What must employers and workers do before beginning renovation or demolition work?
Employers and owners/builders are responsible for the health and safety of workers employed on the site. They must have a qualified person inspect the site to identify any asbestos that may be handled, disturbed, or removed. For more information on acceptable credentials for asbestos consultants, refer to OHS Guideline G6.6-3: Qualifications, part of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation materials at WorkSafeBC.com. The removal must be done by trained and qualified workers using the proper protective equipment. For more information on working safely around asbestos, please call 604.276.3100, or toll-free at 1.888.621.7233.
What can homeowners do?
If you are a homeowner doing your own renovations and not employing other workers, you will want to take precautions to avoid inhaling asbestos fibres and contaminating your home. Asbestos-containing materials should be identified and removed by someone trained in asbestos removal and wearing protective clothing and a respirator. Contact your municipality to find out how to dispose of asbestos-containing materials so that they do not contaminate landfills. Contact the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 1.800.668.2642 or Health Canada at 604.666.2083 for information for homeowners.
What are the hazards of asbestos?
Renovating or demolishing houses containing asbestos products can release asbestos fibres, which are extremely fine and can stay in the air for hours. Breathing in asbestos fibres may cause serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer. Asbestos is the name given to scarring and stiffening of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust over many years. It makes breathing difficult and may lead to fatal diseases such as pneumonia and heart disease. Exposure to asbestos can also cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer of the linings of the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos-related diseases usually develop many years after a person has been exposed to asbestos. The risk of developing these diseases increases with the amount of asbestos in the air you inhale and the length of time you are exposed. Smokers are at an increased risk.
Where was asbestos used in older homes?
Until the early 1980s, many products containing asbestos were used in house construction. Some products, such as asbestos containing vermiculite insulation, were used in homes right up until the late 1980s. The drawing in this pamphlet shows many possible sources of asbestos in older homes. When you are renovating or demolishing an older house, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and left intact, they do not pose a significant danger of releasing asbestos fibres into the air you breathe. However, these materials are hazardous when they deteriorate or are disturbed, such as when they are handled, sanded, drilled into, or broken up so that they crumble. To avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials, you must know where they are before you begin renovations. We can give you the assistance you need to get rid of this hazardous substance without endangering your health if you are starting a demolition or building project that involves it. We can oversee your project to neutralize the danger.
More information
If you have additional questions about the safe and helpful resources of asbestos, please call the prevention information line at 604 276 3100 or toll-free 1 888 621 7233. Visit WorkSafeBC.com for these helpful resources on asbestos abatement:
- Safe work practices for handling asbestos
- Safety at work centre for construction
- Occupational health and safety regulation, Part 6 (Asbestos)
- Occupational health and safety regulation, Part 20 (Demolition)
- OHS Guideline G20.112: Hazardous materials - Asbestos
- Notice of project form for asbestos or lead (52E49)
- OHS Guideline G6.8: Procedures for abatement of asbestos-containing material (ACM) during house and building demolition/renovation
Managing Asbestos
We can give you the assistance you need to get rid of this hazardous substance without endangering your health if you are starting a demolition or building project that involves it. With over three decades of experience and a full licence to operate with asbestos, we can handle any job.
- All types of asbestos management
- Asbestos Testing where required
- Asbestos Container Hire (skips, roll on/off)
- Asbestos Disposal into our licensed site
Asbestos bags can be purchased at these 2 locations:
Comox Valley Waste Management Centre – 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland 250-334-6000
Campbell River Waste Management Centre – 6700 Argonaut Road, Campbell River 250-287-8530