In recent years, WorkSafeBC has highlighted the dangers associated with asbestos, a material known for its serious health risks. Asbestos contamination can lead to severe illnesses, though symptoms may not appear until much later. For commercial building owners and managers, being aware of these risks is crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants and contractors. Let’s dive into asbestos abatement and why it is important.
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials throughout the 20th century due to its fire-resistant properties. It can be found in various substrates, including roofing materials, flooring, and drywall. If you suspect your building might be contaminated, a professional hazardous materials assessment is essential. This will determine if asbestos is present and the extent of the contamination, allowing you to safeguard the health of everyone who visits, works, or lives in your building.
Commercial building owners and managers need to be aware of this risk, for the safety of their residents, patrons, and contractors. Especially since asbestos was a common building materials ingredient throughout the 20th century, due to its ability to resist fire and heat. It can be found in a host of substrates, including roofing materials, flooring residue, and drywall.
The good news is that safe work procedures have been developed to deal with this risk. A properly trained hazardous materials abatement technician can address this concern, allowing necessary repairs to proceed without endangering any of the parties involved.
Key Warning Signs of Asbestos
Building Age
In British Columbia, asbestos was used in construction materials until the early 1990s. If your building was constructed before 1990, it’s likely that asbestos could be present. A hazardous materials assessment is necessary if any substrates in your building will be disturbed during renovation or demolition.
Old Insulation
Asbestos was frequently used in insulation for pipes and heating elements because of its fire-resistant qualities. Buildings with older insulation are likely to contain asbestos. This includes wall insulation installed during the mid-20th century.
Texture and Stucco Compounds
Textured walls and ceilings, as well as exterior stucco cladding, are common sources of asbestos. These compounds may have been used before the dangers of asbestos were well-known. Testing is crucial before any repair work begins to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air.
Planning a Project of Asbestos Abatement?
Responsible contractors will request a copy of your hazardous materials assessment before they commence work. So, if you’re considering a project that will disturb any of the substrates on your building, get ahead of the ball and obtain the necessary report. This way you and your contractors can have a clear scope of work from the start, avoiding expensive surprises and lengthy delays.
How can you prepare your building for asbestos removal?
Obtain a Hazardous Materials Assessment
Before starting any project that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, get a hazardous materials assessment. This report will provide a clear scope of work and help avoid unexpected costs and delays.
Safe Handling and Disposal
Once asbestos-containing materials are identified, they must be carefully sealed off to prevent fiber contamination. The safe disposal of asbestos materials is also essential, requiring transport to a designated facility.
Work with Qualified Professionals for your Asbestos Abatement
Hiring trained hazardous materials abatement technicians is crucial for safe and effective asbestos removal. Ensure your contractor follows proper procedures for containment and disposal to protect everyone involved.
How Remdal Can Assist with Asbestos Abatement
Remdal offers more than just painting services. We provide comprehensive asbestos abatement and removal for commercial buildings and managed properties. Our services include:With over 50 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for excellence and safety. Our qualified team is dedicated to managing hazardous materials while delivering top-quality results.
For a trustworthy partner in asbestos abatement, choose Remdal. We take great pride in delivering excellence and earning your trust. You can rest assured that we will safely and professionally take care of your hazardous materials abatement. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain a safe and compliant property.
- asbestos removal & disposal
- lead removal & disposal
- lead paint abatement
- ceramic tiles & glazing
For decades, strata council, property managers, renovators, and building owners have trusted Remdal’s trained crews to repair and repaint their properties. As the need for hazardous materials abatement has grown, we’ve built a team of qualified technicians to help our clients keep their projects simple without sacrificing quality or safety.
We take great pride in delivering excellence and earning your trust. You can rest assured that we will safely and professionally take care of your hazardous materials abatement.
