How To Find the Best Asbestos Removal Company
Unfortunately, there are many contractors out there using less than safe methods for removing asbestos; which can put your employees or loved ones in danger, or cause WorkSafeBC to get involved which can be costly and time consuming. Here are some questions to ask that will help ensure you are hiring the best company for the job.
- What sort of training do you and your staff have?
- The project manager/owner should have completed training that certifies them to do Moderate and High Risk asbestos removal. They may also be a certified AHERA Building Inspector.
- All workers should have completed asbestos awareness training that includes removal procedures. Certificates for this should be available in an onsite safety binder for you to view.
- Are you registered with WorkSafeBC and what is your WorkSafeBC number?
- NEVER hire a contractor that is not registered with WorkSafeBC. If you hire a contractor that does not have WorksafeBC coverage, you can be personally liable for any injuries that occur on site. Ask the contractor for their WorkSafeBC number and then go to the WorkSafeBC website to check that they are in good standing with WorkSafeBC by producing a clearance letter.
- Will you be filing a notice of project for asbestos work?
- All asbestos removal projects require that a Notice of Project for Asbestos (NOPA) be submitted to WorkSafeBC. This must be completed 24 hours prior to the start of the project. Along with the NOPA they must also submit site specific safe work procedures that specify the methods used for the removal process for each type of asbestos-containing material. The last thing they must submit is a risk assessment stating any risks present on site. These documents should be on site for the duration of the project in the site safety binder.
- For High Risk work, will you be using DOP tested equipment?
- O.P. stands for Di-Octyl Phthalate and is a method of testing H.E.P.A. filtered equipment to ensure it is working correctly. Without this test there is the possibility that the equipment used for the removal process could be causing more damage by actually spreading asbestos throughout your house. This is why using a standard vacuum is not recommended for asbestos removal. All High Risk jobs require that DOP testing is completed onsite at the start of the project. Once the testing is completed a certificate is provided and should also be onsite for the duration of the project.
- What type of air sampling will be completed daily?
- WorkSafeBC regulations require that daily air samples are taken during the removal process. Results for all of these samples must be made available within 24 hours of sampling.
- The first type of sample required is an occupational sample. This sample is completed to ensure that the workers completing the asbestos removal are adequately protected. This type of sample is required for all asbestos removal projects.
- The second type of sample is a clean room sample. This type of sample is only required for High risk projects. Clean room samples ensure that there are no asbestos fibers leaving the work space and entering the living/working space.
- The third type of air sample is called an air clearance sample and is only required at the end of a High Risk project. This sample is completed at the end of the job to ensure that the space is clean and safe for re-entry.
- What will I receive at the end of the job to show that all of the material has been removed and that the space is safe for reentry?
- At the end of the project you should be given an Asbestos Clearance Letter, that states the scope of work completed, the date, the NOPA number, the Waste Manifest number, and the Air Clearance (if applicable). It should be addressed to you (the client), and needs to be signed off by an authorized rep for the asbestos removal contractor guaranteeing that the work was completed under Occupational Health and Safety and BC Ministry of Environment Regulations.
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