How to Research and Validate an Asbestos Abatement Contractor:
- Verify that a contractor is licensed: Search the WorksafeBC registry
- Previous PENALTIES – WorkSafeBC – Search Here
Administrative penalties are fines imposed on employers for health and safety violations of the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and/or orders of WorkSafeBC, and for failure to take sufficient precautions to prevent workplace injuries or illnesses. Penalties are published as a deterrent and to highlight the importance of making workplaces safe. - Confirm they are actually licensed to transport Asbestos: Hazardous Waste Transport License
- Check to see if they are COR Certified?
Search to see if they have a Certificate of Recognition (COR) from WorksafeBC? Search Here - Check a companies clearance status with WorkSafeBC
- Confirm their level of Liability Insurance (typically a minimum of 5 million), and if they have Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance?
- How long have they been in business?
Liability
When you allow a contractor into your home or business, the owner becomes responsible (ie the prime contractor, unless you have a written statement that the contractor is prime). If they are not registered, get fines etc the owner is liable.
Before you start
- Use an Asbestos Lab Consultant (not an abatement contractor) for the testing/assessment HAZMAT Survey.
- As an abatement contractor we don’t provide hazmat surveys, there is a potential bias if one company provides both a survey/assessment and work estimate(costs).
Roles
- Consultants (they assess the site, collect samples for testing and create detailed reports – Hazmat Surveys). Ensure there is a third party separation between your Consultant and Contractor (there is a potential bias if one company is both: sampling and providing removal estimates)
- Asbestos Abatement Contractors (Do the work)
Get pricing from different contractors for the project, use the tools below to help select a contractor, also ask the third party consultants for contractor recommendations as they work with all of these companies. - Third party separation
Often the abatement contractor will hire the consultant to monitor and inspect the work. We recommend if the business/home owner has the time and wherewithal, that they consider hiring the consultant directly. So that they are working for you, instead of the contractor.