ASBESTOS INSPECTION REQUIREMENT

Over the Line Materials Exceed Trigger Levels? A Certified Asbestos Inspection Is Needed to Ensure Safe Material Handling

When the Wizard shows “Certified Asbestos Inspection Report Required,” it means the amount of building material you plan to disturb is above Colorado’s regulatory thresholds. At that point, the law requires a formal asbestos inspection before work begins.

1. Colorado’s Trigger Levels
Under Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B (Asbestos), an asbestos inspection must be conducted by a Colorado-certified asbestos building inspector - anywhere in the state of CO - before any renovation that disturbs materials above these thresholds:

• Single-Family Residential Dwellings (SFRD):
  More than 32 square feet, 50 linear feet, or the volume of a 55-gallon drum of suspect material.
• Public & Commercial Buildings (P&C):
  More than 160 square feet, 260 linear feet, or the volume of a 55-gallon drum of suspect material.

Material quantity is cumulative - calculate the total amount of material disturbance by adding the quantity of all materials together. In other words, removing 10 square feet of different materials in 4 different rooms exceeds the SFRD 32 square feet trigger level, necessitating an inspection. If your project is over these limits, an inspection is mandatory to determine whether asbestos is present.

2. Why the Inspection is Required

• Identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM): Many common materials (walls, flooring, insulation, siding, glues) may contain asbestos, even in newer buildings.
• Prevent accidental exposure: Disturbing ACM without precautions can release dangerous fibers into the air.
• Guide safe work plans: The inspection report gives contractors a clear roadmap on how to proceed, whether removal, abatement, or special handling is needed.
• Ensure compliance: Without an inspection, your project could be stopped by regulators or flagged by local permitting agencies.

3. OSHA Still Applies
Even when the state requires an inspection, OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.1101) also require that employers assume materials contain asbestos unless proven otherwise. An inspection provides the proof that OSHA expects employers to rely on.

4. Why This Matters to You

• Legal compliance: Proceeding without an inspection can lead to fines and project shutdowns.
• Health protection: Proper identification keeps workers, neighbors, and your household safe.
• Project certainty: Having an inspection report prevents mid-project surprises and delays.

✅ In Plain English
​If the materials you plan to disturb exceed Colorado’s trigger levels, you must have an asbestos inspection performed by a certified inspector.
This ensures:

• Asbestos is identified before work begins.
• Contractors know how to proceed safely.
• Your project complies with state and federal law.

References for Those Who Want to Read More

• Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B – Asbestos CDPHE →
  • Section III.A – Requirement for asbestos inspections
  • Section III.A.1 – Threshold levels for renovation projects
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 – Construction Asbestos Standard OSHA →