Asbestos Removal

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Asbestos Removal

Asbestos Removal Requirements

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a name for several fibrous minerals used in many industrial and building products. Some common uses are:

Insulation on boilers, piping and other mechanical systems.
Fireproofing material in buildings.
Decorative and insulating surfacing materials in buildings.
Acoustical materials and surface treatments.
Automotive and machinery brakes.

Gasket materials.
Roofing felts and tars.
Flooring felts and tiles.
Insulation boards and papers.
Cement shingles, panels, pipes, and ducts.
Electrical insulation boards and wire insulation.

For more information on asbestos and asbestos products, see the EPA asbestos home page.

The US EPA has banned many asbestos products. Asbestos products still found on the market include brakes and other friction products, gasket materials, and roofing materials.

Asbestos hazards

Asbestos has been widely used in many building products because of its tensile strength and chemical and thermal resistance.

However, asbestos is extremely hazardous to workers handling it and to others in the area when it gets into the air and is inhaled. Asbestos is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Because of this hazard, laws have been enacted to prevent asbestos exposures. They include these requirements:

Fines

State law specifies a minimum $250 per day fine for failure to obtain an asbestos report. This fine can be applied to both the contractor and building owner. Additional fines may be applied if workers are exposed to airborne asbestos.

Building owners must have their buildings inspected for asbestos before construction, renovation and demolition activities. Find out more ...
Construction contractors - Disturbing asbestos materials during construction is a serious hazard. Before bidding or starting any construction work, they must obtain a written asbestos report from the building owner or owner's agent. Find out more ...
Asbestos abatement (removal) contractors — anyone handling or removing asbestos in Washington.
- Must be certified. Find out more ...
- Must also notify L&I of any asbestos abatement projects they are going to work on 10 days prior to starting. Notify L&I of your asbestos projects.

Note to Homeowners:

If you are working on your own residence and it is not used for commercial purposes, then you are exempt from these requirements. However, you must provide information to contractors and other workers you bring in to work on your house. If you need asbestos assistance, call 360-902-5435.