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Florida Asbestos Certification

What is Asbestos Certification in Florida

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber and was, at one time, a popular construction material due to its famed heat and chemical resistance. However, Asbestos-containing materials constitute a significant health risk when released into the atmosphere. Hence, the state enacted Florida's mesothelioma and asbestos laws to regulate asbestos use within state limits. Asbestos-related conditions usually include cancers of the lungs and chest and mesothelioma.

Given the risks involved in handling asbestos, its inspection, and removal, Asbestos handlers in Florida require certification. This certification ensures that only qualified professionals handle asbestos during construction or renovation.

In Florida, asbestos certification and training are fundamental. The state operates established institutes and centers where persons interested in asbestos-related fields, such as supervisors, building inspectors, asbestos abatement workers, management planners, and many more, can go for initial and refresher courses on asbestos handling related issues.

There are two types of training on asbestos handling: the initial and refresher courses. The initial asbestos handling course takes place in the classroom to avoid all forms of distractions. This initial course allows individuals to learn face-to-face from a qualified instructor. On the other hand, the refresher course can be online or in-person to accommodate the needs and schedule of each student. All refresher classes require a valid initial certification. Besides, this asbestos certification comes at a cost that depends on the institute or center, type of certification, that is, initial or refresher, and the area the individual desires certification. In the long run, these factors influence the duration of the certification course.

How to Get Florida Asbestos Certification?

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, asbestos licensing unit, handles asbestos licensing and certification. The asbestos licensing and certification are governed by chapter 469 of the Florida statutes and rule 61E1 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Individuals who aspire to be asbestos certified professionals can take the initial asbestos training courses leading to certification as asbestos abatement workers, management planners, building inspectors, and asbestos supervisors. However, higher certification and licensure that can lead to asbestos contractors and consultants are available in Florida.

Anyone who desires licensure as an asbestos contractor in Florida must complete a five-day contractor/supervisor course and a three-day respiratory protection course. The individual also must handle at least ten asbestos projects in the last five years and pass the asbestos contractor's examination in Florida. These projects must include the following:

  • At least two asbestos surveys.
  • At least development of operation and maintenance plans.
  • At least two abatement and supervision projects.
  • At least two designing abatement projects.

Notably, the project owners must verify and notarize these ten projects.

Similarly, persons who aspire to become asbestos consultants in Florida must pass the state asbestos consultant's examination and meet one of the following requirements.

  • Hold a current and active Florida license as a professional geologist, architect, or engineer.
  • Be a diplomat of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
  • Be designated as a certified safety professional by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Aside from any of the qualifications above, individuals must show satisfactory completion of the following courses.

  • A three-day inspector course.
  • A three-day project designer course.
  • A three-day respiratory protection course.
  • A two-day management planning course.

Like the asbestos contractor professional, an individual who desires to be an asbestos consultant must complete at least ten asbestos projects in the last five years.

It should be noted that the state of Florida-approved training providers must verify the training courses that the individuals completed, and such individuals must submit the verified document with the application form. Individuals can obtain this application form for the Florida asbestos license from the asbestos licensing unit website.

Precisely, the state's examinations for contractors and consultants are computer-based, and this examination is offered daily in 15 Pearson VUE locations across Florida State. Individuals can contact the examination provider at (800) 274-8920 or through the organization's website. Individuals should note that the examination comes with a fee. The initial examination fees for both consultant and contractor cadres are $340.

What Do Asbestos Inspectors Do in Florida?

An asbestos inspector is a professional who is trained to handle asbestos-containing materials. In Florida, the asbestos inspector carries out many responsibilities. This entails inspecting and sampling suspected materials containing asbestos for analysis. The asbestos inspector tests the collected samples in an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory. After the investigation, the inspector writes a report on the laboratory test result. Hence, the asbestos inspector will recommend the necessary steps based on the outcome. This recommendation can be a renovation or demolition. The asbestos inspector will contact the licensing unit of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for the list of accredited laboratories.

While inspecting and sampling suspected asbestos materials, the asbestos inspector ensures strict compliance with safety procedures so that asbestos fibers are not released into the atmosphere. Likewise, the asbestos inspector ensures that professionals carefully clear the surrounding after the renovation exercise, following safety procedures.

However, like other asbestos professionals in Florida, asbestos inspectors require refresher classes to continue practicing yearly.

How to Become an Asbestos Surveyor in Florida?

An asbestos surveyor is a professional who inspects buildings and collects samples for analysis to determine the presence of asbestos. The asbestos surveyor carries out the following roles.

  • An asbestos surveyor conducts tests and gives recommendations concerning removing asbestos-containing materials before demolition or renovation activities.
  • An asbestos surveyor compiles survey reports rooted in their observations and laboratory analysis findings.
  • An asbestos surveyor conducts risk assessments and supervises the safe disposal of contaminated items and samples.

In a way, asbestos surveyors carry out some responsibilities of the asbestos inspectors based on the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986. However, it should be noted that an asbestos surveyor works under the direction and supervision of a licensed asbestos consultant.

There are several avenues an individual can go through to become an asbestos surveyor in Florida. These pathways are through apprenticeship, getting on-the-job training, or completing a university degree. Specifically, there are qualification requirements for each avenue.

  1. University degree route: Individuals can study for a degree in surveying, construction, or engineering. After graduation, the individual can take the initial certification course to become an asbestos surveyor. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licensing unit can help with the list of certified training providers for the initial certification course for asbestos professionals in Florida.
  2. Apprenticeship route: Individuals taking this path can decide on an apprenticeship with a surveying company. After the apprenticeship period, such individuals can start as surveying technicians. Then, the individual can take the initial certification course for asbestos professionals. In Florida, apprenticeship is open to anyone from the age of 16. As an apprentice, individuals can have the opportunity to learn both principles and practices of the profession by working under qualified professionals.
  3. Work experience route: An individual can decide to join a company or work with a relative who works as a surveyor or specifically an asbestos surveyor to gather work experience on asbestos handling. Usually, individuals work with certified professionals.

Online Asbestos Certification in Florida

Asbestos certification in Florida follows the specifications set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (BPR) licensing unit. Anyone who wishes to practice as an asbestos professional must take the initial certification courses from accredited training providers and take the refresher training courses within the stipulated time frame set by the licensing unit. All these courses align with the AHERA Model Accreditation Plan (MAP).

Most of these training providers offer online courses leading to certifications in asbestos handling. Categorically, most of the refresher courses are online, and the courses consist of presentations, exercises, self-assessment questions, and a final exam.

It should be noted that anyone considering online certification must be computer literate and familiar with Personal Computer-based systems necessary for online courses participation. However, each training provider has stipulated fees, time frame, and regulations governing asbestos-related issues' online certification.

How Long are Asbestos Certificates Valid for in Florida?

Asbestos certificates in Florida are valid for two years. Trained individuals in asbestos handling are expected to take a refresher course for a recertification every two years. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation website provides more information about the refresher courses and accredited training providers.

Asbestos Certificate Renewal in Florida

Certificate renewal for asbestos professionals is carried out every two years. In practice, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will send a renewal notice to a practicing professional 90 days before their license expiration. Therefore, the professional will visit the licensing unit website to activate their account and pay the required renewal fee of $155. Additionally, individuals can make electronic renewal payments by reaching out to the Customer Contact Center at (850) 487-1395. Also, such professionals can send their renewal notice and payment to:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 BlairStone Road Tallahassee
FL 32399-0783

It should be noted that certificate or licensure renewal cannot be processed until there is evidence of completing the required refresher courses for each cadre of professionals.

However, asbestos professionals should note that if the department fails to send them a notification of renewal, such professionals are still expected to renew their license by the deadline date written on their certificate to continue practicing within the state of Florida.