Following State and Federal Regulations for Asbestos Removal
When attempting to perform a do-it-yourself asbestos abatement project, there are many laws and regulations that need to be followed at the state and federal level. There are many laws that can potentially be broken if the proper procedures and guidelines are not followed through the abatement process. Unfortunately, current federal regulations have made it nearly impossible for do-it-yourselfers. Harsh policies force people who wish to remove the asbestos by themselves to hire a professional to lessen legal responsibility for their actions. If not regulated properly, you may be at risk for governmental investigations, criminal charges and hefty fines.
There are different instances that require specific permits and ways to remove the asbestos. Before beginning the abatement process, you must apply and receive all the necessary permits that your area requires. In the application process, you have to describe the location of the asbestos (where it is in the home), approximately how much you will be removing and specify the working conditions that you will be under. The larger the amount of asbestos the more questionable it is for agencies to approve your project. They may require that a professional company come in and help with the process because the removal may be too extensive for just a couple of workers. Permits tend to be required when the amount of asbestos reaches a 'trigger level' that exceeds normal amounts. Again, these regulations differ from state to state so be sure to do your research on the paperwork for legal purposes.
Forms can be mailed to your home after contacting the specified agency. Some documents have also been placed online in printable versions to save time. The legal documents that are necessary in any routine abatement process include the following: asbestos abatement notification form, asbestos variance request form, project manager waiver form, and a compliance checklist. Depending on the family size, the area of demolition or renovation, there could be other necessary paperwork to fill out and be approved. Some states even require a training session that shows how to remove certain types of asbestos. This, again, varies from state to state. In an effort to answer specific questions about home abatement, resources are available on the internet and directly through abatement agencies. If in doubt, or if you feel overwhelmed with the process, do not hesitate to contact a professional company to assist in abatement measures. In either case, it is important to follow the mandated policies and regulations determined by the state and federal government to avoid legal complications.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
