Ensuring Compliance in Florida: Asbestos Worker Training Requirements for Utilities

As a risk or safety manager at a Florida utility, understanding and complying with asbestos regulations is essential to protecting workers from exposure and reducing liability through proper training. OSHA’s asbestos regulations apply specifically to privately owned companies and unlike states with OSHA-approved programs, Florida lacks a state OSHA program. As a result, public employees—including those in state and local government agencies, public utilities, and schools—are not covered by federal OSHA regulations.

However, the EPA Worker Protection Rule fills this gap by extending OSHA’s asbestos standards to employees of public entities. This ensures that public employees receive the same level of protection as private-sector workers covered under Federal OSHA regulations. If your utility workers come into contact with and disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)—including asbestos-cement transite pipe—it is critical to understand how this rule applies to your operations.

WHO DOES OSHA AND THE EPA WORKER PROTECTION RULE COVER IN FLORIDA?

The EPA enforces OSHA’s asbestos standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) for employees of:

• • State agencies
• • Counties and Cities
• • Public utilities
• • Public schools and universities
• • Other publicly funded entities

ASBESTOS-CEMENT “TRANSITE” PIPE OPERATIONS

Working with asbestos-cement transite pipe is classified as a Class II operation or a Class III maintenance operation under OSHA’s asbestos standard, depending upon the amount and intent of the operation. Nevertheless, specific safety measures, reflected in the correct levels of training must be followed when working with ACM and causing it to be disturbed. As defined by OSHA, disturbance means activities that “disrupt the matrix of the ACM …, crumble, or pulverize ACM … or generate visible debris from ACM…”. Other operations that could disturb the ACM and cause the asbestos fibers to be released from its matrix and become airborne can also include, cutting, sawing, drilling, abrading or other similar aggressive activities.

A key requirement in minimizing worker exposure is having a Competent Person overseeing the project. This individual must be properly trained to identify and control asbestos hazards on-site.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE

The pivotal concept that defines the level of training by both OSHA, and by adoption, the Worker Protection Rule is whether the ACM is being disturbed. Class II and Class III ACM activities assume that the materials are being disturbed with the subsequent release of asbestos fibers becoming airborne. Workers handling asbestos may also be doing so as a Class IV operation, however, OSHA defines this as “Class IV asbestos work means maintenance and custodial activities during which employees CONTACT BUT DO NOT DISTURB ACM…”

To comply with regulations and protect workers from exposure caused by the disturbance and release of airborne asbestos fibers, the following training courses, with the OSHA-required hands-on components, are recognized as being compliant:

For workers disturbing asbestos-cement transite pipe:

• • Asbestos: Cement Piping (Class II) – 8-hour course*
• • Asbestos Refresher: Cement Piping (Class II) – 4-hour course*

*This level of training would be the same with just one or multiple ACMs and its corresponding operations.

For Contractor/Supervisors (Competent Person training) on projects where asbestos-cement transite pipe is being disturbed:

• • Asbestos: Contractor/Supervisor Initial course – 40 hours*
• • Asbestos: Contractor/Supervisor Refresher course – 8 hours*

*This level of training would be the same with just one or multiple ACMs and its corresponding operations.

OSHA mandates that training for work involving disturbed asbestos-cement transite pipe includes a hands-on component. A two-hour training without hands-on instruction is only applicable under OSHA regulations if the asbestos-cement pipe remains undisturbed.

WHY COMPLIANCE MATTERS

Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in:

• ❌ Increased health risks – Asbestos exposure can cause lung diseases, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
• ❌ Regulatory penalties – The EPA enforces OSHA standards for public sector employees in Florida, meaning violations can lead to fines and legal consequences.
• ❌ Project delays and legal liabilities – Non-compliance can result in halted projects, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Ensuring that all workers and supervisors receive the required training not only protects your workforce but also helps your organization meet legal and safety obligations.

TAKE ACTION

If your utility company works with asbestos-cement transite pipe, it’s essential to verify that your employees are properly trained and compliant with the EPA Worker Protection Rule.

The University of Florida TREEO Center offers:

• ✅ Asbestos: Cement Pipe and Contractor/Supervisor training
• ✅ On-site training options for utilities and municipalities
• ✅ Experienced instructors who provide hands-on learning

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To schedule training or learn more, contact:

Melissa Hamilton
📧 melissajhamilton@treeo.ufl.edu
📞 352-294-3879

Stay compliant. Protect your workforce. Get trained today.