Asbestos support and guidance: Renovation, demolition, and certification

Background

The CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division’s experts provide support to comply with air pollution laws regulating asbestos-containing materials, including safe handling and disposal, certification, and permitting. Colorado Air Quality Control Commission Regulation 8, Part B sets requirements for asbestos abatement activities. The Colorado Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission's Regulations Pertaining to Solid Waste Disposal Sites and Facilities, 6 CCR 1007-2 Part 1, Section 5, sets requirements for the disposal of asbestos waste and the management of asbestos-contaminated soil.

This page has comprehensive support and guidance for managing asbestos across various sectors and industries.

Buildings of any age may contain asbestos-containing materials. If the components that will be disturbed exceed the trigger levels, they must be inspected for asbestos by a Colorado-certified Asbestos Building Inspector before starting work. An exception may be made if the building, or those portions thereof, were constructed after October 12, 1988 and if, after due diligence, the architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of the building, or a Colorado certified Asbestos Building Inspector, completes a form specified by the division that no asbestos-containing material was used as a building material in the initial construction of the building or subsequent renovations (if applicable).

Single-Family Residential Dwellings trigger levels are:
- 50 linear feet on pipes.
- 32 square feet on other surfaces.
- Volume equivalent of a 55- gallon drum.
Public and Commercial Buildings trigger levels are:
- 260 linear feet on pipes.
- 160 square feet on other surfaces.
- Volume equivalent of a 55-gallon drum.
Under many circumstances, a Colorado-certified General Abatement Contractor must remove asbestos-containing material that is or may become regulated before it is disturbed by renovation or demolition activities.

A written application to the division for a notice or permit may be required, along with payment of a fee and a ten-working-day notification period (emergencies may be expedited) before the removal of regulated asbestos-containing materials can begin. All asbestos-containing material waste must be disposed of at an approved asbestos waste disposal site, regardless of the quantity or the necessity for a notice/permit.

Abatement

Asbestos abatement is the removal of friable asbestos-containing material or materials that will be rendered friable in amounts greater than the above trigger levels.

Removal, in accordance with Regulation 8, Part B, is required if the amount of asbestos-containing material that is friable or will become friable during demolition exceeds the trigger levels.
Abatement must be conducted by a Colorado-certified General Abatement Contractor (GAC).
The GAC must submit an Asbestos Abatement Notification and Permit Application form to the division along with payment of a permit fee.
A ten working-day notification period is required before the work can commence.
The GAC must follow all other regulations (e.g. OSHA) and disposal requirements (HAZ).

Demolition

Demolition is the wrecking or taking out of any load-supporting structural member of a facility, together with any related handling operations or the intentional burning of any facility.

If you demolish, perform destructive salvage, perform de-construction, burn, destroy, dismantle, dynamite, implode, knock down, level, pull down, pulverize, raze, tear down, wreck all of a structure or any structural components, or you move a building, you are may be subject to State asbestos and Federal regulations even when there is no asbestos in the facility.

The building or area of the building to be demolished must be inspected for asbestos by a Colorado-certified asbestos inspector.

In accordance with Regulation 8, Part B, removal is required if the amount of asbestos-containing material that is friable or will become friable during demolition exceeds the trigger levels.
A ten working-day notification period is required before the demolition can commence.
A Demolition Notification Application Form must be submitted to the division, even if no asbestos was found during the inspection, along with payment of a notification fee.
Inform all contractors of asbestos-containing material in amounts less than the trigger levels or any asbestos-containing material remaining in the building.
Follow all other regulations (e.g. OSHA) and disposal requirements (HAZ).
Obtain local permits if required.

During demolition, the recycling of materials, such as concrete or wood, bonded or contaminated with asbestos-containing material, such as floor tile or mastic, is not permitted. Demolition of a building that has any non-friable asbestos-containing vinyl asbestos tile or tar-impregnated roofing materials in excess of trigger levels must be completed without causing the asbestos-containing materials to become friable. If possible, concrete floors covered with floor tile shall be removed in large sections. Operations such as crushing or pneumatic jacking of materials containing asbestos are not permitted. When imploding or burning a structure, all asbestos-containing material, regardless of type or quantity, must be removed before any work.

Renovation

Renovation is any alteration to one or more components in or on a facility. Examples of renovation work include replacement or repair of mechanical ventilation systems, pipes, ceilings, walls, flooring (including floor tiles), and insulating materials. Renovation may also include the construction of additions or the modification of existing components where tie-ins, joints, or other intersections may occur. For renovation activities that impact friable asbestos-containing material or asbestos-containing material that may be rendered friable, see Abatement. Removal of non-friable asbestos-containing material that will not be rendered friable by the removal activity falls under Renovation.

Removal, in accordance with Regulation 8, Part B, is required if the amount of asbestos-containing material that is non-friable exceeds the trigger levels. Material must not be rendered friable during removal.
Removal of friable asbestos-containing materials in excess of trigger levels must be conducted by a Colorado-certified General Abatement Contractor (GAC). Other contractors may remove non-friable materials if done in accordance with Regulation 8, Part B.
The contractor must submit an Asbestos Abatement Notification and Permit Application form to the division along with payment of a permit fee.
A ten working-day notification period is required before the work can commence.
The contractor must follow all other regulations (e.g. OSHA) and disposal requirements.

Asbestos Building Inspectors

An asbestos inspection is required by a certified asbestos building inspector before any renovation or demolition work takes place, or materials need to be assumed to be an asbestos-containing material. The certified Asbestos Building Inspector must work for a registered asbestos consulting firm.

View the full list of registered asbestos consulting firms.

Find a certified General Abatement Contractor.

Certified/registered or approved individuals or companies

Forms

A 10-business day notification to CDPHE is required before the commencement of any removal of asbestos greater than the trigger level or the demolition of any facility.

You must provide notification for all demolitions of all facilities
- View the definition in Regulation 8, Part B.
You must provide notification for all asbestos abatement projects that exceed the trigger levels.
- The notification requirements apply to both friable and non-friable asbestos materials.
- View the definition in Regulation 8, Part B.
You must obtain a permit for the abatement of friable asbestos projects where the quantity of asbestos-containing material to be abated exceeds the trigger levels, whichever is the lesser quantity.
You must notify the division of any major asbestos spill
- View the requirements in Section III.T.
Asbestos Notification Period Guidance.
Abatement notification and permit application.
Demolition notification application.
Notification and permit modification.
Multiple phase project schedule.
Variance request.
Project manager waiver.
Single-family residential dwelling area of public access opt-out.
Request for Asbestos Inspection Exemption.
Major Asbestos Spill Notification.
Request for waiver of the 10-working day notification period.

Certification, registration, and training

Individuals must possess current Colorado certification to work in any regulated asbestos activity and are required to comply with the certification requirements of Colorado Regulation 8, Part B, Sections II.C, and II.D. before performing asbestos-related activities in single-family residential dwellings, schools, and public and commercial buildings. The state certification is in addition to current division approved training.

Companies must possess current Colorado certification or registration in order for their employees to conduct regulated asbestos activities.

To become certified as an individual in Colorado, you must:

Apply to us using the Application for Asbestos Certification for Individuals.
Submit the appropriate fee via the payment portal.
Supply us your training certificate(s) from your EPA-approved training course. Training certificates from asynchronous online training classes are not accepted in Colorado.
Email the requested documents to cdphe.iepcertification@state.co.us.
Pass the appropriate Colorado exam for the discipline in which you want to be certified.

After successfully completing the state exam, people seeking Worker or Supervisor certification will be issued an Asbestos Photo Identification Card.

Air Monitoring Specialists, Building Inspectors, Management Planners and Project Designers will receive a certificate.
All certification examinations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure adequate seating.

The division recommends renewal applications be submitted at least 30 days before the certification expiration date to avoid any interruption in the employment status.

Training courses and exam schedules

Asbestos training courses must be approved before they’re offered. Instructors wishing to teach any portion of an asbestos course must be pre-approved.

Please contact the certification coordinator at (720) 515-9742 or cdphe.iepcertification@state.co.us.

Certification and notification forms for individuals

To become certified or registered as a company in Colorado, you must:

Apply to us using the appropriate application.
Submit the appropriate fee via the payment portal.
Submit the appropriate accompanying documentation as applicable.
Email the required documents to cdphe.iepcertification@state.co.us.

Companies will receive a certificate, indicating certification or registration as applicable.

The division recommends that renewal applications be submitted at least 30 days before the certification expiration date to avoid any interruption in the employment status.

Certification, registration, or notification forms for companies

Application for a permit or notice

Before the removal of regulated asbestos-containing materials or demolition can begin, the division requires:

A written application to the division for a notice or permit.
Submit the appropriate fee via the payment portal.
Ten-working-day notification period.
Any other required documentation.
Written approval from the division.

Emergencies: In the case of emergencies, you must request a waiver of the notification period.

All asbestos-containing material waste must be disposed of at an approved asbestos waste disposal site, regardless of the quantity or the necessity for a notice/permit.

Single Family Residential Dwellings - ACM amounts > 50 LF or 32 SF or a 55-gal. drum, but ≤ 260 LF or 160 SF or a 55-gallon drum

Single Family Residential Dwelling Notice - $60.00.
Single Family Residential Dwelling 30-day permit - $180.00.
Single Family Residential Dwelling 90-day permit - $300.00.
Single Family Residential Dwelling 1-year permit - $420.00.
All Single-Family Residential Dwelling opt outs - $60.00.

Public and Commercial Building, School, and Single-Family Residential Dwellings: ACM amounts > 260 LF or 160 SF or a 55-gallon drum

30-day permit - $400.00.
90-day permit - $800.00.
1 year permit - $1,200.00.
Demolition Notice - $50.00 base fee plus*.
- *plus per 1,000 square foot - $5.00.
Non-Friable Notice - $80.00.
Multiphase Processing fee - $80.00.
No charge for Courtesy Notice.
Permit Transfer - $55.00.

Asbestos certification fees

General Abatement Contractor (initial) - $2,000.00.
General Abatement Contractor (renewal) - $1,000.00.
Worker - $125.00.
Supervisor - $250.00.
Project Designer - $250.00.
Building Inspector - $175.00.
Air Monitoring Specialist - $250.00.
Supervisor/Project Designer - $275.00.
Building Inspector/Management Planner - $275.00.
Certification Exam Retest (per occurrence) - $125.00.
Lost Card (per card) - $25.00.
Training Provider - initial course material review, per discipline* - $250.00.
- *plus per 1,000 square foot - $5.00.
Training Provider - renewal, per discipline* - $100.00.
- *plus per student fee - $10.00.
Asbestos Consulting Company - $500.00.
Asbestos Laboratory - $250.00.

Payment information

Submit fees for an asbestos permit or notice, certification fees or penalty payments or any other asbestos related payment using the payment portal.

Submit the appropriate fee via the payment portal.
Payment instructions.

Upon completion, you will receive a confirmation of payment receipt in your email. Attach a copy of that receipt to your application for which you are seeking service(s) and submit both documents to the division by email:

For asbestos or lead abatement notification: cdphe.asbestos@state.co.us.
For demolition applications: cdphe.asbestos@state.co.us.
For asbestos or lead abatement certification: cdphe.iepcertification@state.co.us.

Managing asbestos in schools

In 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted Colorado a waiver to administer and enforce the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.. CDPHE, through Regulation 8, Part B, is designated by the governor's office to review asbestos management plans for all public and private nonprofit schools (K-12) in Colorado for compliance. If you are a school or district in need of assistance, please contact the division.

Asbestos-contaminated soil disturbance

Learn more on the asbestos contaminated soil disturbance web page from the CDPHE Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division.

Additional information

Colorado Regulation 8. The revised regulation took effect on March 17, 2021.

Learn more about asbestos records on our air division records web page.

Asbestos by address

Looking for asbestos documents on a house or other type of building? Locate asbestos documents.

Use “CDPHERM AIR Public Asbestos and Lead” search type.
Searching using your address:
- It is most helpful to search using the numerical digits of the address with a wildcard/asterisk symbol.
- For example, an address is 123 W Broadway Ln. Use the “CDPHERM Address” box and type in the address keyword using 123*Broadway*.
Multiple keywords can be used to narrow down the search.
Searching is not case-sensitive.
- Use a mixture of upper and lower case.
Use a date range so that the database can efficiently return documents of interest
- For example, locating documents for 12548 Shore Drive, Denver, CO – within a date range.
- Searching using 125* in the address keyword will result in a large amount of documents. The date range provides the documents of interest.

Figure 1: Example of efficient search terms.

Results are limited to 10,000 in the Public Access Viewer.
Internet speeds may impact how quickly search results load
If you find an error, contact cdphe_apcd_records@state.co.us.

Contact us

Questions? Email cdphe.asbestos@state.co.us or call 720-507-5136 with general questions or comments on asbestos. Email cdphe.iepcertification@state.co.us for more information on asbestos certification.

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