The Asbestos Contractors' Registration Unit (ACRU) operates under a state legislative mandate to register contractors and other employers who perform asbestos-related work. The requirement applies when such work involves 100 sq. ft. or more of asbestos-containing construction materials that have an asbestos content of more than 0.1%. The ACRU evaluates applications for initial and renewal registration, takes administrative action to discipline registrants, assists Cal/OSHA Enforcement District Office compliance efforts and provides information to the public, employees, employers and other governmental agencies.
Contact the ACRU to obtain asbestos registration information and application materials, to get information about asbestos removal regulations and to ask questions about contractor actions. The ACRU does not recommend specific asbestos removal contractors or take official complaints relating to employee-exposure. If you wish to contact us you can do so, at the following address;
1750 Howe Avenue, Suite 460
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone (916) 574-2993
Certification Requirements, Certification Search
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health maintains a list of individuals who are certified to practice as Asbestos Consultants or Site Surveillance Technicians. The status of any individual whose name does not appear on the list may be verified by email at ACTU@dir.ca.gov. Certification is required by Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Article 2.6, Section 341.15 for individuals who contract to provide health and safety services for asbestos-related work (projects involving more than 100 square feet of asbestos-containing construction material).
A fillable pdf examination application packet is available that describes the requirements for an individual to become certified. Note that your application will be received more quickly if you mail it to:
The examinations described in the application packet are given monthly online. The exam schedule shows the week in which the currently scheduled online examinations will be given and should be used when requesting a re-examination or to reschedule an examination.
Certification is valid for a period of one year. To renew your certification, complete the renewal request form. If applicable, a frespiratory protection declination form 5144 must be submitted on a one-time basis and does not need to be resubmitted every year. The completed form(s) must be submitted to the Division along with the specified attachments at least sixty days before certification expires. See the renewal fact sheet for important information about the renewal process
Building owners/homeowners should verify consultant qualifications by observing both the photo identification card issued by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health and also the required U.S. EPA AHERA refresher training certificates. Note that Asbestos Consultants must maintain current accreditation as a Building Inspector, Contractor/Supervisor, Project Designer, and Management Planner. Site Surveillance Technicians must be current as a Building Inspector and Contractor/Supervisor. Both the photo identification card and the training certificates display expiration dates; individuals are not permitted to act as Consultants or Technicians after any of the documents have expired.
People who are involved in dealing with building materials that contain asbestos must be trained according to U.S. EPA requirements found in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The Business and Professions Code in California requires the same type of training as part of the process for becoming a certified asbestos consultant. Five separate "disciplines"; are defined in connection with this asbestos training: Worker, contractor/supervisor, building inspector, management planner, and project designer. To stay current in any of these disciplines, an individual must follow the initial course with annual refresher training. The content and duration for each course are specified in the AHERA model accreditation plan (MAP).
Also according to AHERA requirements, training providers who conduct the training must be approved. Title 8 CCR section 341.16, "Approval of Asbestos Training and Course Providers for Training Requirements Relating to Asbestos-Related Work and AHERA", is the regulation which establishes the asbestos training course approval process in California. It is based on the EPA MAP, and is administered by the Asbestos Consultant and Trainer Approval Unit in the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
According to the regulation, any training course provider who offers this training in California must submit an application to the division; even trainers approved elsewhere must have division approval to teach in California. Course providers must show that their instructors meet experience requirements; they must provide a course outline, copies of training materials, and a list of equipment available for use in hands-on instruction. In addition, they must keep the division informed of dates, times, and locations for each course offering. Examinations are required for the initial courses in each discipline. Every successful trainee must be issued a certificate showing the expiration date and the course approval number issued to the course provider by the division.
Trainers may seek approval in any or all of the disciplines, for both initial and refresher courses. A separate application must be submitted for each course. The division approves courses taught in Spanish as well as English. The division must inform an applicant within fifteen working days whether or not a submitted application is complete, and within 60 working days whether or not a course is approved once the application is determined to be complete. For a current list of California approved training providers, see Approved Asbestos Trainers and Courses.
The regulation also requires that trainers provide a list of successful trainees to the Division after each course. This information is used to maintain a roster of individuals who have received a certificate in any of the asbestos disciplines from an approved trainer.
Training approval is also available from the division for asbestos cement (AC) pipe courses. The regulatory requirements on how to apply for AC pipe trainer approval are found in Title 8 CCR section 341.17.
Finally, approved trainers must permit the division to attend any course covered by the regulation for the purpose of auditing against requirements of the regulation.
For more information or to obtain applications, contact the Asbestos Consultant and Trainer Approval Unit at (916) 574-2993 or by email at ACTU@dir.ca.gov
August 2020
Occupational Health and Safety Resources
Consumer-Related Resources
Environmental Resources
1. Asbestos air quality/environmental complaints and regulatory information:
Local Air Quality Districts. These districts (with some exceptions) are delegated by the EPA to enforce the NESHAPS regulations on renovation and demolition. They require pre-job reporting and inspect asbestos removal work sites for environmental compliance.
California State Air Resources Board. Look for information on asbestos under "Air Toxins Programs." - For information call (800) 272-4572. For their complaint hotline call (800) 952-5588.
2. Hazardous waste transportation, treatment, storage and disposal:
Toxic Substances Control Department, Cal/EPA, State of California. Look at "About DTSC" and contact the Regional Duty Officer or other offices. For information, call the Hazardous Waste Hotline at (916) 323-6042. For illegal dumping or handling of hazardous waste, call (800) 698-6942.
3. Non-hazardous waste disposal information:
Integrated Waste Management Board, Cal/EPA, State of California. Or call (916) 255-2200.
4. Compliance history, air quality/waste regulations, complaints and general asbestos information from Environmental Protection Agency. U.S. EPA Region 9 enforces the ASHARA and NESHAPS regulations directly or delegates authority. Call (415) 744-1122, for the Regional Asbestos (ASHARA) Coordinator, and 415-744-1145, for the NESHAPS Coordinator.
The Asbestos Ombudsman Clearinghouse/Hotline, (800) 368-5888 provides general asbestos information to the public. Operated by EPA's Small Business Ombudsman's Office, it also assists small businesses in complying with EPA regulations.
5. Permits, Public Health Complaints & Household Hazardous Waste Disposal:
Publications
Can also be obtained from the National Technical Information Service at (800) 553-6847. The NTIS Order Number is PB91-145920INZ. The cost is $28.50
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