Published on: July 10, 2017

Not dealing with asbestos properly can result in WorkSafeBC stop work orders and/or fines, which will harm your business through lost hours, blown deadlines, and cancelled projects. And if word gets out that you’re a contractor who cuts corners and doesn’t take asbestos seriously, it could harm your professional reputation.

It’s just not worth risking your business and your reputation

Asbestos exposure remains the number one killer of workers in B.C. Whether you’re a general contractor, abatement contractor or a demolition contractor, you are responsible for the health and safety of workers and that includes protecting them from asbestos exposure.

Identify asbestos properly, remove it safely, and follow safe work procedures. Do your job, do it right, and protect everyone from the dangers of asbestos.

Featured resources

Through proper planning, training, and supervision, you can eliminate the risk of workers’ exposure to asbestos. We have compiled a list of resources to help you understand your role and the ways that you can ensure everyone remains safe from occupational disease on the jobsite.

You can find the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Guideline at the links below:

• The OHS Regulation on asbestos
• The OHS Guidelines on asbestos – Part 6 (asbestos) and Part 20 (demolition)
• The OHS Regulation on Hazardous Materials, under Demolition

Booklets and safety manuals

• Ten simple steps to complying with asbestos abatement
  Before you begin renovations or start demolishing an older home, follow these guidelines to ensure the safe detection and removal of asbestos.
• Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
  This booklet describes the safe methods and work procedures for handling and removing all types of asbestos-containing materials.
• Asbestos: Frequently Asked Questions (for homeowners)
• Asbestos - what you need to know (homeowners)

Toolbox meeting guides

Construction toolbox meeting guides provide a simple, clear format for conducting effective toolbox talks. Guides for asbestos include:

• Health hazards of asbestos
• Asbestos removal

Bulletins and alerts

• Renovation and restoration projects: Low bid may not meet environmental or workplace safety requirements
• Asbestos hazards in demolition, renovation, and salvage
• Asbestos: What You Need to Know (Demolition Contractors)

Video and multimedia

The following videos can be used as learning tools for management, supervisors, and crew:

• Asbestos (2 min 16 s)
• Asbestos in Construction: Contractors (1 min 01 s)
• Asbestos in Construction: Workers (1 min 20 s)
• Asbestos Hazards in Renovations, Restoration, and Demolition (2 min 55 s)
• The History of Asbestos in B.C. (11 min 15 s)

Forms and documents

• Notice of Project for Asbestos Work
  The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) requires that employers notify WorkSafeBC in writing, through a Notice of Project form, about projects where asbestos may exist.
• Exposure Registry Program Form 41M1