Asbestos Control Program

Asbestos Abatement Plans

Prior to performing asbestos abatement activities exceeding spot repair quantities in regulated buildings, an asbestos abatement plan must be submitted by the building owner to the RI Asbestos Control Program. 

An asbestos abatement plan is a detailed description of the remedies proposed, including but not limited to repair, enclosure, encapsulation, and removal, the selection of a licensed asbestos contractor, a time schedule for completion, disposal location, and the level of compliance with exposure and action criteria expected to be achieved. The complete requirements for Asbestos Abatement Plans are contained in Part C of the RI Rules and Regulations for Asbestos Control (R23-24.5-ASB). 

For asbestos abatement activities in school buildings, the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) must also be met. Although the regulations allow for a building owner to develop an asbestos abatement plan for other than activities in schools, due to the technical knowledge required to write a complete and acceptable plan, most are written by RI certified Project Designers. You can obtain a current list of RI certified Project Designers by contacting the Asbestos Program at (401) 222-3601. Asbestos Abatement Plans must be submitted on Agency forms. 

The Certification page of the application must be signed by the building owner or agent, and be notarized. The application must be accompanied by the correct fee, which is related to the quantity of asbestos addressed by the project. After review by staff of the Asbestos

Program, a letter of plan approval is sent to the building owner/agent. This approval becomes invalid if the work authorized has not commenced within six (6) months, although a 90-day extension may be requested. In addition, the abatement activities must be completed within one (1) year of the approval date.

Asbestos Abatement Contractors are required to notify the Asbestos Program when work is started, at least ten (10) working days before beginning any on-site work at a planned asbestos abatement project. The Asbestos Program will consider, on a case-by-case basis, waiver of this requirement when conditions so warrant.  

All asbestos abatement plans should be submitted to our office located at;

RI Department of Health
Healthy Homes and Environment Team – Asbestos Program
3 Capitol Hill, Room 206
Providence RI 02908

 If you would like to discuss Asbestos Abatement Plan requirements, you may contact the RI Asbestos Program at (401) 222-3601.