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500 copies of this public document were published at an estimated cost of $1.01 per copy for a total of $505.67, which includes $505.67 for printing and $0.00 for distribution. BEFORE ANY DEMOLITION OR RENOVATION – INSPECT, NOTIFY, PERMIT Think Asbestos My building is new, and I do not believe it contains Asbestos. Do I still need to have it inspected? Yes, even though most Asbestos has been banned from production in the U.S., Asbestos products are still being produced, imported, and installed in new construction. All buildings must be inspected regardless of age or size. Where do I dispose of asbestos waste? Asbestos waste may only be disposed of at specific landfills approved by DEQs Solid Waste Program. Though the Asbestos Control Program regulates friable asbestos materials greater than the Solid Waste Program regulates friable and non-friable asbestos reported as greater than zero. This disposal regulation applies to all waste regardless of residential exemption. I’m remodeling my home. What do I need to do? State of Montana Asbestos regulations do not apply to private residences that meet the residential exception. Nonetheless, it is recommended to have materials tested for Asbestos prior to any renovation or demolition activities. OSHA Asbestos regulations may apply to hired contractors, where rules require an employer to characterize all materials prior to impact and communicate any potential hazard to employees. Landfills may also require proof of Asbestos inspection prior to admitting debris for disposal. Contact your local landfill for their requirements. DEQ recommends homeowners hire qualified Montana accredited Asbestos professionals to reduce the risk of Asbestos exposure. What will happen if I fail to comply with these requirements? Failure to comply with these requirements may result in enforcement actions including fines and penalties. In some cases, individuals and companies can be prosecuted criminally. Both the building owner and operator share the responsibility of making sure these requirements are met. Where can I find additional information, including lists of Montana accredited Asbestos personnel and necessary forms? Additional information including contractor lists, inspectors, and direct program contact information can be found on DEQ’s website: www.asbestos.mt.gov. This guidance document is current as of January 2020. However, information contained in this document is subject to change pending rule revisions. Before you renovate or demolish . . . INSPECT for Asbestos using a Montana accredited inspector. NOTIFY Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality. PERMIT Asbestos activities with DEQ. It’s the Law! January 2020 For more information contact: Asbestos Control Program 1-[PHONE REDACTED] www.asbestos.mt.gov DEQ Enforcement Division Asbestos Complaint Line 1-[PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- BEFORE ANY DEMOLITION OR RENOVATION – INSPECT, NOTIFY, PERMIT Did you know… All buildings, regardless of age or construction type, must have a thorough Asbestos inspection prior to the initiation of any renovation or demolition work. Residential properties may have exception to the regulation required under the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Asbestos regulations, EPA, State and Federal labor (MDLI, OSHA) regulations. General contractors may require an inspection on exempt residential properties to satisfy OSHA obligations. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of long thin microscopic fibers. Asbestos fibers have been used in thousands of materials and products because of their unique properties, including high tensile strength, flexibility, acoustical properties, and resistance to thermal, chemical and electrical conditions. If inhaled, Asbestos fibers can cause diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. What products or materials contain Asbestos? Asbestos is used in over 3,500 different building materials. It has been added to thermal systems, wallboard systems, surface textures, plaster, concrete, adhesives, ceiling tiles, roofing, pipe components, siding, vermiculite insulation, and other products. Notably, Asbestos is still being added and imported in many building material products and may not be clearly marked as Asbestos containing. As a building owner or contractor, can I inspect for Asbestos myself? Asbestos inspections may only be performed by a trained and currently accredited Montana Asbestos inspector. Asbestos can only be identified using microscopic analysis, utilizing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved analytical methods, or may be assumed to be Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) by a Montana accredited Asbestos inspector. What if the inspection identifies Asbestos for a planned renovation or demolition? The action depends upon the category, condition, and amount of Asbestos identified and whether the ACM is friable or non-friable. ACM is material containing greater than one percent Asbestos. Friable ACM is material containing greater than one percent Asbestos, that when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. The three categories of ACM: 1) Regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM) This category includes, but is not limited to, all friable ACM and non-friable ACM that has become friable or will become friable during a renovation or a demolition activity. All RACM must be handled by accredited individuals under a permit issued by DEQ. All RACM must be removed prior to renovation or demolition activities, when planned activities impact Asbestos. 2) Category I – Non-friable Asbestos Containing Material This category includes non-friable packing, gaskets, resilient floor coverings, and asphalt roofing products that contain more than one percent Asbestos. These materials may have to be removed prior to renovation or demolition depending on type, condition, and removal method. 3) Category II – Non-friable Asbestos- Containing Material This category includes any non-friable materials, excluding Category I, containing more than one percent Asbestos. Examples are cement siding, cement piping, adhesives, sealants, and concrete. Category II non-friable materials should be removed before renovation or demolition begins since these materials are more likely to become friable than Category I materials and would therefore be regulated by DEQ. Who do I have to notify when I renovate a building that contains Asbestos? An Asbestos Project Permit Application must be submitted to DEQ ten working days prior to planned renovation or demolition activities when greater than ten square feet, three linear feet, or three cubic feet of RACM will be disturbed. Can I remove Asbestos myself? An individual or contractor removing greater than ten square feet, three linear feet or three cubic feet of Regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM) must be a Montana accredited contractor/supervisor. The removal of Category I and II non-friable material must meet OSHA’s Asbestos training and work practice requirements. Contact OSHA at (800) 321-6742 or (406) 247-7494 or www.osha.gov for more information.