Are You Thinking about Asbestos Removal Before your Renovation? WordSafe BC says you Should.
Are you planning a renovation or some demolition in a pre – 1990s home? WorkSafe BC says to watch for Asbestos and consider asbestos removal.
“Asbestos is safe if left alone, but if disturbed it can cause serious health problems and even death,” said Al Johnson, Vice-President of Prevention Services for WorkSafeBC.
WorkSafeBC is warning homeowners of asbestos in pre-1990s homes. The company is urging owners to talk to their contractor about asbestos removal before starting home renovations or a demolition if the home was built prior to 1990.
“Today, the most common way to be exposed to asbestos is by unsafe practices during demolition and renovation of homes and buildings.”
Asbestos can be found in more than 3,000 different building materials used in homes built before 1990. It’s colorless, odorless, and deadly when disturbed.
WorkSafe BC says contractors and homeowners have the responsibility to make the right call before any demolition begins. Contractors are responsible for protecting their workers from asbestos exposure and disturbance. Homeowners planning to renovate or demolish their home are responsible for the safety and well being of the workers as well as their family.
“If [you are] renovating or demolishing a pre-1990s home, talk to your contractor and budget for asbestos removal and testing,” said Johnson.
Asbestos is the number-one killer of workers in BC and the rate of asbestos-related disease is on the rise. That is why WorkSafeBC is launching an awareness campaign this month targeted to owners of pre-1990 homes. This campaign follows and builds on an asbestos awareness initiative targeted to contractors this past summer.
More information can be found at www.thinkasbestos.com.
Key Facts on Asbestos:
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was used in more than 3,000 building materials from the 1950s to the 1990s.
- Some common asbestos-containing materials include:
- Vinyl tiles and linoleum sheet flooring
- Roof felt and shingles
- Loose, blown-in insulation, such as vermiculite
- Stucco
- Pipe insulation
- Gypsum board filling compound, and patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
- Incandescent light fixture backing
- Deck under sheeting
- From 2007 to 2016, 605 workers died in B.C. from diseases related to asbestos exposure.
- In 2016 alone, 85 work-related deaths resulted from an occupational disease.
Our qualified team at Hazpro has the resources necessary to identify, educate, and handle the asbestos and vermiculite removal in Victoria BC.
We look forward to helping you and your family live a safe and healthy life!
source: www.worksafebc.com
