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West Virginia Asbestos Abatement Procedure


Asbestos abatement in West Virginia is managed in large part by the West Virginia Radiation, Toxics and Indoor Air Division, which is part of the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health.  The essential functions related to West Virginia asbestos abatement procedure include licensing asbestos abatement contractors, providing essential public information and routinely reviewing asbestos abatement procedure for effectiveness.  Other state departments will deal with the proper disposal of asbestos containing material and compliance with federal law.

Who must the contractor notify under West Virginia law?

According to state law, the contractor must complete a Notification of Abatement, Demolition, or Renovation form, which accounts for the contact information for all parties involves in the asbestos abatement.  The document is two pages and also requires the contractor to account for the procedures used to remove the asbestos, amount and nature of the asbestos as well as plans to transport and dispose of the asbestos containing material.  Only those certified by the state to complete asbestos abatement may fill out and certify this form.  Notification is required for asbestos abatement on almost all structures, except residential homes and apartment buildings with four residential units or less.

Licensing

All contractors, workers and inspectors must be certified before they may conduct West Virginia asbestos abatement procedure.  To be certified, the applicant will undergo a training course on asbestos materials, proper abatement and discussions on the harmful effects of asbestos on the human body.  There is also a hands-on training component and a 50 question examination that requires a passing score of 70%.  Completion of this course ensures the worker is trained to follow asbestos abatement procedure properly and prevent secondary contamination through sloppiness or a lack of care for hygiene after working with dangers friable asbestos.

Materials that must be removed

Materials that are more than 1% asbestos by weight and are friable are considered regulated asbestos containing materials that must be removed.  Friable asbestos is a health hazard as its constant degradation releases micro asbestos fibers.  These fibers do not break down in the human body and instead lodge in the lungs.  The continued presence of these fibers leads to cancers and asbestos containing materials.

Generally speaking, most indurate, non-friable asbestos may remain in structures as long as no demolition will take place.  Indurate material will seal asbestos fibers, preventing secondary exposure.  This concept can be applied to friable asbestos, so encapsulation and enclosure, which involve sealing exposed friable asbestos with an indurate compound, is a viable option.

Disposal

Construction waste can generally be contaminated with non-friable asbestos.  Generally, as long as this material is at no immediate risk of breaking down, it may be treated as construction waste.  All other asbestos materials, especially friable material must adhere to West Virginia asbestos abatement procedure.  This will involve double bagging the friable asbestos, ensuring it is stored wet and labeled as a dangerous material.  Contact the disposal site in advance is essential and all arrangements must be made in advance prior to sending the notification form.

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