Southern California wildfires have become an increasingly significant challenge, impacting communities, ecosystems, and businesses across the region. With some of the largest California wildfires in history occurring in recent years, staying prepared is critical for those responding to these emergencies. This FAQ is designed to provide essential guidance for contractors, workers, and organizations involved in wildfire recovery efforts. Whether you’re navigating current California wildfires or planning for future incidents, this resource covers licensing, certifications, hazardous waste disposal, labor considerations, and worker safety protocols. Regular updates will ensure this document remains aligned with the latest information, including insights from the California wildfires map and resources tracking wildfires in California today.
1. What License will I need to have in order to assist?
Licensing Requirements
Required Licensing for Hazardous Material Abatement, Cleaning, and Painting in California
- Hazardous Material Abatement
Hazardous material abatement includes handling asbestos, lead, mold, wildfire debris, and other toxic substances. Contractors and their teams must obtain the appropriate licenses and certifications to comply with the law.
Contractor State License Board (CSLB) Licensing
In California, contractors must hold specific licenses issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to perform hazardous material abatement legally. The following CSLB classifications may be required:
- C-22 – Asbestos Abatement Contractor
- Required for any contractor performing asbestos removal or encapsulation.
- Contractors must also register with Cal/OSHA to obtain an Asbestos Contractor Registration.
- C-61/D-63 – Limited Specialty for Hazardous Substances Removal
- Required for handling hazardous substances not specifically covered by other classifications (e.g., chemical residues, VOCs, or firefighting retardants).
- It may be required to remove toxic debris caused by wildfires.
- B – General Building Contractor
- Required if hazardous material abatement is part of a larger restoration or reconstruction project.
- Cleaning
- In California, while a specific “janitorial license” isn’t required, janitorial employers must register annually with the Labor Commissioner’s Office. This registration acts as a specialty requirement for operating a janitorial service. Contractors performing basic janitorial services do not need a separate contractor’s license, but this registration is mandatory.
- More information: California Janitorial Registration FAQs.
- Painting
- Contractors performing painting, staining, or wall covering services must have a C-33 – Painting and Decorating Contractors License.
- More information: California Contractors State License Board.
2. Do I need any special certification to work in the area?
Specific Certifications and Registration for Hazardous Materials
- Asbestos Abatement
- Cal/OSHA Asbestos Contractor Registration
- Any contractor performing asbestos-related work (e.g., removal, repair, encapsulation) must register with Cal/OSHA.
- Requirements:
- Proof of valid CSLB C-22 license.
- Evidence of worker training and respiratory protection programs.
- Annual renewal of the registration.
- EPA-Certified Asbestos Training
- Workers must complete EPA-approved asbestos abatement training, which includes:
- Asbestos awareness.
- Proper removal and disposal procedures.
- Respiratory protection and PPE use.
- Certification must be renewed annually.
- Lead Abatement
- Lead-Related Construction Certification (California Department of Public Health – CDPH)
- Required for contractors disturbing lead-based paint during wildfire restoration.
- Certification requires passing an exam after completing CDPH-approved training.
- EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule Certification
- Required for contractors disturbing lead-based paint in homes, schools, or child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
- Certification includes completing an EPA-approved training course and registering as a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
- Hazardous Debris and Toxic Substances
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120)
- Required for workers involved in cleaning hazardous substances, including toxic wildfire debris.
- Training levels include:
- 24-hour HAZWOPER certification for occasional site workers.
- 40-hour HAZWOPER certification for direct hazardous material handlers.
- Annual 8-hour refresher courses.
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
- Contractors handling wildfire debris (e.g., soot, ash, fire retardants) must comply with DTSC guidelines.
3. What do I need to know about hazardous Waste
Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Proper disposal of hazardous materials is critical and requires adherence to California’s environmental regulations:
- Hazardous Waste Transporter License
- Contractors or haulers must obtain a California hazardous waste transporter license to transport materials like asbestos or lead-based paint.
- EPA ID Number
- Required for businesses generating hazardous waste.
- Landfill Regulations
- Wildfire debris must be disposed of at certified hazardous waste facilities.
Licensed Transporters can be found here. https://hwts.dtsc.ca.gov/transporters/TRANSRCH04.cfm
4. What sort of Labor issues might I run into?
Labor Issues
- Overtime Rules
- Employees must be paid 5 times their regular rate for hours exceeding 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week.
- Double-Time Pay: Required for hours exceeding 12 hours/day or 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday.
- Prevailing Wage Requirements
- Contractors working on public projects must pay workers wages determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).
- Labor Shortages
- Due to the nature of the work being performed and the client, the demand for skilled supervisory roles will likely exceed the supply.
There are a number of PERK’s vendors specializing in the labor field.
5. What type of conditions can I expect on the ground.
Logistical Challenges
- Restricted Access
- Limited entry to evacuation zones during firefighting operations.
- Infrastructure Damage
- Damaged utilities or overloaded cell service.
- Limited Landfill Access
- Difficulties in locating hazardous waste facilities.
- Lodging Shortages
- Scarcity of accommodations near affected areas.
CORE will provide daily updates on repopulation, road closures and power outages. Core also has a number of partners in the temp living space standing by to assist if needed.
6. How do I keep my people safe?
Worker Safety
- Identify Hazards
- Evaluate risks, such as smoke exposure, debris, and heat stress.
- Safety Protocols
- Create specific safety plans, including evacuation procedures.
- Training and Education
- Train employees on the hazards they may encounter, such as asbestos, lead, or toxic wildfire debris.
- Include instruction on proper use and care of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain Safety Records
- Document training sessions, hazard assessments, and PPE distribution.
- Retain medical and exposure records for the required retention period (e.g., 30 years for hazardous exposure records).
CORE has a templated safety plan if you need one.
As wildfires in California continue to evolve, so too must the efforts to mitigate their impact and support recovery. By staying informed about the latest requirements and best practices, contractors and workers can play a vital role in rebuilding communities affected by these devastating events. Whether you’re addressing current wildfires in California or preparing for future challenges, this FAQ serves as a living document to guide your efforts. Bookmark this page for updates and refer to the California wildfires map for real-time information on southern California wildfires. Together, we can help restore safety and resilience in the face of one of California’s most pressing environmental threats.