A building constructed in 1979 undergoes renovation. Is there a requirement to inquire about asbestos presence?

A building constructed in 1979 undergoes renovation. Is there a requirement to inquire about asbestos presence?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if renovations are planned to remove asbestos
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

When planning renovations, you’re only required to address asbestos if the work could disturb asbestos-containing materials. A building built in 1979 can contain asbestos, but there isn’t a blanket rule that you must always inquire about its presence before any renovation. If the project is purely landscape or non-structural work that won’t disturb materials likely to contain asbestos, there’s no mandatory inquiry. However, if you will be stripping, removing, or demolishing components that could contain asbestos, you must follow proper regulations, which usually means obtaining information about known ACM and engaging licensed abatement or testing as required. In short, no universal requirement to inquire exists; the need to check depends on whether the work could disturb asbestos-containing materials.

When planning renovations, you’re only required to address asbestos if the work could disturb asbestos-containing materials. A building built in 1979 can contain asbestos, but there isn’t a blanket rule that you must always inquire about its presence before any renovation. If the project is purely landscape or non-structural work that won’t disturb materials likely to contain asbestos, there’s no mandatory inquiry. However, if you will be stripping, removing, or demolishing components that could contain asbestos, you must follow proper regulations, which usually means obtaining information about known ACM and engaging licensed abatement or testing as required. In short, no universal requirement to inquire exists; the need to check depends on whether the work could disturb asbestos-containing materials.