Asbestos Certification/Demolition

The regulations require a responsible party (contractor, property owner, consultant, etc.) to submit a 10-day notification to the appropriate agency prior to disturbing any regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) or beginning demolition for any of the following situations:

1. A renovation project with at least 260 linear ft or 160 square ft or 35 cubic ft of RACM is to be removed.
2. A demolition project with or without asbestos-containing material (ACM)
3. A residential structure will be burned for fire training (requires Departmental approval)

What is RACM?

It is any material that has greater than 1% asbestos by weight and includes friable and nonfriable forms. (“Friable” means that it can be crushed to powder by hand pressure.) RACM can include: (1) Friable ACM, such as pipe and elbow insulation, storage vessel insulation, and spray-applied applications such as fireproofing, soundproofing, or decoration. (2) Category I nonfriable ACM such as vinyl floor tile and mastic, asphalt roofing products, gaskets and packing which have become friable or will be subject to sanding, grinding, cutting or abrading. Please be aware that some older sheet vinyl (linoleum) has an asbestos-containing felt backing which can turn to powder (become friable) under certain circumstances. You must be careful with it. (3) Category II nonfriable ACM such as transite and cementitious siding or roofing which have a high probability of becoming crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder during renovation or demolition activities.

What Additional Regulatory Requirements Apply?

All regulated structures must be surveyed by an Alabama Accredited Asbestos Inspector before renovation or demolition or burning for training. Friable and Category II nonfriable ACM must be removed from a structure before demolishing it. Category I nonfriable ACM can usually be left in the structure during demolition, if no materials are going to be recycled. Friable ACM must be wetted before, during and after removal until soaked through. It should be containerized while wet and properly labeled. Friable ACM must be disposed of as special waste, regardless of amount. Nonfriable ACM can usually be disposed of as general or construction waste. It is best to check with the landfill or waste hauler first. Removed Category II nonfriable ACM must be disposed of separately. RACM must be removed by an ADEM Certified Asbestos Abatement Contractor. (NOTE: All ACM must be removed from a structure before burning for training.)

Are There Exemptions?

 Privately owned residential buildings of 4 or less units that remain residential property are exempt from asbestos regulations, but they must comply with State Solid Waste Regulations (Division 14). This residential exemption can put homeowners at risk! This exemption does not apply to a residential property that is part of a larger project.

Jefferson County:

Jefferson County Health Department – Air and Radiation Protection Division

https://www.jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/EnvironmentalHealth/Air-RadiationProtectionDivision/Asbestos.aspx

City of Huntsville:

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/business/licensing-permits/environment-licenses/asbestos-demolition-and-renovation-permits/

All Other Areas of Alabama: