According to a message released by Larry Cooper, PACR Technical Director, guidance on handling asbestos contaminated materials in flood debris is provided under "Flood Debris Guidance" on the Flood Resources Page, State of Colorado, Department of Health. This waiver also extends to lead testing for drywall:
The requirement to inspect suspect materials for asbestos under Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B, has been waived for buildings damaged or destroyed by the recent floods. However, other agencies’ regulations requiring sampling (for example, OSHA) may still apply. If asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are known to be present in a structure or if sampling is done and ACM is found, the requirements under Regulation No. 8, Part B still apply. This regulation covers the proper abatement and disposal of asbestos, and may require permitting.
The requirement for testing of asbestos and lead has been lifted only for the structures that were flooded and affected by the recent flooding in Colorado. This does not apply to other flooding. WE encourage you and your companies to be very safe and wear full PPE when handling any suspected materials. Respiratory protection is a must. Be sure to have signatures or waivers for using Anti-microbials indoors. Be very SAFE! You can still test if you determine it is warrantied. The official from the Colorado Department of Health was not very supportive of lifting the requirement but understood it was needed at this time.
Be sure to follow the laws, follow the standard of care for the industry and keep yourself, your personnel and customers safe during these times.
The Asbestos staff of the Air Pollution Control Division assists schools and businesses to comply with air pollution laws regulating asbestos and asbestos containing materials. The air quality regulation that governs asbestos in Colorado is the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission's Regulation No. 8, Part B, "Emission Standards for Asbestos."
For more information, visit PACR online here or call 877-447-2822.
