Many homes built up until 1990 used products containing asbestos. Before you begin renovations or start demolishing an older home, follow these guidelines below to ensure the safe detection and removal of asbestos.
1. A pre-1990 house/building is to be demolished or renovated…
2. The building owner (or owner’s representative) or the employer (e.g., builder, demolition contractor) retains a qualified person (usually a consultant) to perform a risk assessment and asbestos survey before conducting work where asbestos may be disturbed.
3. The qualified person inspects the house/building, collects representative bulk samples, and has the samples analyzed by a qualified laboratory.
4. The qualified person prepares a report that identifies all inspection results (including drawings, plans, or specifications), risk assessment, and scope of work for the abatement of the asbestos.
5. The report containing the inspection results is provided to the owner/employer. The inspection results must be available at the work site whenever workers are on site.
6. The owner or employer retains trained asbestos abatement workers. A notice of project (NOP) with written work procedures is submitted to WorkSafeBC before the commencement of asbestos removal work.
7. Safe removal and disposal of identified asbestos occur.
8. After the asbestos removal, the owner or employer receives written confirmation that the asbestos specified for removal on the NOP has been removed. A copy of the inspection results is on site.
9. The owner authorizes demolition of the house/building to proceed. The demolition employer proceeds to demolish house using safe work procedures. Copies of inspection results and post-abatement reports are on site.
10. If any asbestos is found during demolition, all work is to cease until a risk assessment is done and the asbestos is safely contained or removed. In this case, go back to step 7.
To read the original article by WorkSafe BC, click here. For more information about our services, visit our asbestos removal page.
