Hiring a Certified Decontamination Specialist

Whether you are looking for someone to sample a home for the presence of methamphetamine or to decontaminate a known contaminated property, hiring a Certified Decontamination Specialist may be an important step.  The information in this fact sheet is presented to help you in this decision making process. 

Information to Gather Prior to Hiring a Certified Decontamination Specialist:

1. Ask for written bids, compare itemized work and evaluate total costs for completion of the sampling and/or decontamination work.
   
   
2. Request references, previous clients and customers the individual has served.
   
   
3. Inquire about the individual’s level of experience relating to sampling and decontamination.
   
   
4. Ask if the individual follows procedures established by the State and local jurisdiction and to explain the procedures he or she will be using on your property.
   
   
5. Look into whether the individual has had complaints against him or her in the past and how the complaints were resolved.  If necessary, check with the Better Business Bureau and consumer protection offices or the Local Health Department.
   
   
6. Get the individual to provide a date the job will be completed and detail how he or she will actively keep you informed of the progress.

Research: Interview a minimum of three Decontamination Specialists.  Do not limit yourself by location, as companies may conduct sampling and decontamination work statewide.

Remember: Hiring a Certified Decontamination Specialist in Utah is a business decision that should be approached with the same care as any other business dealing.  The consumer should conduct appropriate due diligence and be as informed as possible to make a good hire.

Getting Started With Sampling and Decontamination

Decontamination requirements may differ from County to County or health jurisdiction to health jurisdiction.  For information specific to decontamination requirements in your County or health jurisdiction, please contact the Local Health Department in your area or visit: www.ualhd.org/Departments/Departments.htm.

For more information about methamphetamine sampling and cleanup requirements, please contact the Utah Department of Health at (801) 538-6191 or visit: http://health.utah.gov/meth.

For more information about Decontamination Specialist Certification requirements, please contact the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at (801) 536-4100 or visit: www.superfund.utah.gov/decon_cert_program.htm.

For convenience in locating Certified Decontamination Specialists, the DEQ maintains a comprehensive list available at:

www.superfund.utah.gov/docs/ContractorList.pdf. 

MARCH 2009