Checklist for determining contractor qualifications

1. Regardless of how you may feel about a particular contractor, always ask for a list references from previous projects. That list should include persons willing to describe the reliability of the contractor and the quality of work performed by the contractor.
2. All asbestos contractors must have an Oregon DEQ asbestos abatement license and use only Oregon certified workers and supervisors.
3. You may want to ask your contractor to provide air-monitoring data from previous projects done in accordance with Oregon OSHA or Oregon DEQ requirements. That information can help you determine if the work habits and general procedures that contractor uses are acceptable.
4. All contractors must have written standard operating procedures and employee protection plans which include specific reference to Oregon OSHA medical monitoring and respirator training programs. In addition, the contractor must make available a copy of the Oregon OSHA and the DEQ asbestos rules. (Oregon rules: under OAR 340-248 -0005 through -0290.)
5. Contractors must provide a list of any penalties that the contractor has paid due to not completing contractual requirements because of cost overruns, and/or liquidated damages.
6. Any citations levied against the contractor by any Federal, State, or local government agencies for violations related to asbestos abatement should be identified by the contractor. Included with that information should be the name or project location, the date(s) of the project and how the allegations were resolved.
7. Contractors should supply a description detailing all legal proceedings, lawsuits, or claims that have been filed or levied against them or any of their past or present employees for asbestos related activities.
8. The contractor should supply a list of all equipment that will be used for asbestos work. That list should include negative air machines, HEPA vacuums, type of respiration equipment they will use, scaffolding, decontamination facilities, disposable clothing, etc.

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