Friable Asbestos-Containing Materials

If friable asbestos-containing materials (e.g., pipe insulation) are present, they must be removed prior to being disturbed during renovation or demolition activities. Removal (abatement) must be performed by trained, licensed persons using procedures detailed in State and Federal regulations.

A project design must be prepared for each asbestos abatement project involving the abatement of greater than 3,000 square feet, 1,500 linear feet, and/or 656 cubic feet of RACM in a facility to be reoccupied. Such designs must be prepared by a person licensed by SCDES as an Asbestos Project Designer.

Contact: Asbestos Section (803) 898-4289

Non-Friable Asbestos-Containing Materials

Please note that, when it can reasonably be expected that non-friable materials will become friable during removal, these materials must be considered friable from the beginning. If non-friable Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) become friable during an abatement project, the removal becomes subject to the same requirements as friable materials, including training, licensing, notification, and work practices.

• Material should always be lowered to the ground carefully. Throwing or dropping non-friable ACM to the ground or into a truck will cause the material to become friable.
• Materials should be kept wet or misted with water during removal to minimize potential fiber release. NOTE: The use of water is only a control measure and by no means prevents a material from becoming friable.
• Once removed, materials may be placed in 6-mil polyethylene bags or drums or wrapped with 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Additional water may be added to ensure thorough wetting, but do not add so much that the bag or wrapping breaks when lifted.
• Debris already on the ground should be wet and either collected manually or gathered with a shovel and bagged for disposal. These materials can be potential sources of airborne asbestos fiber releases.
• South Carolina Regulation 61-86.1 requires that containers (bags, drums, wrapped components) holding asbestos waste must be labeled with the following: DANGER - CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS - AVOID CREATING DUST - CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD.
• Materials should be taken to a landfill as soon as possible but may be stored temporarily in a secure area subject to Departmental approval. Transport the materials so as to prevent them from leaking, spilling, or blowing off the vehicle.
• You should contact the landfill directly to make sure it will accept the material. You must obtain written approval from SCDES in advance for the disposal. You can get this approval by writing to the following address:

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Attn: Bureau of Air Quality/Asbestos Section
2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201

Be sure to include the following:

1. the address where the material is to be removed;
2. a brief description of the content (cement-like tiles, asphaltic shingles, etc.);
3. the volume of waste in cubic yards or the area in square feet of material removed, and;
4. the name and location of the landfill that has agreed to accept the waste.

Please remember to include your name, return address, and phone number.

• DO NOT BURN OR RECYCLE any asbestos-containing or asbestos-contaminated materials.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rules for workers affected by asbestos-containing materials. These rules must be complied with by all contractors and facility owners and include specific work practices, respiratory protection, and asbestos training requirements, even for activities involving only non-friable asbestos-containing materials. Contact the Department of Labor at (803) 896-7665 for details.
• Please contact SCDES at (803) 898-4289 if you need additional information or assistance regarding asbestos or asbestos removal requirements or regulations.