraphs 
    3.C.3, 3.C.4, 3.C.5 and 3.C.6, the remainder of the roof can be 
    disposed of as nonasbestos waste because it is considered to be 
    Category I nonfriable material (as long as the remainder of the roof 
    is in fact nonasbestos material or if it is Category I asbestos 
    material and the removal methods do not further sand, grind, cut or 
    abrade the roof material). EPA further believes that if the roof is 
    not cleaned of such sawdust or debris, i.e., it is contaminated, 
    then it must be treated as asbestos-containing waste material and be 
    handled in accordance with Sec. 61.150.
        3.C.3. In order to be in compliance with the NESHAP while using 
    an RB roof cutter (or device that similarly damages the roofing 
    material) to cut Category I asbestos containing roofing material, 
    the dust and debris resulting from the cutting of the roof should be 
    collected as soon as possible after the cutting operation, and kept 
    wet until collected and placed in leak-tight containers. EPA 
    believes that where the blade guard completely encloses the blade 
    and extends down close to the roof surface and is equipped with a 
    device for spraying a fine mist of water inside the blade guard, and 
    the spraying device is in operation during the cutting, most of the 
    dust and debris from cutting will be confined along the cut. The 
    most efficient methods to collect the dust and debris from cutting 
    are to immediately collect or vacuum up the damaged material where 
    it lies along the cut using a filtered vacuum cleaner or debris 
    collector that meets the requirements of 40 CFR 61.152 to clean up 
    as much of the debris as possible, or to gently sweep up the bulk of 
    the debris, and then use a filtered vacuum cleaner that meets the 
    requirements of 40 CFR 61.152 to clean up as much of the remainder 
    of the debris as possible. On smooth surfaced roofs (nonaggregate 
    roofs), sweeping up the debris and then wet wiping the surface may 
    be done in place of using a filtered vacuum cleaner. It is EPA's 
    view that if these decontamination procedures are followed, the 
    remaining roofing material does not have to be collected and 
    disposed of as asbestos waste. Additionally, it is EPA's view that 
    where such decontamination procedures are followed, if the remaining 
    portions of the roof are non-asbestos or Category I nonfriable 
    asbestos material, and if the remaining portions are removed using 
    removal methods that slice, shear, punch or pry, as discussed in 
    section 1.C above, then the remaining portions do not have to be 
    collected and disposed of as asbestos waste and the NESHAP's no 
    visible emissions and adequately wet requirements are not applicable 
    to the removal of the remaining portions. In EPA's interpretation, 
    the failure of a filtered vacuum cleaner or debris collector to 
    collect larger chunks or pieces of damaged roofing material created 
    by the RB roof cutter does not require the remaining roofing 
    material to be handled and disposed of as asbestos waste, provided 
    that such visible chunks or pieces of roofing material are collected 
    (e.g. by gentle sweeping) and disposed of as asbestos waste. Other 
    methods of decontamination may not be adequate, and should be 
    approved by the local delegated agency.
        3.C.4. In EPA's interpretation, if the debris from the cutting 
    is not collected immediately, it will be necessary to lightly mist 
    the dust or debris, until it is collected, as discussed above, and 
    placed in containers. The dust or debris should be lightly misted 
    frequently enough to prevent the material from drying, and to 
    prevent airborne emissions, prior to collection as described above. 
    It is EPA's interpretation of the NESHAP that if these procedures 
    are followed, the remaining roofing material does not have to be 
    collected and disposed of as asbestos waste, as long as the 
    remaining roof material is in fact nonasbestos material or if it is 
    Category I asbestos material and the removal methods do not further 
    sand, grind, cut or abrade the roof material.
        3.C.5. It is EPA's interpretation that, provided the roofing 
    material is not friable prior to the cutting operation, and provided 
    the roofing material has not been made friable by the cutting 
    operation, the appearance of rough, jagged or damaged edges on the 
    remaining roofing material, due to the use of an RB roof cutter, 
    does not require that such remaining roofing material be handled and 
    disposed of as asbestos waste. In addition, it is also EPA's 
    interpretation that if the sawdust or debris generated by the use of 
    an RB roof cutter has been collected as discussed in paragraphs 
    3.C.3, 3.C.4 and 3.C.6, the presence of dust along the edge of the 
    remaining roof material does not render such material ``friable'' 
    for purposes of this interpretive rule or the NESHAP, provided the 
    roofing material is not friable prior to the cutting operation, and 
    provided that the remaining roofing material near the cutline has 
    not been made friable by the cutting operation. Where roofing 
    material near the cutline has been made friable by the use of the RB 
    cutter (i.e. where such remaining roofing material near the cutline 
    can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder using hand 
    pressure), it is EPA's interpretation that the use of an encapsulant 
    will ensure that such friable material need not be treated or 
    disposed of as asbestos containing waste material. The encapsulant 
    may be applied to the friable material after the roofing material 
    has been collected into stacks for subsequent disposal as 
    nonasbestos waste. It is EPA's view that if the encapsulation 
    procedure set forth in this paragraph is followed in operations 
    where roofing material near the cutline has been rendered friable by 
    the use of an RB roof cutter, and if the decontamination procedures 
    set forth in paragraph 3.C.3 have been followed, the NESHAP's no 
    visible emissions and adequately wet requirements would be met for 
    the removal, handling and disposal of the remaining roofing 
    material.
        3.C.6. As one way to comply with the NESHAP, the dust and debris 
    from cutting can be placed in leak-tight containers, such as plastic 
    bags, and the containers labeled using warning labels required by 
    OSHA (29 CFR 1926.58). In addition, the containers must have labels 
    that identify the waste generator (such as the name of the roofing 
    contractor, abatement contractor, and/or building owner or operator) 
    and the location of the site at which the waste was generated.
    
    IV. Waste Disposal
    
    A. Disposal Requirements
    
        4.A.1. Section 61.150(b) requires that, as soon as is practical, 
    all collected dust and debris from cutting as well as any 
    contaminated roofing squares, must be taken to a landfill that is 
    operated in accordance with Sec. 61.154 or to an EPA-approved site 
    that converts asbestos waste to nonasbestos material in accordance 
    with Sec. 61.155. During the loading and unloading of affected 
    waste, asbestos warning signs must be affixed to the vehicles.
    
    B. Waste Shipment Record
    
        4.B.1. For each load of asbestos waste that is regulated under 
    the NESHAP, a waste shipment record (WSR) must be maintained in 
    accordance with Sec. 61.150(d). Information that must be maintained 
    for each waste load includes the following:
         Name, address, and telephone number of the waste 
    generator
         Name and address of the local, State, or EPA regional 
    office responsible for administering the asbestos NESHAP program
         Quantity of waste in cubic meters (or cubic yards)
         Name and telephone number of the disposal site operator
         Name and physical site location of the disposal site
         Date transported
         Name, address, and telephone number of the 
    transporter(s)
         Certification that the contents meet all government 
    regulations for transport by highways.
        4.B.2. The waste generator is responsible for ensuring that a 
    copy of the WSR is delivered to the disposal site along with the 
    waste shipment. If a copy of the WSR signed by the disposal site 
    operator is not returned to the waste generator within 35 days, the 
    waste generator must contact the transporter and/or the disposal 
    site to determine the status of the waste shipment. 40 CFR 
    61.150(d)(3). If the signed WSR is not received within 45 days, the 
    waste generator must report, in writing, to the responsible NESHAP 
    program agency and send along a copy of the WSR. 40 CFR 
    61.150(d)(4). Copies of WSRs, including those signed by the disposal 
    site operator, must be retained for at least 2 years. 40 CFR 
    61.150(d)(5).
    
    V. Training
    
        5.1. For those roof removals that are subject to the NESHAP, at 
    least one on-site supervisor trained in the provisions of the NESHAP 
    must be present during the removal of the asbestos roofing material. 
    40 CFR 61.145(c)(8). In EPA's view, this person can be a job 
    foreman, a hired consultant, or someone who can represent the 
    building owner or contractor responsible for the removal. In 
    addition to the initial training requirement, a refresher training 
    course is required every 2 years. The NESHAP training requirements 
    became effective on November 20, 1991.
        5.2. Asbestos training courses developed specifically to address 
    compliance with the NESHAP in roofing work, as well as courses 
    developed for other purposes can satisfy this requirement of the 
    NESHAP, as long as the course covers the areas specified in the 
    regulation. EPA believes that Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act 
    (AHERA) training courses will, for example, satisfy the NESHAP 
    training requirements. However, nothing in this interpretive rule or 
    in the NESHAP shall be deemed to require that roofing contractors or 
    roofing workers performing operations covered by the NESHAP must be 
    trained or accredited under AHERA, as amended by the Asbestos School 
    Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA). Likewise, state or 
    local authorities may independently impose additional training, 
    licensing, or accreditation requirements on roofing contractors 
    performing operations covered by the NESHAP, but such additional 
    training, licensing or accreditation is not called for by this 
    interpretive rule or the federal NESHAP.
        5.3. For removal of Category I asbestos containing roofing 
    material where RB roof cutters or equipment that similarly damages 
    the asbestos-containing roofing material are used, the NESHAP 
    training requirements (Sec. 61.145(c)(8)) apply as discussed in 
    Section I above. It is EPA's intention that removal of Category I 
    asbestos-containing roofing material using hatchets, axes, knives, 
    and/or the use of spud bars, pry bars and shovels to lift the 
    roofing material, or similar removal methods that slice, punch, or 
    shear the roof membrane are not subject to the training 
    requirements, since these methods do not cause the roof removal to 
    be subject to the NESHAP. Likewise, it is EPA's intention that roof 
    removal operations involving Category II nonfriable ACM are not 
    subject to the training requirements where such operations are not 
    subject to the NESHAP as discussed in section I above.
    
    [FR Doc. 94-14815 Filed 6-16-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P3
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
06/17/1994
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Interpretive rule.
Document Number:
94-14815
Dates:
June 17, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: June 17, 1994, FRL-4893-5
CFR: (3)
40 CFR 61.145(b)(4)
40 CFR 61.152(b)(3))
40 CFR 61.152