Qualified Abatement Contractors

What to Look for in a Professional Asbestos Abatement Contractor

1. 🪪 Proper Licensing and Certification

  • Licensed for asbestos abatement in your state or province.

  • Certifications for all crew members, including supervisors and air monitoring technicians.

  • Some states require EPA training under AHERA or NESHAP standards.

📌 Ask for license numbers and verify them with your state’s environmental or occupational safety agency.

2. 📄 Proof of Insurance

  • General liability insurance

  • Pollution liability coverage (not always included in standard policies)

  • Workers’ compensation

⚠️ Lack of proper insurance can leave you liable if anything goes wrong.

3. 🧪 Experience and References

  • Ask how many asbestos projects they’ve completed, especially projects similar in size and type to yours.

  • Request references from past clients — especially schools, government buildings, or homeowners.

  • Check online reviews and look for complaints through your state licensing board or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

4. 🧰 Clear and Compliant Work Plan (Not common in Idaho residential work)

  • Contractor should provide a written abatement plan detailing:

    • Type and quantity of asbestos materials

    • Containment procedures

    • Air monitoring plan

    • Waste disposal process

    • Project timeline

  • Should comply with EPA, OSHA, and state regulations.

5. 🧼 Strict Safety and Containment Procedures

A good contractor will:

  • Set up negative pressure enclosures and sealed containment zones

  • Use HEPA filtration for air scrubbers and vacuums

  • Provide decontamination units for workers

  • Follow wet removal methods to prevent airborne fiber release

6. 🧪 Air Monitoring and Final Clearance

  • The contractor should use a third-party air testing firm (not self-administered). (third party uncommon in Idaho residential projects)

  • Air samples must be analyzed by an accredited lab.

  • Final clearance testing should meet EPA or state-specific reentry standards.

7. 🚛 Proper Waste Disposal

  • Must use labeled, leak-tight containers for all ACMs.

  • Transport waste to licensed asbestos disposal facilities.

  • Provide you with waste manifest documentation as proof of proper handling.

8. ✍️ Transparent Contract and Cost Estimate

  • The contract should include:

    • Scope of work

    • Total cost and payment schedule

    • Insurance and license info

    • Cleanup expectations

  • Be cautious of vague contracts or extremely low bids — these may cut corners on safety.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

  • No license or unclear credentials

  • Refusal to show insurance or references

  • Unwillingness to provide a detailed plan or estimate

  • Using scare tactics or rushing your decision

  • Offers to do “off-the-books” or DIY-style removal

🛠️ Questions to Ask a Potential Contractor

  1. Are you licensed and certified for asbestos abatement in this state?

  2. Can I see proof of insurance?

  3. Who performs your air monitoring and final clearance testing?

  4. How will you ensure the area is safely contained?

  5. How will asbestos waste be handled and documented?

  6. Can I contact recent clients or see project photos?