How to Select an Asbestos Abatement Contractor
Asbestos abatement is necessary in older buildings to remove the risk of mesothelioma and other health risks. Building owners should learn how to find and select a certified local asbestos abatement contractor.
For simplicity purposes, the first thing a home or building owner can do is contact the local school district to get a recommendation for a contractor. Schools are primary locations where asbestos abatement takes place due to the potential risks of harm to students. Almost every school district would have had to deal with the issue of asbestos in older school buildings by now.
Each local area also has a building department. That office may have a list of abatement contractors that deal with asbestos abatement.
When selecting a contractor, it is important to make sure such firm or individual has state certification. You will also find that different kinds of certifications exist for the particular duties of the contractor or individual. Individuals typically need a license or certification for asbestos inspection, abatement contracting, and abatement work as an individual worker. For example, Minnesota has an asbestos inspector certificate program.
Some states have a multitude of license types. When you select a contractor, you want to make sure all key personnel are licensed by the governing state licensing agency. For example, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services requires certification for asbestos worker, exterior asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, exterior asbestos supervisor, asbestos project designer, asbestos inspector, and asbestos management planner.
It is very easy to find the state agency tasked with certifying asbestos contractors by using an online search engine or just asking the local building department. Run a search for your state by entering the state's name plus "asbestos certification." You will inevitably find the proper agency.
So when getting a recommendation from a local school or other building owner, you should then contact that state agency to make sure the asbestos abatement contractor has a current certification. Sometimes, contractors may fail to renew their licenses. This could be a problem, so don't just assume that a contractor is current until you check with the certifying agency.
Sources:
Minnesota Department of Health: Asbestos Inspector Certificate
WI Department of Health Services: Asbestos Abatement Contractor and Worker Certification
