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DEQ recently approved changes to asbestos rules. The updated rules became effective on November 15th, after about a year-long process of review by DEQ and an associated stakeholder group. There are a few key changes to the rules that HBA members engaging in building and remodeling should be aware of, specifically concerning asbestos inspections, and administrative and compliance procedures following inspections: - For all remodeling projects on residential buildings constructed prior to Jan 1, 2004, a contractor/builder is now required to have an accredited inspector conduct a survey of the affected area(s). This includes renovation as well as demolition projects. This removes the survey exemption for residential renovation projects. Demolition and renovation at residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units, that were constructed after January 1, 2004, are exempt from the requirement to have a survey - The inspector’s survey reports are now required to include the name and phone number of the contractors/builder of the demolition or renovation, as well as the name and phone number of the owner of the facility where the demolition or renovation is taking place if different than contractor/builder - If they request it, the builder/contractor is required to send a copy of the asbestos survey report to DEQ and is required to keep a copy of the report on-site throughout the project Here is the same information taken directly from Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 340, Division 248, Asbestos Requirements: 340-248-0010 Definitions (1) "Accredited inspector" means a person who has completed training, received accreditation, and maintains valid accreditation under 40 C.F.R. Part 763 Subpart E, Appendix C (Model Accreditation Plan), Section B (Initial Training), Subsection 3 (Inspector). (18) "Demolition" means wrecking or removing a load-supporting structural member of a facility together with related handling operations or the intentional burning of a facility. (39) "Renovation" means altering one or more facility components. Renovation includes replacing, stripping, or repairing facility components, such as mechanical ventilation systems, pipes, ceilings, walls, flooring, and insulating materials. Operations in which load-supporting structural members are wrecked or removed are excluded. 340-248-0270 Emission Standards and Procedural Requirements: Asbestos Work Practices and Procedures (1) Except as OAR 340-248-0250 provides, before performing a demolition or renovation, the owner or operator of a demolition or renovation activity must have an accredited inspector complete a survey according to OAR 340-248-0270(3). (2) The owner or operator of a demolition or renovation activity that requires a survey under OAR 340-248-0270(1) must send a copy of the asbestos survey report to DEQ upon request by DEQ and keep a copy of the asbestos survey report onsite at the facility during a demolition or renovation activity. (3) The asbestos survey required by OAR 340-248-0270(1) must include all of the following: (a) (b) & (c) Deleted for brevity (d) An asbestos survey report that contains the following: (A) (B) & (C) Deleted for brevity (D) Name and phone number of the owner or operator of the facility where the survey was performed and the owner or operator of the demolition or renovation activity if different; Additional changes made to the asbestos rules apply to disposal requirements. For more information and to read the rules in their entirety, visit: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=1557