Asbestos
For Homeowners
Homeowners are required to follow the methods for handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) (see Section 1.1.6). Unsafe handling of asbestos-containing materials often leads to the need for asbestos cleanup by a Vermont-licensed asbestos contractor. Please call the Health Department for questions on safe handling and removal of ACM at 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll free in VT) or email AHS.VDHALRPGeneral@vermont.gov.
If you hire an asbestos contractor, the contractor must be licensed by the State of Vermont and follow all required work practices. Find a licensed asbestos contractor
For Owners of Rental, Public or Commercial Buildings
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Before renovating a building, an inspection is required and must be conducted by a Vermont-certified asbestos inspector.
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Follow all asbestos-related requirements.
If the inspector finds ACM in the building:
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The ACM must be removed by a Vermont-certified asbestos abatement contractor before the renovation.
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The abatement contractor will need to notify the Health Department and the EPA before the project to get a permit from the Health Department.
If the inspector does not find ACM in the building, you can proceed with the project.
Some ACM can be removed by someone without an asbestos contractor license because they pose less of a health risk — unless they are chipped, ground, sanded, sawed, drilled, abraded, etc. However, the ACM must be removed before the renovation and safe work practices must be followed (see Section 6). Please call the Health Department for more information at 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll free in VT) or email AHS.VDHALRPGeneral@vermont.gov.
Lead
For Homeowners
You should assume lead-based paint is present in all homes built before 1978. Homeowners are not required to be certified to do renovation and repair work in their own home, but you are encouraged to use lead-safe work practices.
Unsafe work practices that disturb lead-based paint will create lead hazards (see Section 5). Under Vermont law, if lead hazards are created in any building or structure, you will be responsible for the cleanup that will require you to hire a Vermont-licensed lead abatement contractor.
You should hire a Vermont Licensed Lead-Safe RRPM firm to do renovation or repair work in areas where there is lead-based paint. These trained contractors use special methods to minimize dust and to clean up thoroughly.
For Owners of Public, Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Building owners should hire a Vermont Licensed Lead-Safe RRPM firm to do renovation or repair work in areas where there is lead-based paint. These trained contractors use special methods to minimize dust and to clean up thoroughly.
Unsafe work practices that disturb lead-based paint will create lead hazards (see Section 5). Under Vermont law, if lead hazards are created in any building or structure, you will be responsible for the cleanup that will require you to hire a Vermont-licensed lead abatement contractor.
