ASBESTOS HAZARDS IN DEMOLITION, RENOVATION, AND SALVAGE
ASBESTOS HAZARDS IN DEMOLITION, RENOVATION, AND SALVAGE
Asbestos causes more worker deaths than any other workplace disease — what can you do?
Asbestos is extremely hazardous to people’s health. Demolishing or renovating houses containing asbestos products can release asbestos fibres, which are extremely fine and can stay in the air for hours. Unprotected workers exposed to asbestos-contaminated air can breathe in the fibres. This may cause serious health problems, such as lung disease and cancer.
WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. In the past, asbestos was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection. It was also added to materials such as cement and plaster to give them more structural strength.
Where was asbestos used in older homes?
Until the late 1980s, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction. The drawing on the back of this page shows potential sources of asbestos once commonly used in residential construction. When demolishing or renovating older houses, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials, which may release asbestos fibres and put unprotected workers at risk. What are my responsibilities as an employer or owner/builder? You are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all workers present at your workplace. You are also responsible for protecting the public from any asbestos contaminated air. When doing any demolition, renovation, or salvage work, you must follow WorkSafeBC OHS regulations, specifically Part 20: Demolition and Part 6: Asbestos.
How do you test for the presence of asbestos?
It's good to start by taking advantage of our asbestos testing service. This is the easiest way to test for the presence of asbestos in your home, building, or workplace. Otherwise, it's necessary to isolate a sample material, mist the sample with water, and implement the test of your choice.
What are my responsibilities as an employer or owner/builder?
You are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all workers present at your workplace. You are also responsible for protecting the public from any asbestos contaminated air. When doing any demolition, renovation, or salvage work, you must follow WorkSafeBC OHS regulations, specifically Part 20: Demolition and Part 6: Asbestos.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO BEFORE DEMOLISHING, RENOVATING, OR SALVAGING BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES?
1. You must have a qualified person inspect the site to identify any asbestos that may be handled, disturbed, or removed. OHS Guideline G6.6-3 outlines the acceptable qualifications for persons conducting asbestos hazard assessments.
2. You must submit to WorkSafeBC a Notice of Project form for asbestos at least 24 hours before any asbestos removal or other work begins.
3. You must have trained and qualified asbestos-removal workers properly remove and dispose of all material containing asbestos.
You should receive written confirmation that the asbestos specified for removal on the Notice of Project form has been properly removed.
For more information, refer to OHS Guideline G20.112, which explains the hazards associated with the uncontrolled release of asbestos. It also provides information on the following topics:
• What constitutes a compliant asbestos inspection.
• Arranging for and confirming the safe removal of asbestos.
• What to do if you encounter more materials suspected to contain asbestos during demolition or salvage work.
WHEN IS ASBESTOS DANGEROUS?
Asbestos is dangerous to your health when it's released into the air by something like an explosion, crumbling building or demolition. It can also be released into the air when you're working with asbestos products. If you're working with asbestos, safety rules are there to protect your health so it's important to follow them.
RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING
Respirator Fit Testing – Protect your employees
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND MORE ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL ONCE WORK HAS STARTED?
Stop work immediately. Have trained and qualified
asbestos-removal workers properly remove these materials
before resuming work.
Where can I find additional information about asbestos and Notice of Project forms?
You can submit a Notice of Project form online at
worksafebc.com. Asbestos survey and removal companies
can be found in the Yellow Pages under Asbestos
Abatement & Removal, Health & Safety Consultants, or
Environmental Consultants.
For more information about asbestos and what your
responsibilities are, check out hiddenkiller.ca or go to
worksafebc.com for the following resources:
• Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos booklet
• Safety at Work Construction webpage
• OHS Guideline G6.8: Procedures for abatement of
asbestos-containing material during house and building
demolition/renovation
CONTACT US
Call : (604) 307-5465