Before you hire a contractor to remove asbestos containing materials we recommend you familiarize yourself to more fully understand the process, asbestos removal costs, and related safety aspects. Ultimately it is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.
If you are you planning to disturb materials in a structure that was built prior to Dec 31, 1990 you are required to have a Hazmat Survey to identify asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials before work starts. For example if you are going to renovate, repair, or demolish a home or business.
Hazmat Survey
Municipalities and Building Inspectors require a hazmat survey to issue a renovation or demolition permit. Employers, landlords, and property management groups require a Hazardous Materials Management Survey to comply with WorkSafeBC regulations.
- Key steps of the hazardous materials survey process
- Frequently asked questions about hazmat surveys
- Hazmat Survey Page
Asbestos Removal
In order to begin the asbestos removal work A “qualified person” usually a consultant (credentials include: Certified industrial hygienist (CIH), registered occupational hygienist (ROH), certified safety professional (CSP), Canadian registered safety professional (CRSP), or professional engineer (P. Eng.)) with the appropriate knowledge (through education and training) and experience in the management and control of asbestos hazards is required to assess the risk.
Moderate Risk Asbestos Removal
- Exposure Control Plan (Document) For Asbestos and any other hazardous materials you are removing
- Risk Assessment (Document) performed by the qualified person (see link above)
- Detailed Work Procedures (Document)
- NOPA – Filed with WorkSafeBC 24 hrs prior to work starting (including documentation listed above)
- Hazardous Materials Survey Report (Document)
- Note the documents listed above are to be posted on site
- Respirator Fit Testing Certification
- HEPA Vacuum
- Setup containment of work area and decontamination zone
- Respiratory Monitoring Program
- Occupational Health and Safety Program
- Encapsulation of work area
- Training in moderate risk asbestos abatement
High Risk Asbestos Removal
- All moderate risk requirements listed above, as well as the following:
- Dioctyl Phthalate(DOP) certification for negative air and vacuum
- Negative air machine – to exhaust toxic process gases directly to the outdoors in a safe manner and sufficient to maintain negative air pressure in the decontamination areas
- Air monitoring results (Daily) conducted by a third party consultant
- Three stage decontamination facility (including shower)
- Final Air Clearance (see below)
- Training in high risk asbestos abatement
- Frequently Asked Questions about Asbestos Removal
Asbestos Waste Removal
- Waste storage on site in a secure area (ie a locked lidded bin)
- Waste management facilities require a waste manifest and the driver/vehicle must be licensed to transport asbestos.
Final Clearance
- This is a requirement to conform with WorkSafeBC regulations as well as municipalities and building inspectors who will require this document in order to provide permits. Trades people who may need to enter the work area after the asbestos abatement has been completed will usually ask to see this documentation as well.
Final Clearance Report
- Visual Inspection and Air Clearance Testing- Required for all High Risk Asbestos Abatement
daily air monitoring by a third party consultant is required as well as a final visual inspection and air clearance sample when the work is complete. The final clearance document also contains: the documents listed above, dates, notice of project (NOPA) number, summary of work completed, waste manifest details, photos, time stamp, etc.
Post Abatement Inspection Report (Moderate Risk)
- This comes from the asbestos abatement contractor documenting exactly what work was completed, including: dates, notice of project (NOPA) number, waste manifest details, photos, these reports may include air samples when available.
Note: this article is intended as an overview, it is impossible to capture the entire process on one page and address the related details. Please see the linked pages on our site and other resources (eg WorksafeBC). We treat this as a live document and endeavor to evolve this content to keep it up to date but please refer to WorkSafeBC the actual rules and guidelines.