Asbestos Inspections and State Notification Before a Raleigh Demolition

Asbestos was used in many building products for much of the twentieth century. Left intact it is generally not a problem, but demolition and renovation can break it up and release fibers. This is a general overview, not legal advice. Confirm your project's requirements with the state.

Two layers of rules

The federal rule is the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for asbestos, found in 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M. In North Carolina it is administered through the Asbestos Hazard Management Program run by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Health Hazards Control Unit. A few counties run their own local programs, but Wake County is not usually described as one of them, so Raleigh projects are generally handled through the state unit. Verify this when you file.

What an inspection looks like

• Accredited inspector: For regulated projects, the pre-demolition survey is expected to be done by an NC-accredited asbestos inspector.
• Sampling of suspect materials: Floor tile and mastic, joint compound, pipe and boiler wrap, roofing and siding are common samples sent to a lab.
• Written report: The report documents what was found, where, and in what quantity, and it drives what comes next.

Notification

A demolition or renovation notification is generally filed with the Health Hazards Control Unit ahead of the work, commonly with at least ten working days' lead time, and the filing may be required even when no asbestos is found. Confirm the current lead time and forms with the unit instead of relying on a general summary.

When removal itself needs a permit

Where regulated asbestos-containing material exceeds the program's thresholds, removal requires a state permit and NC-accredited abatement personnel. The thresholds are stated in terms of amounts such as linear feet, square feet or cubic feet, so your inspector's report is what tells you which side of the line you are on.

Practical advice

• Order the inspection early, because lab and report time is part of your schedule.
• Keep the report with your permit documents.
• Do not let anyone begin demolition before notifications and abatement are done.
• Ask your contractor who is responsible for the filing.

Raleigh Demolition Co coordinates inspection and notification steps with the right professionals. Call (919) 420-3817 to get started.