What action must be taken if asbestos is discovered during a renovation project in Maryland?

When asbestos is discovered during a renovation project in Maryland, the correct action is to stop work immediately and initiate proper notification and handling procedures. This is crucial because asbestos poses significant health risks, including serious respiratory diseases and cancer. Stopping work allows for a thorough assessment of the situation and ensures that appropriate safety measures can be implemented to protect workers and the public.

Initiating proper notification procedures is not only a legal requirement but also a critical step in managing the risks associated with asbestos exposure. This includes notifying relevant authorities and possibly hiring professionals trained in asbestos abatement to handle the material safely. By adhering to these protocols, the renovation project can continue safely and compliantly once the asbestos issue has been properly addressed.

Continuing work without addressing the discovery of asbestos puts individuals at risk and could lead to legal ramifications for negligence. Covering the material with new materials or proceeding with caution without a comprehensive plan for abatement are also ineffective and potentially hazardous approaches, as they do not resolve the presence of asbestos nor protect those involved in the renovation.