Alabama Asbestos : What you need to know

• Rules. Alabama’s asbestos practices are generally governed by federal law. ADEM has adopted by reference the asbestos NESHAP. Alabama does not have a federally approved occupational safety and health regulatory program. Consequently, federal occupational safety and health standards for asbestos govern private sector workplaces in the state. There are no state or federal laws that govern workplace safety and health in public sector (state and local government agencies and school systems) workplaces in the state.

In addition to the federal standards, Alabama does have certification requirements for all personnel involved in asbestos abatement projects and asbestos waste disposal requirements.

Asbestos requirements of the local regulatory agencies also follow the federal provisions.

• Administration and enforcement. ADEM’s Air and Land Divisions administer and enforce the NESHAP and waste disposal requirements. Jefferson County Department of Health and the City of Huntsville Division of Natural Resources have been granted authority to oversee the administration and enforcement of local, state, and federal air quality regulations within their jurisdictions. OSHA administers and enforces federal workplace safety and health requirements for asbestos in private sector workplaces.

Annual certification of asbestos abatement contractors, supervisors, and workers is required by ADEM. An application for certification or recertification must be completed on forms supplied by ADEM. Certified contractors, supervisors, and workers are required to reapply annually in order to maintain proper ...