Code of Massachusetts Regulations
454 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS
Title 454 CMR 28.00 - The Removal, Containment, Maintenance, or Encapsulation of Asbestos
Section 28.12 - Special Procedures for the Removal of Asbestos Roofing and Siding Materials

(a). Asphaltic shingles and felts must be removed intact to the greatest extent feasible.

(b). Roof level heating and ventilation air intake sources must be isolated by covering with plastic sheeting prior to the start of the work.

(c). Wet methods must be used to remove asphaltic shingles and felts that are not intact, or will be rendered non-intact by the removal, unless such wet methods are not feasible or will create safety hazards. This requirement notwithstanding, removal or repair of sections of intact roofing does not require the use of wet methods or HEPA vacuuming as long as the methods used in the removal or repair do not render the roofing material non-intact, and no visible emissions are produced.

(d). Where cutting machines are used in the removal of asphaltic shingles and felts, said cutting machines shall be equipped with a HEPA vacuum to capture dust produced by the cutting process. Cutting machines that are not equipped with a HEPA vacuum to capture dust produced by the cutting process shall only be used inside a work area for which containment sufficient to prevent visible emissions of fugitive dust to the ambient air has been established.

(e). Where cutting machines are used in the removal of asphaltic shingles and felts, the material shall be adequately wetted throughout the cutting process.

(f). Dust produced by power roof cutters operating on aggregate surfaces must be removed by HEPA vacuuming. Dust produced by power roof cutters operating on non-aggregate, smooth surfaces must be removed by HEPA vacuuming or wet wiping along the cut line.

(g). Asbestos-containing shingles or felts must not be dropped or thrown to the ground. Unless the material is carried or passed to the ground by hand, it must be lowered to the ground by crane or hoist or transferred in dust-tight chutes.

(h). Intact asphaltic shingles and felts must be lowered to the ground not later than the end of each shift. Where feasible, non-intact asphaltic shingles and felts must be kept wet at all times while on the roof, placed in an impermeable waste bag (six-mil minimum thickness) or wrapped in plastic sheeting (six-mil minimum thickness), sealed with duct tape and lowered to the ground not later than the end of each work shift.

(a). Tarpaulin or plastic sheeting will be spread on the ground under the areas where the shingles, siding or panels are being removed. Said tarpaulin or plastic sheeting must extend away from the edge of the building and to either side of the work area a sufficient distance to catch any debris generated by the work operation. Tarpaulin or sheeting must be cleaned of accumulated debris no later than the end of each work shift.

(b). Openings of windows on the side of the building where the work is taking place must be closed or sealed with polyethylene sheeting and duct tape in a manner sufficient to prevent leakage of dust or debris to interior spaces.

(c). Cementitious asbestos-containing shingles, siding and panels must be removed whole and intact to the greatest feasible extent. Methods predisposing shingles siding or panels to breakage during removal is prohibited.

(d). Each panel or shingle must be adequately wetted with Amended Water prior to removal.

(e). Nails securing shingles must be cut or pulled prior to shingle removal. Shingles, siding or panels must be carefully lowered to the ground to avoid breakage.

(f). Removed shingles, siding or panels and associated debris must be containerized in leak-proof metal, plastic or plastic-lined drums or boxes or wrapped with double thickness plastic sheeting (six-mil minimum thickness each layer) sealed with duct tape no later than the end of each work shift. The outer surface or layer of waste material shall be free of asbestos contamination before exiting the Work Area.

(g). Persons performing work involving only the removal of asbestos roofing and siding materials may comply with the OSHA training requirements set forth at 29 CFR 1926.1101(k)(9)(iv) or the corresponding EPA training requirements specified by 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart G, as applicable, in lieu of fulfilling the training requirements of 454 CMR 28.00.

(h). Clearance Inspections. The Work Area and perimeter shall be visually inspected for dust, debris and other particulate residue. The Work Area and perimeter shall be repeatedly cleaned by the Contractor or other entity carrying out the work operation until the no Visible Debris criterion is achieved.

(i). Persons performing work involving only the removal of asbestos roofing and siding materials must retain records and documents for a period of at least 15 years.