For the purpose of the Washington state public works law, chapter 39.12 RCW, the department of labor and industries has established the work classification of certified asbestos abatement workers.

Asbestos abatement work may be performed by any worker who is certified as an asbestos remover and encapsulator, except when the work performed is incidental to the normal scope of work of another trade or occupation. Incidental asbestos work includes only that work of short duration which is indistinguishable from the work of another established classification.

This classification does not include work falling within the scope of work for asbestos workers. That work is primarily related to the installation of insulation material around mechanical systems.

Certified asbestos abatement workers perform all of the work, including any cleanup required in connection with the abatement of asbestos, coming within the purpose and scope of chapter 49.26 RCW and chapter 296-65 WAC. WAC 296-65-003 provides definitions which establish the scope of this work.