Founding Fathers of Restoration Inside: Asbestos Liability Issues Family Succession Plans Ethical Relationships

A potential trap for the unwary cleaning and restora-tion contractor lies in the cleanup and renovation of asbestos-containing products and materials. In disaster restoration work after a hurricane or even in small water losses, the presence of wallboard or pipe covering debris demands cleanup, and these items can contain asbestos. A contractor’s failure to recognize the problems associated with dealing with asbestos can result in millions of dollars in fines and even imprisonment. This article identifies some of the products in which asbestos might be found, discusses the more prominent federal laws (as well as some state laws) that address asbestos in renova-tion or demolition settings, and provides some practical advice on how to ensure that your company is in compliance with laws governing asbestos. What is Asbestos? “Asbestos ” is a generic term that refers to a group of si