Asbestos and Lead Requirements for Contractors and Other Building Professionals

The information on this page is for contractors and other building professionals such as architects, engineers, asbestos professionals and lead professionals.

Image
A question mark with the words "Did you know?" under it.
Why are asbestos and lead regulated in Vermont?

Asbestos and lead pose health risks, and they may be found in buildings and other structures. Because of this, the Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency have specific requirements for the maintenance, renovation and demolition of buildings and other structures.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are only dangerous when they are disturbed or handled incorrectly. If ACMs are not handled properly, asbestos particles can be breathed in. Even a small amount of ACM can cause health effects. Learn more about the hazards and health effects of asbestos.

Lead-based paint becomes a hazard when it is disturbed. This can be from chipping and peeling paint, when painted surfaces rub together, or when the paint is not properly sanded, scraped or burned. If lead-based paint is not handled properly, lead dust can be breathed in or swallowed by workers and by people, especially children, who use the building or other structure. Learn more about the hazards and health effects of lead.

What You Need to Know About Training

Where can I find online training courses for asbestos or lead licensing?

The Health Department accredits training courses for asbestos and lead disciplines. Asbestos and lead contractors must have up-to-date training from an accredited training provider before they can be licensed to work in Vermont. If you want to be licensed in Vermont, check the table of approved online courses below. These online classes are approved as interim alternatives to in-person classroom training.

If the training you want to take is not on the table below, contact the Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program before taking the online training course to confirm that it has been approved and meets the requirements in Vermont.

Approved Online Asbestos & Lead-Based Paint Training Courses
Course TitleTraining ProviderApproval Date
Asbestos Inspector RefresherATC4/15/2020
Asbestos Management Planner RefresherATC4/15/2020
Asbestos Supervisor RefresherATC4/15/2020
Asbestos Project Designer RefresherATC4/15/2020
Asbestos Project Monitor RefresherATC4/15/2020
Lead Supervisor RefresherATC5/19/2020
Asbestos Inspector RefresherInstitute for Environmental Education (IEE)4/9/2020
Asbestos Supervisor RefresherInstitute for Environmental Education (IEE)5/8/2020
Asbestos Management Planner RefresherInstitute for Environmental Education (IEE)12/30/2020
Asbestos Project Designer RefresherInstitute for Environmental Education (IEE)12/30/2020
Asbestos Project Monitor RefresherInstitute for Environmental Education (IEE)12/30/2020
Lead Supervisor RefresherInstitute for Environmental Education (IEE)1/14/2021
Asbestos Worker RefresherCNS Environmental12/7/2020
Asbestos Supervisor RefresherCNS Environmental10/15/2020
Asbestos Inspector RefresherCNS Environmental4/12/2021
Asbestos Supervisor RefresherAlpine Environmental Services1/4/2021
Asbestos Inspector RefresherChem Scope5/30/2021
Asbestos Management Planner RefresherChem Scope5/30/2021
Asbestos Project Designer RefresherChem Scope5/30/2021
Asbestos Project Monitor RefresherChem Scope5/30/2021
Asbestos Supervisor RefresherChem Scope9/1/22
Asbestos Worker RefresherCHC Training9/1/2022
Asbestos Supervisor RefresherCHC Training9/1/2022
Asbestos Inspector RefresherCHC Training9/1/2022
Asbestos Management Planner RefresherCHC Training9/1/2022
Asbestos Project Designer RefresherCHC Training9/1/2022
I am a training provider. How can I get my online training course for asbestos and lead licensing accredited?

Historically, only in-person classes have been accredited by the Health Department, but many training providers are considering online learning opportunities for asbestos and lead disciplines. If you are a training provider who is planning an online training course to license Vermont asbestos or lead contractors, you must submit the following to [email protected] for review and approval before it can be offered:

  • Information to the on the course
  • Course syllabus
  • List of instructors
  • Details about the hands-on training segment
  • Details on the course exam

What You Need to Know About Asbestos and Lead Requirements

What do I need to know before beginning a renovation or demolition (notice of intent, inspections, surveys, project design)?

Asbestos

No one may renovate or demolish a building or other structure or a portion of a it without first getting confirmation from the owner that an asbestos assessment has been completed according to the conditions outlined below. The assessment must be conducted by a Vermont-licensed asbestos inspector.

If no asbestos-containing materials are found:

If asbestos-containing materials are found, and these materials will be disturbed due to the renovation or demolition, then:

  • Asbestos-containing materials must be removed by a Vermont-licensed asbestos abatement company before the renovation or demolition.
  • The asbestos abatement company must notify the Health Department at least 10 working days before the project begins by filing an application for permit and fee (see the Asbestos Abatement Permits section below).
Required Instructions and Fact Sheets
Federal Notification Form
Asbestos Abatement Permits

If you are a Vermont-licensed asbestos abatement company and want to begin work on an asbestos abatement project, you must submit an asbestos abatement permit application to the Health Department using the licensing and permitting portal. Only the company's primary contacts can submit the permit application on behalf of the company. To be assigned a primary contact for your company, create an account on the portal, then email [email protected].

Small Scale Short Duration Asbestos Abatement Activities

Small Scale Short Duration (SSSD) abatement activities include any asbestos abatement activity that encompasses up to and including:

  • 10 linear feet of asbestos-containing materials located on pipes

OR

  • 10 square feet of asbestos-containing materials from any surface within the abatement area within a facility

Projects divided up into smaller segments are asbestos abatement projects and not SSSD activities.

All SSSD abatement activities must be performed by a trained and Vermont-certified asbestos worker or supervisor. A Vermont licensed asbestos abatement company must submit the SSSD Notification Form to the Health Department using the form on the licensing and permitting portal within 48 hours of completing the SSSD abatement activity.

Lead

If you are a Vermont-licensed lead abatement company and want to begin work on a lead abatement project, you must submit a lead abatement permit application to the Health Department using the licensing and permitting portal. Only the company's primary contacts can submit the permit application on behalf of the company. To be assigned a primary contact for your company, create an account on the portal, then email [email protected].

What do I need to know about Inspection, Repair and Cleaning (IRC) Practices?

Asbestos

IRC Practices do not apply to asbestos.

Lead

The Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law requires owners of residential rental buildings and child care facilities built before 1978 to do IRC Practices to help prevent people from being poisoned by lead. IRC Practices are relatively inexpensive maintenance activities that reduce lead-based paint hazards.

IRC Practices must be performed by an IRC Practices-certified person. You must attend a Health Department approved IRC Practices class to become certified. Classes are generally available at no cost at various locations throughout Vermont on a continual basis. Find an IRC Practices training class

Additionally, all maintenance and renovation of rental properties and child care facilities built before 1978 must comply with the Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law. Learn more about IRC Practices and the Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law

What are safe work practices for asbestos and lead?

Asbestos

Under Vermont law, only licensed contractors are allowed to perform asbestos abatement activities and must follow the regulations regarding the handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.

Lead

Under Vermont law, contractors are required to use lead-safe work practices.

More Information
Image
two pieces of paper signifying a document or PDF
Vermont Regulations for Asbestos Control
Image
two pieces of paper signifying a document or PDF
Vermont Regulations for Lead Control
Image
A pointer cursor signifying a website link.
Lead Hazards and How to Prevent Lead Poisoning
Contact Us

Asbestos & Lead Regulatory Program

Mailing Address:

VT Dept of Health
Environmental Health
Asbestos & Lead Regulatory Program
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8350

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free in Vermont)

Last Updated: