Asbestos abatement is a regulated process designed to remove hazardous materials safely, protect people, and meet state and federal requirements. Our approach follows a clear sequence that emphasizes containment, control, and precision at every step.
Asbestos abatement follows a structured workflow designed to control fiber release and protect everyone in and around the workspace. While each project is unique, the overall process includes testing, planning, containment, controlled removal, waste handling, and final clearance.
Before any on-site activity begins, every asbestos project moves through a series of administrative steps that establish compliance, documentation, and communication. This front-end work ensures the project is legally authorized and clearly defined for everyone involved.
The Asbestos Supervisor reviews the survey results, material classifications, and scope of work to confirm that all ACMs requiring removal are properly identified. If testing is incomplete or unclear, the client is advised before proceeding. Regulatory Notifications Both Oregon DEQ and Washington L&I require advance notification for most asbestos abatement projects. Filing timelines vary by material type, quantity, and project conditions. Notifications include project address, materials to be removed, responsible license holders, and planned work dates.
Permitting & Documentation
Some projects may require local approval or coordination with municipal agencies, especially when waste transport routes or disposal restrictions apply. Internal documentation is also created, including:
The start date is confirmed with the client only after regulatory approvals are in place. If the project impacts tenants, staff, or adjacent operations, written notices or building-wide communication plans are coordinated as needed.
Certificates of insurance, license numbers, and any requested compliance documentation are provided to the client or general contractor before mobilization.
Once the administrative requirements are complete, the first on-site step is creating a defined work zone around the materials being removed. The goal is to isolate the area so asbestos fibers remain fully contained during the project.
Plastic sheeting, tape, and physical barriers are installed to seal doors, windows, vents, and other openings. This creates a dedicated space where work can occur without allowing dust or debris to move into adjacent rooms or shared areas.
Any surfaces that remain in the room but are not being removed are covered to prevent contamination. This includes floors, built-ins, equipment, and fixtures that must stay in place.
Negative air machines equipped with HEPA filters are placed inside the containment to pull air inward and exhaust it through filtration. Maintaining this pressure difference helps ensure that air flows into the containment rather than out, keeping fibers from migrating.
Regulated area signs are placed at all entry points so building occupants and other trades understand where restricted zones begin. Only trained and certified personnel are permitted to enter once containment is active.
Once containment is active and pressure is stabilized, certified asbestos workers can begin removing the asbestos. Removal is performed slowly and deliberately to keep fibers from becoming airborne. Wet methods are commonly used to reduce dust and make materials easier to handle.
Tools and techniques are chosen to limit disturbance. Materials are kept damp, cuts are controlled, and debris is handled carefully to prevent breakage. The focus throughout this stage is to keep the workspace stable and fiber release as low as possible.
A certified Asbestos Supervisor is present to oversee the work, ensure procedures are followed, and make adjustments as conditions change. This includes monitoring airflow, checking containment integrity, and confirming that workers follow safe work practices.
Logs are maintained each day to track personnel on site, materials removed, equipment readings, and any notable conditions inside the containment. This documentation becomes part of the project closeout package and demonstrates regulatory compliance.
Asbestos debris is placed into approved bags or containers and sealed to prevent fiber release. All packaging is labeled according to state and federal requirements so it can be handled safely during transport and disposal.
Waste is removed from the containment through a regulated path and transferred to transport containers without disturbing surrounding areas. Only trained personnel handle asbestos waste once it leaves the work zone.
Asbestos waste must be taken to landfills or transfer stations authorized to accept regulated materials in Oregon or Washington. These facilities have specific intake procedures designed to prevent exposure during unloading.
Waste manifests and disposal records are completed for each load. These documents provide a clear chain of custody from the job site to the disposal facility and become part of the project’s final report.
After removal is complete and debris has been cleared, the Supervisor performs a detailed visual inspection to confirm the work area is clean, stable, and free of dust or residue. Containment remains in place during this review to prevent recontamination.
On certain projects—especially commercial spaces, schools, and larger residential jobs—air clearance testing may be required. A certified inspector or industrial hygienist collects air samples to verify that fiber levels meet regulatory or contractual standards before the space is reopened.
Once clearance is confirmed, containment barriers, protective coverings, and equipment are removed in a controlled sequence. This prevents dust from spreading as the space is returned to normal conditions.
Closeout documents, waste manifests, daily logs, and any clearance results are compiled and provided to the client or general contractor. These records demonstrate that the work was completed safely and in full compliance with Oregon and Washington requirements.
Asbestos raises important questions for anyone planning renovation, repair, or demolition. We've tried to address many of the questions we've commonly received below.
Yes. In Oregon and Washington, any asbestos removal performed by a contractor, subcontractor, or paid worker must be done by a state-licensed asbestos abatement company. The only exception is when an owner-occupant removes asbestos in their own single-family home, but they must still follow all disposal rules. Commercial, multifamily, rental, and public buildings always require licensed abatement.
Both states require advance notice before work starts.
Emergency provisions may shorten these timelines, but proper documentation is required. Work cannot begin until the required waiting period has passed.
It depends on material type, quantity, access, and containment needs. Small residential projects may take a few hours to a day. Larger commercial or multi-room projects can take several days or longer due to containment setup, negative air systems, waste handling, and clearance steps. Your project scope and schedule will outline expected duration.
You can expect sealed work areas, negative-air containment, HEPA-filtered equipment, regulated access, and detailed site controls. Our team manages notifications, containment setup, removal, waste packaging, and project documentation from start to finish. Occupants are kept out of the regulated area but can often remain elsewhere in the building.
In many cases, yes. Containments are engineered to prevent dust or air movement outside the work zone. For larger projects or spaces where HVAC systems cannot be isolated, temporary relocation may be recommended. We advise on the safest approach based on the site conditions.
Air clearance is required in many commercial environments and whenever specified by the property owner, industrial hygienist, or general contractor. A certified inspector collects samples to confirm the area meets post-abatement clearance levels before containment is removed.
All waste is kept wet, double-wrapped or bagged in approved packaging, labeled, and transported to a landfill authorized to accept asbestos. Oregon and Washington have strict rules for chain-of-custody, manifests, and disposal documentation. We provide copies of all relevant records at closeout.
Pricing depends on material type, friability, square footage, access, containment requirements, and scheduling. Regulated materials like pipe insulation or plaster may cost more due to labor complexity. We provide clear, written estimates based on actual site conditions and regulatory requirements.
