Asbestos FAQ

  1. How long will it take to complete a Hazardous Materials Survey (HMS)?
  2. What are you looking for in a HMS?
  3. If I am sending in samples for analysis, how big should they be?
  4. There is asbestos in my house, do I need to remove it?
  5. There is asbestos containing material in my home, can I remove it myself?
  6. When did they stop using asbestos containing material in residential buildings?
  7. My home was built in 1990 or later, do I need to have a hazardous materials survey to comply with WorkSafe requirements if I am doing renovations?
  8. What types of building materials might contain asbestos?
  9. There is asbestos containing vermiculite in my attic; can I use this space for storage?
  10. Do I need to have a HMS as part of my home inspection in order to sell my house?
1.

How long will it take to complete a Hazardous Materials Survey (HMS)?

A: A typical house survey will take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours and usually 10 to 30 samples for asbestos and lead will be collected depending on the size and age of the house.
   
 

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2.

What are you looking for in a HMS?

A:

Hazardous materials that will be investigated include, but are not limited to, asbestos, lead, Chlorofluorocarbons, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, mould, radioactive materials, chemicals, underground storage tanks and mercury.

   
 

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3.

If I am sending in samples for analysis, how big should they be?

A: Samples for asbestos analysis should be roughly the size of a postage stamp. Samples of vermiculite should be collected from three separate locations, and each sample should fill a one litre zip lock bag. Ensure that the sample includes the fine lair of dust and fine particles usually found at the bottom of the vermiculite layer.
   
 

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4.

There is asbestos in my house, do I need to remove it?

A:

If you are not going to disturb the material through renovation or demolition, and it is not damaged, it poses no health risk and does not need to be removed. However, you do need to keep any records of the Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) you may have or obtain.

   
 

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5.

There is asbestos containing material in my home, can I remove it myself?

A: We recommend that a contractor trained in asbestos abatement do the removal, as they will be familiar with the procedures and WorkSafe requirements. If you would like to hire an asbestos abatement contractor, please call our offices, and we can recommend one in your area.
   
 

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6.

When did they stop using asbestos containing material in residential buildings?

A: The manufacture of most asbestos containing materials was banned in Canada in 1979, but many non friable materials continued to be produced, stockpiles still exist and asbestos products can be found in buildings built into the early 1990s.
   
 

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7.

My home was built in 1990 or later, do I need to have a hazardous materials survey to comply with WorkSafe requirements if I am doing renovations?

A: It is unlikely that your home will have asbestos containing materials; however, it is recommended that minimal sampling be done to ensure WorkSafe BC requirements are met.
   
 

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8.

What types of building materials might contain asbestos?

A: Asbestos containing materials include, but are not limited to, drywall joint compound, plaster, vinyl floor tile, sheet vinyl flooring (ceramic tile will not contain asbestos), duct tape, textured coatings, insulation, shingles, mastics and putty.
   
 

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9.

There is asbestos containing vermiculite in my attic; can I use this space for storage?

A: Attic spaces that are insulated with vermiculite should never be entered without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You can choose to have the insulation removed by an asbestos abatement contractor or leave it in place. Attic spaces with exposed rafters are not intended to be used for storage space.
   
 

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10.

Do I need to have a HMS as part of my home inspection in order to sell my house?

A: It is not a requirement to have a HMS; however some people will ask for one. If it has already been determined that there is asbestos containing material in the house, it must be disclosed to the potential home buyers.
   
 

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