Why do I need a Hazmat Survey before starting any work?

• Are you doing any renovations?
• Is your building built before 1990?
• Are you removing & disposing of building materials from walls, floors, insulation, sinks, heating systems, roofs, painted surfaces, roofs, etc.?
• Are you the building owner or Prime Contractor?

A HazMat Survey is required prior to starting any construction work on your property. The requirement to have a Hazmat Survey is found in section 20.112 under Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition of the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation.

What to do with the Hazmat Survey report?

• The HazMat report must be available at the worksite whenever workers are present.
• Any disposal facility will require proof that certain building materials do not contain hazardous materials.

When hiring a Consultant, ensure the following:

• The person conducting the Survey who has AHERA Building Inspector Certification is a qualified person or Environmental Consultant.
• They have Errors & Omissions Insurance.
• Sample analysis is done by an Accredited Lab.
• The report provided covers the Scope of Work satisfying WorkSafeBC and Municipal Requirements.
• Note that due to new WorksafeBC regulations in Feb 2015, zeolite vermiculite insulation is assumed to be asbestos-containing material (ACM) without being analyzed by a lab.

When hiring a General Contractor or Tradesperson:

• A Hazardous Material (HazMat) Survey is required prior to starting any construction work on your property. The requirement to have a Hazmat Survey is found in section 20.112 under Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition of the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation.
• Owners and Contractors have the responsibility or “due diligence” to provide and maintain a safe working environment for all workers because they are responsible for any hazards that may exist.

When hiring an abatement Contractor:

• Ensure any quote or estimate you receive, except for the removal of vermiculite insulation in an attic, is based on a Hazardous Material Survey conducted by a qualified person or Environmental Consultant.
• The contractor you hire is qualified to do abatement work. Proof of qualifications includes Commercial General Liability Coverage Insurance with added Special Risk Insurance for Asbestos, Mould, etc.
• Is Active and in Good Standing with WorkSafeBC. A clearance letter may be obtained by anyone online at WorkSafeBC website.
• Follows the regulations set out in the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Regulations of the Workers Compensation Act of British Columbia.

Provides the following documentation:

• Files on behalf of the registered property owner, a British Columbia Generator (BCG) number, with the Ministry of Environment for disposal of hazardous material exceeding 1000 kg.
• Supplies and completes Waste Manifests as per Ministry of Environment Regulations for each bin leaving your property.
• Conducts a Hazard Risk Assessment (HRA), prepares a Site-Specific Safe Work Procedure (SSWP) and submits a Notice of Project (NOP) to WorkSafeBC 48 hours prior to project start date.

Additional Resources

WorkSafeBC Asbestos Awareness for Homeowners

Attention Demolition Contractors: What you need to know