Asbestos Contractor Licensing

Asbestos-related work requires MDH licensing

A contractor must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to perform asbestos-related work (ARW). ARW includes the work area preparation, enclosure, removal, encapsulation or maintenance of asbestos-containing material (ACM) during a project in a facility or building that equals or is greater than these amounts:

• 260 linear feet of friable ACM on pipes, (10 linear feet on pipes in residences)
• 160 square feet of friable ACM on other facility components, (6 square feet in residences) or,
• 35 cubic feet of friable ACM on or off facility components (1 cubic foot in residences).

Two other types of projects are regulated by MDH:

• series of small projects that equals or is greater than these quantities in a calendar year; or
• maintenance activities that equal or are greater than these quantities in a calendar year; these maintenance activities are for maintaining the equipment or building component the asbestos is located on, not maintaining the asbestos itself.

ARW also includes indoor air monitoring and clearance air sampling. Companies performing either of these activities must be licensed as an asbestos contractor if they are performing any air sampling on a regulated project.

How to become an MDH licensed asbestos contractor

To become an MDH licensed asbestos contractor, or to renew an MDH asbestos contractor license, you must:

1. Complete the Asbestos Contractor License Application (PDF). Completely fill out the application, including the company’s State of Minnesota Business Identification Number issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, and the policy number of the company’s Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage. For more information on Worker's Compensation Insurance, contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
2. Submit the application and fee to MDH. Include the nonrefundable licensing fee of $105 in the form of a cashier’s check, business check or money order. Cash is not accepted.

Allow at least 2-4 weeks for processing the application. To minimize delays in the application approval process, make sure the entire application is filled out completely, including all necessary signatures, and that the licensing fee is included.

Changes in company information

MDH should be informed of any company information changes, especially address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. This is important so the company can be made aware of any current information as it is released by MDH.

More information

For more information about asbestos, contact the Asbestos Program at MDH through the internet or by telephone at (651) 201-4620.

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