Asbestos - Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

Rev 2007 E Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks7 7 7 1 2 t h S t r e e t , 3 r d F l o o rS a c r a m e n t o , C A 9 5 8 1 4 - 1 9 0 8( 9 1 6 ) 8 7 4 - 4 8 0 0We b s i t e : A i r Q u a l i t y. o r gAsbestosWhat Commercial Building Owners &Contractors Should KnowAbout the AQMDThe Sacramento Metropolitan Air QualityManagement District (AQMD) is the local governmentagency responsible for regulating stationary, nonvehicularsources of air pollution in SacramentoCounty. The AQMD works to ensure that SacramentoCounty’s air quality meets state and federalhealth standards.Its jurisdiction includes all unincorporated areasof Sacramento County, as well as the cities of CitrusHeights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, RanchoCordova and Sacramento.The AQMD regulates asbestos renovation/demolition projects as well as emissions from burning,incineration, smoke, gasoline, paint, evaporativecompounds and internal combustion engines.Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM)RACM contains friable asbestos in quantities greaterthan 1% by visual area estimation. Friable meansthat the material can be crumbled, pulverized,or reduced to powder by hand pressure whendry. Some common examples of RACM are sprayacoustic ceilings, various plasters, duct wrap,paper backing of linoleum, wallboard, and thermalinsulation on pipes and boilers. Use of asbestos inthe manufacturing of these products was banned in1978, however some products remained on the shelfand were used in the construction of buildings andhomes for years thereafter.Non-friable asbestos-containing material istypically bound up with cement, vinyl, asphalt orsome other type of hardening binder. Some examplesof non-friable asbestos building products are transite(cement) siding, vinyl asbestos floor tiles and asphaltroofing shingles. This material may become friable ifit is pulverized during renovation (remodel, tenantimprovement) or demolition activity. Non-friablematerials are not regulated. Some non-friableasbestos materials are still manufactured.Improper removal/disposal of regulatedasbestos-containingmaterial can result inpenalties up to $25,000a day.

Achieve clean air goals by leadingthe region in protecting public healthand the environment through innovativeand effective programs, dedicated staff,communit y involvement andpublic education.Asbestos DangersIf RACM is disturbed, it may release airborne fibers that canbecome inhaled and pose a health threat. If the RACM is ingood general condition and is left undisturbed, it shouldnot pose a health threat and is not required to be removed.Rule 902: Residential Renovation or DemolitionRule 902 applies if:• The buildings being demolished are to be replaced bycommercial properties.• The project is an eminent domain or public worksproject.• The project has residential facilities with five (5)or more units.Under the provisions of Rule 902, most, but not all,renovation and demolition projects of residences withfour (4) or less units are exempt from the Rule.Be aware that CAL OSHA and other agencies haveregulations that still impact residential property and theymay be more stringent than Rule 902. It is recommendedthat a certified asbestos consultant be contacted even forresidential work.Rule 902: Commercial Renovation or DemolitionCommercial renovation projects larger in size than160 square feet or 260 lineal feet are subject to therequirements of Rule 902.Rule 902 applies to all commercial demolitions.However, those with smaller than the listed amounts aresubject only to the notification section of Rule 902.Commercial Buildings Containing AsbestosMany building materials can contain RACM. If you aregoing to renovate or demolish a building, you must hire acertified asbestos consultant, licensed by CAL OSHA, toperform the asbestos survey. Such consultants may befound in the yellow pages under “Asbestos Consultant.”Limited exceptions to this requirement may be allowed forlarger facilities with EPA trained personnel on staff.All commercial demolition and renovation requires anasbestos survey, with two exceptions:• All suspect materials are assumed to be RACM.• The project is exempt. (See Rule 902 for details.)Proper Asbestos RemovalIf the material identified as RACM is in good condition,the AQMD recommends leaving it alone. If the RACM will bedisturbed in the process of renovation or demolition,a licensed asbestos abatement contractor must be hired toproperly remove the material in a safe and legal manner.CAL OSHA and the Contractors State License Boardrequire using a licensed asbestos removal contractor whoknows the legal requirements and has the trained staffand equipment to do the job properly for all asbestosremoval. Such contractors are in the yellow pages under“Asbestos.” The Contractors State License Board hasprepared a booklet titled What You Should Know Before YouHire a Contractor. You should not attempt to remove RACMyourself.Asbestos DisposalNon-friable asbestos can be disposed of in any landfillwilling to accept it. Currently, there are several landfills inSacramento County that will accept non-friable asbestos.Rule 902 applies only to friable asbestos.Asbestos: Sale of PropertyIf an asbestos survey was performed and it indicated thatasbestos is present, or you otherwise have knowledgethat asbestos exists in the structure, this fact must bedisclosed to the buyer in the real estate transfer disclosurestatement.For Further Information on AsbestosSacramento Metropolitan Air QualityManagement District(work practice andnotification requirements) (916) 874-4800CAL OSHA(asbestos contractor and consultant registration)Complaint: (916) 263-2800Consultation: (800) 963-9424Consultant registration: (916) 574-2993Contractors State License Board(contractor licensing)Investigation/complaints: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)Cal/EPA(transport and packaging ofhazardous asbestos) (916) 324-1807American Lung Associationof California (916) 442-4446Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails (916) 444-5900Use this brochure as a guide, but refer to Rule 902for specific details.ImportantImproper removal/disposal of regulated asbestoscontainingmaterial can result in penalties up to$25,000 a day. Please read this brochure carefully.