Ardell,
You asked how to choose a good abatement contractor (post #209).
1) Some say ask for referrals. Typically when asked the contractor will provide names of extremely satisfied clients, rather than those less satisfied. Expect any referrals to give a rave review, so I wouldn’t even bother asking for referrals.
2) A lot of safety violations information is available online at http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/establishment.html. Internet search engines can offer misleading safety info intentionally provided by subscribers. One such site has info from the OSHA site above on only non-members of their organization, making it appear their members are safer. Also, the OSHA site allows a little deeper digging to see what the violations actually were. Permit filing typos vs. fatalities, etc.
3) Ask for ‘asbestos abatement’ insurance. Some states licensing agencies require only ‘general liability’ insurance instead of ‘abestos abatement’ coverage.
4) Ask if the contractor is OSHA exempt (in Washington L&I exempt). Small firms who have no employees (owners only) are not required to adhere to many safety regulations which not only protect workers, but also prevent occupant exposures.
5) Most objective tip - ask ‘Asbestos Consultants’. These firms are usually found immediately before asbestos contractors in the phone book. Schools, governmental entities and multinational companies hire consultants to observe contractors during their operations and make final payment recommendations. If you suggested 3 firms who’d given you a bid to a consultant, they’d give you their opinion who’d be best based on their own experiences. Gov’t officials aren’t allowed such candor (either to recommend or to caution), but consultants can openly relay their experiences without fear of reprisal.
Hope that helps.
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June 30th, 2008 
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