The Department of Health has regulatory oversight of New York State accredited asbestos safety training providers. Part of the Bureau of Occupational Health, the Asbestos Safety Training Program regulates specific training courses in nine disciplines that involve the handling, evaluation, sampling and removal of asbestos containing materials. The program reviews applications for entities applying to become a New York State Department of Health accredited asbestos safety training provider, and audits and oversees existing providers to ensure compliance with the requirements established in 10 NYCRR Part 73.
In New York State, certification is a two-step process. To work with asbestos you must:
Also, when engaged in asbestos work activities you must be working for a New York State Department of Labor licensed asbestos contractor.
You need to read and complete the Asbestos Safety Training Equivalency/Reciprocity Application (DOH-4353). This application is for out of state trainees who seek a determination that their training is substantially equivalent to that required by 10 NYCRR, Part 73. If approved, out-of-state applicants will need to complete a New York State refresher course.
The New York State Health Department approved asbestos training course schedule is updated regularly and available on the web.
Asbestos workers must keep their training current by completing annual refresher training. Training is specific to each discipline and valid for one calendar year regardless of the expiration date on your New York State Department of Labor certificate or "hard card". Once your training expires, you are in a grace period and cannot be actively engaged in asbestos work. You have a one-year grace period after your training expires in which to complete refresher training. Once your grace period expires (exactly two calendar years from the date of your last training course completion date), you are no longer eligible to complete refresher training and must repeat an initial course of training.
Yes, asbestos companies and contractors must be licensed through the New York State Department of Labor Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit.
You must complete annual refresher training at a New York State Department of Health accredited asbestos safety training provider. After completing training, you must renew your certification with the Department of Labor Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit.
In addition, New York City Department of Environmental Protection certified asbestos investigators, like all disciplines, must complete annual refresher training, regardless of the expiration date of their New York City Department of Environmental Protection or New York State Department of Labor certifications. This policy is outlined in the Asbestos Safety Training Program Memorandum 2009-01.
There are nine separate and distinct disciplines in New York State. Each has a specific set of training requirements.