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Suspected asbestos before demolition checklist

A stop-before-disturbance asbestos checklist for identifying suspect floor and ceiling materials, pipe and duct insulation, cement products, mastics, roofing, siding, textured coatings and vermiculite; documenting condition and planned disturbance; selecting an accredited inspector and qualified laboratory; checking state and local renovation or demolition rules; isolating the area and preventing sampling, drilling, sanding, demolition or disposal until written results and a compliant path are available.

6 items to check

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All materials likely to be cut, drilled, removed or damaged are inventoried before access is granted

Critical item

The survey scope should follow actual demolition limits and concealed assemblies.

Suspect material remains undisturbed and the area is secured pending evaluation

Critical item

Unqualified sampling or exploratory demolition can release fibers and compromise evidence.

A properly trained and accredited asbestos professional defines and performs sampling where recommended

Critical item

Sampling strategy and credentials should comply with the applicable jurisdiction and project type.

Laboratory results are tied to exact materials and locations and interpreted for the planned disturbance

Critical item

A negative result should not be generalized beyond the sampled homogeneous material.

Notification, licensing, disposal, permit and demolition requirements are confirmed before contracting

Critical item

Federal residential exceptions do not eliminate state, local, worker-safety or disposal duties.

The owner receives a written manage-in-place, repair, enclosure or abatement decision before other trades proceed

Critical item

The chosen path should protect occupants and coordinate with the renovation sequence.

Use before disturbing a material that may contain asbestos. EPA states that asbestos cannot be identified reliably by appearance and recommends trained accredited sampling when suspect material is damaged or will be disturbed. Vermiculite insulation should be presumed contaminated and left undisturbed unless handled by appropriate professionals. Stop work when suspect hazardous material, uncontrolled dust, sewage, extensive mold, unsafe structure, damaged containment, exposed energized work or an unplanned release is found. Homeowners should not collect asbestos samples, disturb suspect materials, enter regulated containments or perform specialist clearance testing unless properly qualified and permitted.

Reference standards

  • Current EPA lead, asbestos, mold and radon guidance; applicable federal, state, tribal and local environmental, occupational, licensing, disposal, permit and notification requirements; the signed remediation scope; laboratory and field reports; building and mechanical requirements; and exact containment, filtration, cleaning, disposal, mitigation-system and product instructions
  • EPA asbestos home-renovation, sampling and vermiculite guidance; applicable NESHAP, state and local requirements

    • Tools

  • Building-age and renovation records, environmental reports, laboratory results, contractor credentials, scope, permits, notifications, waste records, photographs and occupant-protection plan
  • Camera, flashlight, tape measure and owner-safe observation tools; specialist sampling, pressure monitoring, moisture instruments, clearance testing and radon devices where required
  • Qualified lead, asbestos, mold, industrial-hygiene, radon, mechanical, electrical, laboratory and medical professionals as appropriate

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