Roofing Safety

VIDEO: Asbestos Mitigation on Commercial Roofs

RC safety expert Tammy Clark explains that safely removing and disposing of asbestos can become a problem for roofing contractors

By Jill Bloom, Group Publisher, Roofing Contractor, Tammy Clark, Art Aisner

Roofing contractors face many potential health hazards on the jobsite, beyond just working at heights. One of the most dangerous, and unfortunately, more common, is asbestos. Once heralded for its durability and fire-prevention qualities in the construction trades, decades of health research shows demonstrative links to chronic diseases.

Asbestos mitigation is a serious issue and can be a major pain-point for roofing contractors unfamiliar with all of the local, state, and federal regulations in place to deal with it, said RC safety expert Tammy Clark, certified safety consultant and owner of Tammy K. Clark companies.

RC went back into the field recently with Clark and Ruben Gonzalez, owner of Ais Construction in Michigan, to highlight common safety issues roofing contractors often encounter on commercial roofing jobsites.

In this brief video from outside an automotive plant, Clark explained some of the enforcement risks that roofing contractors take on from OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency when they find asbestos on a jobsite.

“If you’re not following all (those regulations), the fines start at $40,000,” Clark warned. “So, it’s really important if you ever have an asbestos project to do it right and look up the rules before you just do it.”

Watch the full video here and check out our other safety-related content for more ways to stay safe on the job.

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Jill Bloom is the innovative Group Publisher of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Tammy K. Clark is a highly credentialed health, safety and compliance professional who works in the fields of industrial, hygiene, occupational and environmental health and safety.

Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.