Frequently asked asbestos questions

If I am asbestos certified in another state can I do work in California?

Yes as long as you take a Cal/OSHA approved 8-hour refresher class in California prior to doing any work.

Do I have to take an 8-hour refresher class every year?

Yes, you must be current to do any work. If you wait two years you will have to take the initial class over again.

How can I find out where to take the Asbestos training?

You can go to Cal/OSHA web site www.dir.ca.gov and see the list of approved training providers.

Do I have to add anything to my contractor’s license to do asbestos work in California?

Yes, you have to add the ASB designation to your contractor’s license and submit an asbestos standard operating policy to the DOSH ACRU. Check the Frequently Asked DOSH ACRU Questions at DNA Industrial Hygiene.

If I have my certification as an asbestos worker can I become a supervisor by going to training for only one more day?

No, you have to take the entire Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor initial training.

If I am trained as an Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor can I do the work?

Yes, if you have an Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor certification, but if you have the Asbestos Worker training you cannot be the Supervisor on the job.

As a maintenance worker, what type of training do I need?

Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (16 hours). This will allow you to remove up to a glove bag full.

Who needs asbestos awareness training?

Anyone working in a building that has been determined to have asbestos containing material. For example cleaning staff, building maintenance, or building engineering.

Frequently asked Lead Based Paint questions –

If I am doing lead abatement in a state owned building, do I have to be certified?

Yes, if you are doing work in a building where children may be present you have to be certified by a DHS approved school.

Do I have to take continuing education training every year?

No, you only have to have continuing education every other year, but you have to send $75 to the Dept. of Health Services every year on your birthday.

How can I find out where to take lead based paint training?

You can go to DHS’s web site www.dhs.ca.gov/childlead and see the list of approved training providers.

Who has to take the state exam in order to become certified?

Everyone except the worker. You can go to www.cps.ca.gov and get the details.

Can I take the Supervisor state exam in Spanish?

Yes, this is just new.

Do I have to fill out an application for my renewal?

Yes, the DHS license expires on your birthday, so apply before your birthday.

What do I do if I have lost my DHS card?

Send a letter to DHS’s certification unit and request another card.