Indoor Air Quality: Asbestos Control Program

Mission

The Indoor Air Quality: Asbestos Control Program works to protect the Rhode Island public from exposures to carcinogenic airborne asbestos through hazard assessment and abatement of asbestos containing building materials by licensed professionals following safe work practices. The program is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Asbestos Control. Provisions include: requirements for identifying and abating asbestos hazards in schools and other regulated buildings; procedures to ensure that abatement activities are performed in a safe manner; licensing and certification of asbestos professionals (including training providers), analytical labs, consultants, contractors, site supervisors, workers and others. Other program activities include prioritizing inspections of schools located in Environmental Justice Areas as defined by Environmental Protection Agency; conducting audits of certified training providers; technical review of asbestos abatement/management plans; and conducting outreach activities.

2012 Accomplishments and Milestones

• Reviewed 100% of the asbestos abatement plans submitted by companies involved in asbestos removal.
• Conducted an on-site quality assurance inspection in over 30% of the facilities that submitted an asbestos abatement plan, with an emphasis on high risk properties.
• Conducted a comprehensive asbestos inspection in 50 RI schools, exceeding program goals.

What We Do

• Identify and abate asbestos hazards in schools and other regulated buildings;
• Asbestos abatement planning oversight;
• Define asbestos abatement procedures;
• Certify and license of asbestos training courses, analytical labs, consultants and competent persons, abatement contractors, asbestos abatement contractors, site supervisors, and asbestos workers.