Asbestos Hazards in Demolition, Renovation, and Salvage

From 1995 to 2003, 120 of 258 deaths in construction

Asbestos is a hazardous material. Demolition or renovation of 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 - including 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 older houses, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials, which may release asbestos fibres.

What are my responsibilities as an employer or owner/builder?

Employers and owner/builders are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all workers working for the employer and of any other workers present at the workplace. They are also responsible for protecting the public.

The WCB has specific regulations that must be followed covering:

• Demolition (Part 20 Occupational Health and Safety Regulation)
• Asbestos (Part 6 Occupational Health and Safety Regulation)

What do I have to do before work begins on the demolition, renovation, or salvage

of buildings or structures?

The employer, owner/builder, agent, or property manager must have a qualified* person inspect the site to identify any asbestos that may be handled, disturbed, or removed.

What should I do if I find asbestos-containing material (ACM)?

1. A qualified individual must decide what ACM must be removed before demolition and the safe work procedures required. (Refer to WCB guideline: G6.8 Procedures for abatement of asbestos-containing material during house and building demolition/renovation.)
2. All ACM that is friable (meaning easily crumbled or powdered by hand pressure) must be removed and disposed of by trained and qualified workers before demolition, renovation, or salvage work is started.
3. A notice of project for asbestos (NOPA) must be submitted to WorkSafeBC at least 24 hours before asbestos removal, demolition, renovation, or salvage work is started.

Asbestos survey and removal companies can be found in the Yellow Pages under Asbestos Abatement & Removal, Health & Safety Consultants, or Environmental Consultants.

If asbestos-containing materials that were not identified during the inspection are found during work activities, stop work immediately! Have trained and qualified workers remove these materials before resuming work.

Where can I find additional information about asbestos and NOPA forms?

• The WorkSafeBC booklet Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos (PDF 899 KB)
• WorkSafeBC.com Safety at Work for Construction
• G6.8 Procedures for abatement of asbestos-containing material (ACM) during house and building demolition/ renovation
• Notice of Project Form for Asbestos or Lead
  phone: 1 866 319-9704
  fax: 604 232-9703, toll-free fax 1 888 232-9714
  e-mail: customer.service@worksafebcstore.com

* "Qualified" means being knowledgeable of the work, the hazards involved and the means to control the hazards by reason of education, training, experience, or a combination thereof.