Asbestos Removal

We specialize in safely removing all types of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) from homes and businesses including:

• drywall
• asbestos duct tape & vent fibreboard
• vinyl tiles, texture & ceiling coatings
• pipe insulation
• lathe and plaster
• roofing
• sheet vinyl flooring
• fiberboard
• siding
• ceiling tiles
• mastic
• vermiculite (attic insulation) and more

Removal, Encapsulation and/or Enclosure of asbestos containing materials

• Moderate and High Risk Removal of Asbestos (what homeowners need to know – from WorkSafeBC)
• We provide all Required Documentation: risk assessment, work procedures, exposure control plans as well as filing a notice of project (NOP) with WorkSafeBC (24hrs before work starts), and we apply for BCG (Government Waste Generator) number on your behalf where required.
• We contain the work area and utilize negative air units to prevent the migration of hazardous airborne particulates in your home or work environment.
• Safe and responsible disposal of asbestos waste. Asbestos containing waste is stored in an enclosed and locked bin and is then transported to Heartland via a licensed commercial carrier along with a waste transport manifest.
• Here is a brief overview of how the process works or see our checklist for building owners.
• Call, text or email with any questions.

Asbestos Abatement

video transcript:

This video will take you through some of the key points we cover when removing asbestos containing materials from a home or business:

• Once you have a completed hazmat survey then you can select an asbestos abatement company for the work to begin. Additional documentation is required at this point:
  For example:
  – A Risk Assessment from a qualified person
  – Written Work procedures – explaining, in detail, how the work will be completed safely
  – Exposure Control Plan for Asbestos –  this a summary of the responsibilities and procedures in the control and handling of asbestos containing materials.
  See WorkSafeBC’s Ten simple steps to complying with asbestos abatement

• BEFORE any work can begin on site you need to file a notice of project with WorkSafeBC. This needs to be done 24 hours before any on site work begins. This is done on the WorkSafeBC website and the documents mentioned previously need to be submitted as part of this project plan.
• Once on the work site we post asbestos warning signs and warning tape to ensure unauthorized personnel do not enter the area. Previous communication may be required to inform staff, workers, and neighbors of the work scope and schedule.
• Next we set up a containment system to prevent the migration of hazardous airborne particulates, this is basically a plastic barrier consisting of 2 layers of 6 mil poly, with a decontamination zone for workers to enter and exit the enclosed work area.
• Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) such as the correct respirator based on the risk assessment is critical. We also use tyvek suits, gloves and other protective equipment so that our bodies are completely covered to avoid any fibers attaching to our bodies.
  These suites are disposed of with the waste upon exiting the work enclosure.
• Any other tools or materials  used in this work are decontaminated or disposed of before coming out of the decontamination area.
• The asbestos containing material is removed and placed into double layered 6mil poly bags which is then gooseneck sealed with duct tape for disposal. All surfaces need to be wet wiped and HEPA vacuumed to remove any asbestos fibers.
• Once the work area is clean and free of any debris, we spray an encapsulate throughout the work area. This encapsulate is a specialized glue type material that is used to lock-down any remaining asbestos fibers that may remain suspended in the air.
• Asbestos Waste storage requires that we register with the ministry director in advance as a  hazardous waste generator.
• This asbestos waste while on site is safely locked up or placed in a locked lidded asbestos bin.
• To remove the waste requires a waste manifest and the driver and vehicle to be licensed to transport these materials. Waste is transported to the Hartland CRD landfill).

So far I have outlined the steps we use for moderate risk work procedures, if the job is considered high risk there are additional steps required, such as

• Three stage decontamination facility which includes shower with warm and cold water
• The use of negative air machines (or air scrubbers) to create a negative air environment throughout the decontamination facility
• DOP certification for the negative air machine and HEPA vacuum
• Daily air monitoring conducted by a third party consultant, this is to confirm that the different stages of the decontamination and extended work environment are within safe standards
• Final air clearance and visual inspection – this also needs to be conducted by a third party consultant

This final air clearance is the most important document of all – it shows that all of the asbestos containing materials outlined in the hazmat survey have been safely removed and the structure is safe for rehabilitation. You will need this document for the next phases of your project, for city officials and municipalities if you are seeking permits.

Please Note: We cover some of the main points here – please refer to WorkSafeBC for a complete and current: procedures, guidelines, regulations.

End of Video Transcript

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Frequently Asked Questions about Safe Removal of Asbestos

They gutted the house to the studs, and removed the asbestos (drywall, lino, ventilation duct tape) while suited up and using breathing apparatus, and using shower stations before coming out, and double bagging the drywall, and washing the bags as they left the house, and disposing of them properly. Sandy – Colwood

We manage the detection, removal, encapsulation and/or enclosure of asbestos containing products that may be present in your home or business environment.

Strict work and safety procedures are enforced. We manage and maintain a continuously accountable presence.

Abatement and completion schedules are taken seriously but safety is never sacrificed. Job sites can be scheduled on a 24-hour basis to facilitate fast turnaround for businesses. Asbestos removal & abatement, by its very nature, is disruptive. Tight scheduling and adequate resources are needed to assure minimal downtime.

Read more about Cautions about Asbestos from WorkSafeBC

Some Common Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) found in homes and businesses in Victoria BC