Regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM)

RACM is the term that decides whether a job falls under federal asbestos work rules. It includes friable asbestos. It also includes hard material that will be, or has been, sanded, ground, cut or abraded.

The EPA also sets amounts. If the asbestos to be removed or disturbed is less than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, or 35 cubic feet, the rule does not require RACM to be removed before demolition or renovation starts. Above those amounts, removal comes first.

Do not read that as a free pass for small jobs. The NESHAP still requires a thorough inspection before work starts, and Missouri has its own rules on notices and certified workers.

For an owner, the safe move is to survey first. Count the amounts, know the material type, and plan the demolition around the results. Surprises mid-demolition are the most expensive kind.