Washington Asbestos : What you need to know

• Rules. Washington has adopted the federal NESHAP standards that apply to handling, disturbing, removing, and disposing of materials containing asbestos. Asbestos handling in schools and public buildings must be performed in compliance with the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) rules. For details on the asbestos NESHAP and AHERA, see the national section ASBESTOS.

In addition, the state has established requirements for the certification of personnel involved in asbestos projects, as well as project notification requirements.

Washington has its own federally approved workplace safety and health regulatory program that covers private and public sector workplaces. The state’s requirements for asbestos exposure in general industry (brake and clutch repair, custodial work, and the manufacture of asbestos-containing products) and state standards for protecting the safety and health of employees during asbestos abatement activities (alteration, repair, demolition, renovation, and removal) mirror federal requirements.

• Administration and enforcement. Notice of any asbestos abatement activities must be made to L&I, which also administers the training and certification of asbestos abatement personnel. The NESHAP regulations are administered by WDOE and are often delegated to local air pollution agencies.

DOSH administers the safety and health rules for asbestos in private and public sector workplaces.

All workers, supervisors, and contractors participating in projects that involve the removal or encapsulation of any materials containing ...