CSLB Contractor's Law & Business Practice Exam

Before beginning work, what inquiry must an employer or contractor make regarding asbestos?

1. Verify if asbestos is present in buildings constructed after 1980

2. Inquire about asbestos presence in any building constructed prior to 1978

3. Notify employees about asbestos dangers

4. Obtain permission to disturb asbestos

The correct answer is: Inquire about asbestos presence in any building constructed prior to 1978

An inquiry about asbestos before commencing any work is essential due to the potential health hazards associated with exposure to this hazardous material. Buildings constructed prior to 1978 are of particular concern because that was the year when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most uses of asbestos in building materials. It is crucial for employers or contractors to determine if asbestos is present in these older structures to protect workers' health and to comply with safety regulations. This inquiry enables appropriate precautions to be taken, which may include proper training, personal protective equipment, or the implementation of asbestos abatement procedures. By focusing on buildings constructed before 1978, the employer or contractor ensures they are acknowledging the risk of asbestos exposure in buildings that are more likely to contain it due to when they were built. Other options do not address the core issue of ensuring safety by verifying the presence of asbestos in the most critical time frame or do not align with regulatory requirements. For instance, verifying the presence of asbestos in buildings constructed after 1980 may not be necessary since those buildings are less likely to have asbestos materials.