The following are some common questions that come up when a prospective applicant is considering becoming certified in drug lab cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to collect samples to analyze for meth?
Yes. In the state of Washington, Department of Ecology staff, Department of Health certified CDL supervisors or local health officers or designees must perform the collection of samples.
Do I need to work under a contractor to test for meth?
Yes. In the state of Washington, CDL certified supervisors must work under a licensed CDL contractor. This applies even if they are only collecting samples for testing.
If I'm an industrial hygienist, do I need to be CDL certified to perform meth testing and or decontamination?
Yes. You must be a certified CDL contractor to perform any work on a contaminated or potentially contaminated site.
Where can I find information about certification?
You can find information about certification on our Drug Lab Cleanup Certification page.
How long does it take to process an application?
DOH has 30 days to process an application.
What is the cost per application?
| Application Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Worker Initial or Reciprocal | $100 |
| Worker Renewal | $50 |
| Supervisor Initial | $200 |
| Supervisor Renewal | $150 |
| Trainer Initial per application | $2000 ($1000/worker, $1000/supervisor) |
| Trainer Renewal per application | $1000 ($500/worker, $500/supervisor) |
| Refresher Training Course | No fees |
| Contractor Initial | $1,125 |
| Contractor Renewal | $1,125 |
Are application fees refundable?
Fees are nonrefundable. You must pay fees by check or money order made payable to DOH.
Are fees prorated?
Yes. We prorate fees by month for certificates issued for less than two years.
What is the deadline for submitting my application after taking the class?
For worker and supervisor initial application or renewal, you have 90 days. For reciprocity you have 60 days.
What happens if I did not submit my application to DOH on time?
You will need to contact the trainer to retake the class.
If I'm a home inspector, do I need to be CDL certified to test for meth contamination?
Yes. In the state of Washington, Department of Ecology staff, Department of Health certified CDL supervisors or local health officers or designees must perform the collection of samples.
Are there penalties for unauthorized cleanup of drug lab properties?
Yes. RCW 64.44.060(4) and RCW 64.44.060(5) outlines penalties and fines for unauthorized cleanup and failure to follow the RCW and the WAC as defined. Other agencies including, Labor and Industries, may fine noncertified or untrained workers for unauthorized cleanup of contaminated spaces.
What happens if there is unauthorized access to drug lab properties?
Under RCW 64.44.040(2)(a), it is unlawful for any person to enter upon any property, or to remove any property that is found unfit for use by a local health officer following RCW 64.44.030. RCW 64.44.030 (C) lists it as a misdemeanor.