What are the asbestos regulations?

The regulations concerning asbestos vary by state, but any building built before 1980 is assumed to contain this material and must be tested before any renovation or demolition work. All asbestos-containing materials must be removed by a licensed contractor and disposed of at an approved landfill. Workers must also be trained in recognizing and handling this material. Additionally, they must wear personal protective equipment when performing removal procedures.

What is duty to manage asbestos?

The duty to manage asbestos requires employers and building owners to identify material containing residuals or fibers in the premises and to assess the risk posed while protecting those who work there. They must take all necessary steps to manage the risk, including repairs or removals.

Asbestos Emergency Response

Emergency Asbestos Removal Experts

When it comes to safety in your home or workplace, it's important to trust only the best. If you need emergency asbestos removal, Atlantic Bay Contracting is here to provide you with the highest quality and safest service in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All of our procedures comply with federal asbestos regulations. Our experts are fully certified and have the knowledge and experience to ensure a safe and effective removal process.

What is the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986?

The Asbestos Hazards Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 requires schools, public and commercial buildings to inspect and manage asbestos-containing material, or ACM. ACM must also be removed if found to be hazardous. AHERA also requires all contractors to be EPA-certified and to follow strict guidelines for safe handling and disposal.

Asbestos Emergency Procedure

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requires that all asbestos abatement processes be notified ten days before removal. However, there are many cases where the removal is highly urgent and must be acted upon quickly. Customers in need of emergency asbestos removal have the option to waive the 10-workday notification period. Below are listed the required steps to obtain a waiver number.

Call the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The first step to obtaining a waiver is to call the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Northeast Region numbers for the Massachusetts DEP are 1 (978) 694-3274 and 1 (978) 694-3236. The homeowner is required to contact the Massachusetts DEP unless:

Homeowner is unable to be contacted
Homeowner is incapable of making phone calls
You manage the property on their behalf.

To find out in which region your home or property is, enter your city in this link to find the appropriate office to connect with. At this point, you should connect with an inspector. If you are not, leave a message on their voicemail system. Please understand that the Massachusetts DEP is a state-funded operation, and they are doing their best to be efficient as possible. The Massachusetts DEP can be reached between 8:45 AM to 4 PM from Monday through Friday.

Explain your emergency

When you manage to reach the inspector, explain your emergency to them. Some examples of these emergencies are leaking pipes, damaged heating systems, or any other hazard.

Provide your Personal Information

After you discuss your urgent situation with the inspector, they will ask you for some personal information. The inspector will ask you for the property owner's name and the amount of hazardous material you must remove. After you give the inspector the data, the inspector will grant you a waiver number. Remembering the inspector's name is essential, as it is crucial for the contractor's notification papers.

Contact your Contractor

Once you have received your waiver number, you must call or email your chosen contractor. Make sure to present your contractor with your waiver number and the inspector's name. All contractors must have the waiver number and the inspector's name before they conduct the removal. It's crucial to note that waiver numbers are good for five working days from when they were issued.

Once the contractor has received the waiver number from you, they must contact the Department of Labor Standards online to obtain the second waiver number. Your contractor should check for any requirements from the local health department regarding permitting procedures, fees, or waiver numbers.

Begin with the Emergency Removal

Once the contractor has received the waiver numbers, they can commence with the removal project. If you have questions about whether your contractor performed the correct notification procedures, request they give you the transmittal number received by submitting from ANF-001.

This number is how the state keeps track of all abatement projects. The State Program Administrators request that users do not abuse the waiver system and only utilize the system for emergencies only.

Need Emergency Asbestos Removal in Massachusetts?

Don't risk your family and yourself to asbestos exposure! If you are experiencing an emergency, follow the process highlighted above. Our asbestos abatement contractors will get their hands on the job immediately. Atlantic Bay Contracting has over 30 years of experience helping property owners execute an asbestos management plan and offer 24-hour service. Contact us today, and we'll walk you through our services and pricing options to find the one that best suits your needs.

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