Professional Asbestos Sampling, Removal, or Repair

You can use a profession asbestos contractor for both sampling potential materials for testing and also for repairing/replacing asbestos. To avoid conflict of interest, we'd recommend being upfront with contractors that you plan to use different contractors for testing than you will use for repairing or replacing...

Selecting a Professional Contractor to Sample a Material for Asbestos

The federal government (and many state governments) have approved training programs that certify professional contractors for handling asbestos. Most home repair or remodeling contractors do not have certification or certified workers nor are they equipped to work with asbestos safely--they won't take proper precautions and will spread asbestos fibers throughout your home or office, endangering your family or employees. When interviewing potential contractors:

• ask for certification documentation for such a state or federally-approved asbestos training program
• ask for references for prior jobs and talk to those customers to see if they were pleased with the work
• make sure you fully understand the services, procedures, precautions, and work required before you start. For example, often REPAIRING the asbestos is less costly and much safer than removing the asbestos
• find out from the Better Business Bureau or a local environmental or worker safety agency if they have received complaints about or found violations of regulations by the prospective firm. In some areas, an asbestos contractors' association provides a referral service, which may also be useful to you. Remember, as the owner of the property, you are responsible for the safe disposal at an approved landfill, even if you have hired someone to do the work for you.

Safety Precautions

We' be concerned if any certified professional asbestos contractor did not already take these precautions, but make sure:

• the rooms and extended work area is clearly marked as off-limits and hazardous
• keep household members and pets or employees away from the area until the work is completed
• be sure that your contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of the home
• the air conditioning/heating/ventilation system should be turned off to prevent spreading the fibers throughout the building
   
• In addition to the precautions we recommended on the self-sample page, the contractor should use wet mops, rags or sponges to clean the area. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners can also be used. Professional asbestos contractor will have a HEPA vacuum, a negative pressure air machine, approved respirators, disposable clothing, and a supply of glove bags and miscellaneous tools for the asbestos removal and the cleaning of the room. Provision also will be made for taking air samples to insure that the area is clean after completion of the work.