Do I need an asbestos test for my project?

According to state and federal law, most likely. Washington State requires a “Good Faith Inspection” prior to any construction, renovation, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition projects.

What is a “Good Faith Inspection"?

A good faith inspection is a thorough effort to identify whether any of the materials that will be disturbed by a construction project contain asbestos before the work begins. These inspections must be conducted by an accredited inspector, such as an AHERA Building Inspector.

Where do I find an AHERA Certified Building Inspector?

At Down Home Restoration, we have two on staff, ready to help.

Hasn’t asbestos already been banned?

No. Asbestos is not banned. Materials made and used today may still contain asbestos.

Informational Links:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (WA LnI):

“Prior to conducting any construction, renovation, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition projects, verify that the building materials that will be impacted do not contain asbestos. As a homeowner, building owner, or a property manager acting as the owner’s agent you are responsible for conducting a good faith inspection and providing the information to your contractor.”

“Asbestos has not been banned and can still be found in new building products and materials. Even buildings built recently can have asbestos-containing materials.”

“You can be fined $600 a day for work performed without having an AHERA Building Inspector test for asbestos, or for not sharing the results of the inspection with any contractors and workers that could be exposed. This fine can be applied to both contractors and building owners.”

United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

”Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and its use is now highly regulated by both OSHA and EPA. Asbestos fibers associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye.”

United States Department of Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA):

“Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling.”

Chelan County Solid Waste Management:

“If you are a homeowner, landlord, contractor, property manager, etc., involved directly or indirectly in altering a structure in any way, regardless of its age, your project is subject to asbestos regulations.”

Washington State Department of Ecology (WA DOE):

“Asbestos exposure can occur when asbestos is released into the air. This can happen when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed through: Construction and Demolition.”

Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH):

“While most products made today don't contain asbestos, there are many which still might. Testing may be the only way to know if a product contains asbestos.”

“Unless it is labeled, you can't tell whether material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. Taking samples yourself isn't recommended.”

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (CAA): Note that Puget Sound CAA does not pertain directly to our area, but they have some great information. Anything they mention as Federal or State law still applies to our region.

“Asbestos is classified as a hazardous air pollutant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is the reason why demolition and renovation projects must comply with certain asbestos requirements before they begin.”

From FAQ Page: “Nearly every building material has historically contained asbestos. Asbestos was used in over 3000 building products.”