What are the main categories of asbestos abatement work?

• A. Class I: removal of friable ACM; Class II: removal of nonfriable ACM that could become friable; Class III: repair/maintenance of ACM; Class IV: housekeeping tasks where ACM is present but not disturbed.
• B. Class II: removal of nonfriable ACM that could become friable; Class I: removal of friable ACM; Class III: repair/maintenance of ACM; Class IV: housekeeping tasks where ACM is present but not disturbed.
• C. Class I: ACM testing; Class II: labeling; Class III: training; Class IV: medical surveillance.
• D. Class I: minor cleanup; Class II: major cleanup; Class III: nuisance removal; Class IV: none.

Answer: (A)

The main concept is organizing asbestos abatement work by how likely it is to disturb the material and release fibers, which determines the precautions and methods used. Removal of friable ACM covers materials that can crumble and release fibers easily, so they require the most stringent containment and removal procedures. Removal of nonfriable ACM that could become friable during work includes materials that aren’t easily crumbled in place but could become hazardous if damaged during removal, so protections are still strict but tailored to the potential for becoming friable. Repair and maintenance of ACM involves activities that disturb the material to fix or maintain it, which can release fibers, so controlled conditions and protective measures are needed. Housekeeping tasks where ACM is present but not disturbed involve cleaning or waste handling that should not disrupt the material, but still require precautions to prevent accidental disturbance.

Other options don’t align with this risk-based framework, mixing in administrative or non-abatement tasks or swapping categories, which isn’t how abatement work is classified.