How to Hire a Certified Asbestos Abatement Company

Hiring the right asbestos abatement company is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home and your family. Asbestos removal requires specialized training, strict safety procedures, and compliance with federal and state regulations. Choosing the wrong contractor can result in dangerous contamination, legal penalties, and long-term health risks.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from verifying certifications to evaluating proposals — so you can make a safe, informed decision.

If you need help finding a licensed asbestos abatement professional near you, call 800.291.0963 today.

📋 Step 1: Understand Why Certification Matters

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Removing asbestos incorrectly can release thousands of microscopic fibers into the air.

✔ Why Certification Is Critical

• Ensures workers follow EPA and OSHA requirements

• Verifies proper training in containment and removal

• Reduces the risk of airborne fiber release

• Ensures legal disposal of hazardous waste

• Protects your home from long-term contamination

• Minimizes liability for homeowners

Certified professionals use specialized equipment, follow strict containment procedures, and maintain documented safety plans.

🧑‍🔧 Step 2: Verify Licensing and Credentials

Every legitimate asbestos abatement company must carry specific state and federal licenses. Before hiring anyone, confirm all credentials.

📌 Essential Licenses and Accreditations

• State asbestos abatement license

• EPA-accredited abatement training certificates

• OSHA-compliant worker-safety training

• AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) compliance

• Contractor business license

Where to Check Credentials

• State environmental agency websites

• State contractor licensing boards

• EPA-accredited training provider listings

• Public databases for certified asbestos professionals

Never hire a contractor who cannot provide proof of current licensing.

🛡️ Step 3: Confirm Insurance and Bonding

Asbestos abatement carries significant financial and legal risk. Proper insurance protects both the company and the homeowner.

✔ Required Insurance Types

• General liability insurance

• Pollution liability insurance

• Workers’ compensation coverage

• Contractor bonding

Why This Matters

If an uninsured contractor contaminates your home, you may be responsible for the cleanup costs, which can reach thousands of dollars. Always request certificates of insurance — and verify they are current.

🧪 Step 4: Ask About Inspection & Testing Procedures

A reputable abatement company will carefully evaluate the home before work begins.

📌 They Should Explain:

• Whether a certified inspector will collect samples

• What type of testing will be used (PLM or TEM)

• Whether air monitoring will occur before and after removal

• How test results will be provided to you

Important:
Abatement companies should not test their own work. Sample collection must be done by a separate, certified inspector to avoid conflicts of interest.

🚧 Step 5: Review Their Removal and Containment Methods

Proper procedures prevent fibers from spreading into the home.

✔ Best Practices Used by Certified Professionals

• Sealing off work areas with plastic sheeting

• Using negative air pressure systems

• Wearing respirators and protective gear

• Using HEPA-filter vacuums

• Wet-removal techniques to prevent dust

• Safe bagging and sealing of asbestos waste

• Air monitoring throughout the project

Ask the contractor to explain their full worksite containment plan.

🗑️ Step 6: Confirm Legal Disposal Procedures

Asbestos is classified as a hazardous material and must be disposed of according to strict regulations.

Questions to Ask

• Where will the asbestos waste be taken?

• Which landfill is licensed to receive ACMs?

• Will you receive written proof of disposal?

• How do they transport waste to prevent fiber release?

You Should Receive:

• A chain-of-custody form

• Documentation of landfill acceptance

• Records for your home and insurance

If they cannot provide this, do not hire them.

📄 Step 7: Request a Written Scope of Work

A professional abatement company will provide a clear, detailed proposal.

A Proper Proposal Should Include:

• Type and location of asbestos materials

• Specific removal methods

• Containment and safety procedures

• Air monitoring details

• Cleanup and clearance testing

• Project timeline

• Total cost and payment schedule

• Disposal plan and documentation

Avoid companies that give vague estimates or refuse to provide details in writing.

💬 Step 8: Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring

Use this checklist to evaluate each contractor:

🔎 Essential Questions

• Are you licensed for asbestos abatement in this state?

• How long have you been removing asbestos?

• What training do your workers have?

• Can you provide proof of liability, pollution, and workers’ comp insurance?

• What containment methods will you use?

• Will an independent inspector perform clearance testing?

• How will waste be sealed, transported, and disposed of?

• Can you provide references from previous clients?

Contractors should answer confidently and clearly.

💰 Step 9: Compare Estimates (But Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone)

Asbestos abatement is a specialized service — and the cheapest bid is usually the riskiest.

✔ What Reasonable Pricing Includes

• Certified workers

• EPA-compliant materials and equipment

• HEPA filtration systems

• Proper disposal fees

• Third-party air monitoring

• Full containment setup and cleanup

⚠️ Red Flags for Suspiciously Low Bids

• No written scope of work

• Vague descriptions of removal methods

• No disposal paperwork

• “We don’t need to test; we already know it’s asbestos”

• No insurance or outdated licensing

Quality and safety must come before price.

🌬️ Step 10: Independent Clearance Testing After Abatement

Once removal is complete, a different certified inspector — not the abatement company — should verify the home is safe.

✔ Clearance Testing Includes:

• Visual inspection

• Air monitoring (PCM or TEM)

• Surface dust testing

• Final clearance report

You should receive official documentation confirming that asbestos levels are safe and meet regulatory standards.

📘 Step 11: Red Flags That Signal You Should Walk Away Immediately

Avoid any contractor who:

• Refuses to show licenses or insurance

• Offers to “skip” testing

• Suggests doing the job without containment

• Cannot explain their disposal procedure

• Won’t provide references or prior work history

• Pressures you to hire them immediately

• Fails to follow EPA or OSHA guidelines

Your home’s safety depends on choosing the right team.

🏥 Where to Get Help

If you need help hiring a certified asbestos abatement contractor, we can assist you with:

• Verified contractor lists

• State licensing checks

• Understanding inspection and air-testing reports

• Evaluating proposals and pricing

• Ensuring EPA and OSHA compliance

• Locating certified disposal facilities

• Protecting your family during and after abatement

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today to speak with a specialist who can guide you through the hiring process.

📝 Summary

Choosing the right asbestos abatement company ensures safe removal, strict compliance, and full protection for your home and family.

Key takeaways:

• Verify all licenses, insurance, and EPA credentials

• Require written documentation and clear removal plans

• Demand independent testing before and after abatement

• Confirm proper containment, disposal, and safety measures

• Avoid low-cost “quick removal” contractors

• Always prioritize certified professionals

Protect your home and your loved ones.
📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for help selecting a qualified asbestos abatement company.