The “Magic” Mineral
The mineral asbestos, once referred to as "the magic mineral," is now recognized as the primary cause of workplace-related diseases and fatalities in B.C. These Asbestos Learning Series videos feature a health and safety expert who provides insights into the dangers of asbestos exposure and offers preventive measures.
Welcome to our website
Exposure Control Plan for Asbestos summarizing the responsibilities and procedures for handling asbestos-containing materials.
Before any on-site work can commence, filing a notice of project with WorkSafeBC is mandatory, to be done 24 hours in advance. The documents mentioned previously must be submitted as part of this project plan on the WorkSafeBC website.
On the work site, asbestos warning signs and warning tape are posted to restrict unauthorized access. Prior communication may be necessary to inform staff, workers, and neighbors about the work scope and schedule.
A containment system must be set up to prevent the spread of hazardous airborne particulates. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators, tyvek suits, and gloves are essential. Used suits are disposed of with the waste upon leaving the work enclosure. All tools and materials used are decontaminated or disposed of before exiting the decontamination area. Asbestos-containing material is removed and placed into sealed double-layered poly bags. The work area is cleaned and sprayed with an encapsulate to lock down any remaining asbestos fibers. Asbestos waste must be registered with the ministry director in advance and safely stored on-site. Proper waste manifest and licensed transportation are required for disposal at designated facilities.
For high-risk jobs, additional steps such as a three-stage decontamination facility, negative air machines, DOP certification, and daily air monitoring by a third party consultant are necessary. Final air clearance and visual inspection by a third party consultant are crucial to confirm the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials.
Please refer to WorkSafeBC for comprehensive and current procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
Asbestos Inspections and Testing
Before any planned demolition or construction work occurs, it is important to have the property inspected and tested by a professional for asbestos-containing materials. Testing for asbestos before the start of construction not only protects the health and safety of everyone on-site but also ensures that, if asbestos is present, the most efficient method for asbestos abatement or removal can be employed.
Quick Facts
Here are the quick facts about asbestos abatement work:
- Asbestos abatement work includes removing, repairing, transporting, and disposing of asbestos or materials that may contain asbestos.
- Employers and workers should visit the WorkSafeBC website if the work they do requires a license or a certificate.
- Asbestos-related diseases are the number 1 cause of workplace-related deaths in B.C., more than any other type of workplace injury or illness.
- In 2022, asbestos exposure was a contributing factor in 61 of 181 workplace deaths.
- Over the past decade, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 500 claims for workers who were killed by occupational disease related to asbestos exposure.
Things to know
Learn more about what we do
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was historically valued for its beneficial properties and widely utilized as an additive in various construction materials. Regrettably, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can result in severe health hazards.
WorkSafeBC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and relevant federal, provincial, regional, and municipal authorities, imposes stringent regulations pertaining to the safe manipulation and management of asbestos-containing materials. Our team specializes in the identification and safe removal of all types of asbestos-containing or contaminated materials.
Here are some potential areas you will find asbestos in older buildings:
-Roof felt and shingles
-Roof gutters can be made of asbestos cement
-Loose, blow-in insulation, such as vermiculite, was very common
-Asbestos can be found in stucco
-Soffit boards can be made of asbestos cement or asbestos insulating board
Incandescent light fixture backing
-Backing behind recessed lighting
-Acoustic tiles
-Spray on textured ceilings, popcorn ceilings and sprayed acoustic tiles
-Textured walls
-Vermiculite wall insulation
-Artificial fireplace logs and ashes
-Asbestos pad under the fireplace hearth
-Asbestos cement board siding and under sheeting
-Deck under-sheeting
-Pipe insulation
Insulation on electoral wires
-Main panel and fuse box; each fuse wire has an individual asbestos flash guard
-Outlets and switches
-Heat reflector for wood stove
-Furnace duct tape
-Furnace door and gasket covers
-Boiler and furnace insulation
-Gypsum board filling compound, and patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
-Window putty
-Window frames
-Down-pipes can be made of asbestos cement
-Flooring: vinyl tiles and linoleum sheet flooring; flooring adhesive
-Water heaters, range hoods, clothes dryers and dishwashers
-Refrigerators, freezers, portable dishwashers, toasters, slow cookers and portable heaters
