Inspectors are trained to look for certain materials in buildings that may contain asbestos and are also trained in proper sampling techniques. At present there is no requirement to remove asbestos materials from commercial and industrial buildings unless the identified asbestos material has deteriorated to the point that it may become air-borne and, therefore, a possible health hazard. Even in a deteriorated condition, asbestos does not have to be removed if it can be repaired or enclosed. Some people prefer removal as an option, but repairing or enclosing the asbestos is usually less expensive than removal. If removal is the option of choice, caution must be used by the owner in deciding who will remove the asbestos material.
Friable asbestos is the more dangerous and the most regulated type of asbestos.
Removal of friable asbestos should be performed by an asbestos contractor with a Supervisor and workers accredited by the State of North Carolina. An asbestos release will not result simply from touching non-friable asbestos such as floor tile. Non-friable asbestos can become friable and a hazard if handled improperly, but normally an asbestos contractor is not required to remove this material unless it is already in a deteriorated condition or will become friable during removal. This includes no sawing, cutting, or beating apart the material or using any power tools to remove it. Precautions should be taken when removing non-friable material such as keeping breakage to a minimum and keeping the material wet when disturbing it.