Many homes built up until 1990 used products containing asbestos. Before you begin renovations or start demolishing an older home, WorkSafeBC requires following these guidelines to ensure the safe detection & removal of asbestos.

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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 worksite 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 commencement of asbestos removal work.

7  Safe removal and disposal of identified asbestos occurs.

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.