Asbestos Statutes and Rules
Training and Certification
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) administers Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 159, Certification and Training Course Requirements for Asbestos Activities. The rule requires that people conducting regulated asbestos activities in Wisconsin be trained, individually certified, and associated with a certified company. The rule can be read on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.
Wis. Stat. ch. 254, Environmental Health, describes public health and other responsibilities for certification of persons engaged with asbestos abatement and management activities. The statute can be read on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.
Other Asbestos Regulations
The following agencies administer other major asbestos regulations:
- City of Milwaukee
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Occupational and Safety Administration (OSHA)
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Select the regulation you are interested in to find a link to it as well as resources related to the agency administering it.
The City of Milwaukee has a municipal ordinance that regulates asbestos activities within its limits.
Chapter 66, Toxic and Hazardous Substances
Environmental Inspection Section, Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services
In Wisconsin, the DNR administers the EPA's National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements.
Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 447, Control of Asbestos Emissions
Air Management Program, Wisconsin DNR
In Wisconsin, the DSPS regulates occupational safety and health standards for public employees.
Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 332, Public Employee Safety and Health
Public Sector Employee Safety Program, Wisconsin DSPS
The EPA requires local education agencies to inspect school buildings for asbestos-containing material, prepare plans for managing asbestos, and take actions to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards.
40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E, Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools
Asbestos | EPA
The U.S. EPA regulates work practices for asbestos that must be followed during demolitions and renovations of certain buildings and structures. Notification to the appropriate state agency (in Wisconsin, the DNR), prevention of visible emissions, and waste handling requirements are included in this regulation.
40 CFR Part 61, National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
OSHA enforces standards intended to protect workers from exposure to asbestos hazards.
29 CFR 1926.1101, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Asbestos Standard
Asbestos Standard for the Construction Industry, OSHA informational booklet
OSHA enforces standards relating to respiratory protection for employees.
29 CFR 1910.134 Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Personal Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protection Standard
Respiratory Protection | OSHA Safety and Health Topics