ASBESTOS:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

RENOVATING? DEMOLISHING?

RENTALS, PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

 

THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) AND YOUR STATE HAVE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS WHERE RENOVATION OR DEMOLITION ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE.

• Prior to the renovation or demolition there must be an inspection for suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACM).

• This applies only in public buildings and facilities, and only in those areas which will be disturbed by either the renovation or demolition.

• This inspection must be conducted by a State/Tribal certified asbestos inspector.

UNDER THE LAW, BOTH THE BUILDING OWNER AND CONTRACTOR ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THE INSPECTION HAS BEEN CONDUCTED PRIOR TO THE RENOVATION OR DEMOLITION.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE INSPECTOR FINDS ACM IN THE BUILDING?

• The ACM must be removed by a State/Tribal certified abatement contractor prior to the renovation or demolition.

• The abatement contractor will have to notify your State and the U.S. EPA prior to the abatement and obtain a project permit from the State.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE INSPECTOR DOES NOT FIND ACM IN THE BUILDING?

• RENOVATION - You proceed with your project.

• DEMOLITION - You must notify EPA and your State 10 working days prior to the demolition starting.

ARE THERE ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIALS WHICH A GENERAL CONTRACTOR CAN REMOVE?

Some ACM’s pose less of a health risk because they do not release fibers easily unless chipped, ground, sanded, sawed, drilled, abraded etc. These materials include:

DOES AN INSPECTOR HAVE TO SAMPLE THESE MATERIALS?

• No, You can sample the materials listed above using your State’s guidelines.

• These materials do have to be removed prior to the renovation or demolition but the building owner or general contractor can do this.

• There are work standards and disposal requirements for these materials.

SAMPLE LIST OF SUSPECT ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS

This list does not include every product or material that may contain asbestos.

• Cement Pipes • Cement Wallboard • Cement Siding • Asphalt Floor Tile • Vinyl Floor Tile • Vinyl Sheet Flooring • Flooring Backing • Construction Mastics • Acoustical Plaster • Decorative Plaster • Textured Paints/Coatings • Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels • Spray-Applied Insulation • Exterior Asbestos Cement Siding • Exterior Asbestos Roofing Materials

• Fireproofing Materials • Taping Compounds (thermal) • Packing Materials (walls/floors) • High Temperature Gaskets • Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops • Laboratory Gloves • Fire Blankets • Fire Curtains • Elevator Equipment Panels • Elevator Brake Shoes • HVAC Duct Insulation • Boiler Insulation • Breeching Insulation

• Ductwork Flexible fabric • Pipe Insulation • Heating and Electrical Ducts • Electrical Cloth Insulation • Chalkboards • Roofing Shingles/Felt/Flashing • Thermal Paper Products • Fire Doors • Caulking/Putties • Adhesives • Joint Compounds • Vinyl Wall Coverings • Spackling Compounds • Exterior Asbestos Transite Board • Exterior Asbestos Cement Piping • Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tile and Mastic’s