Asbestos and Demolition

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) provides regulations and guidance related to the removal and encapsulation of Asbestos material. ORCAA Rule 6.3.1 specifies all definitions related to the Removal and Encapsulation of Asbestos Material.

Before you Start a Renovation or Demolition

Does my structure contain asbestos?

An asbestos survey must be conducted before a demolition or major renovation can take place; or any time a possible asbestos containing material will be disturbed. The survey determines if asbestos is present by sampling and laboratory analysis of materials.  A survey must be conducted by a certified AHERA Building Inspector.  You can find these inspectors in the yellow pages under Asbestos Consulting & Testing. ORCAA has compiled a list of contractors for your convenience. Please choose your contractor wisely, this list is updated frequently, but is not all inclusive.  ORCAA is providing the list as a courtesy to the public, not as a recommendation or endorsement of any of these contractors.

If a property owner would like to have suspect material tested, here is the list of NVLAP accredited laboratories that will do the analysis.  Please note that in the case of a demolition, a full AHERA survey is required.

If you have to remove asbestos from a structure

You will need to hire a certified asbestos abatement company.  They can be found in the yellow pages under Asbestos Abatement or the WA state Labor and Industries website. ORCAA has compiled a list of contractors for your convenience.  Please choose your contractor wisely, this list is updated frequently, but is not all inclusive.  ORCAA is providing the list as a courtesy to the public, not as a recommendation or endorsement of any of these contractors.

An approved asbestos permit is needed from ORCAA before the asbestos is removed; the abatement company will usually apply for the permit and include the cost in their asbestos removal bid.  Please make sure that the proper permits are onsite before any work is done.

Can I remove the asbestos myself?

If the structure meets all of the criteria for an Owner Occupied Residential Dwelling, you may be able to remove the asbestos yourself.

Owner Occupied Residential Dwelling: any single family housing unit which is permanently or seasonally occupied by the owner of the unit both prior to and after renovation or demolition. This term includes houses, mobile homes, trailers, houseboats, and houses with ‘mother-on law apartments’ or ‘guest rooms.’  This term does not include structures that are to be demolished or renovated as part of a commercial or public project.  Nor does this term include any mixed-use building, structure, or installation that contains a residential unit, or any building that is leased, used as a rental, or for commercial purposes.

If the structure does not meet the conditions for an Owner Occupied Residential Dwelling then the asbestos must be removed by a certified asbestos abatement company.

How do I remove the asbestos myself?

Specific guidelines must be followed if you will be removing the asbestos yourself.  Before the asbestos can be removed an Asbestos Permit must be approved by ORCAA.  In addition, check with your local building department, they may have additional permit requirements. If you are a contractor, you will need this Asbestos Permit.

ORCAA inspectors can help you with procedures that need to be followed when removing asbestos yourself. These procedures are very important if your asbestos project is to be performed safely. Documents that describe how to safely and legally work with asbestos-containing products are found below. 

Learn how and where to dispose of Asbestos waste

Download an informational brochure for commonly seen asbestos containing materials

Cement and Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Flooring

Popcorn Ceilings

Locations for Asbestos Waste Disposal by County