Testing for asbestos is recommended before renovating, as shown by a professional in protective clothing and warning signs.

Asbestos Surveys — Mandatory, Low Risk to Get, High Risk to Skip

If you’re planning any renovation, demolition or maintenance that may disturb building materials in British Columbia, here’s what you need to know: a WorkSafeBC-approved asbestos survey is not optional. It’s required under regulation—and failure to comply can cost you and your workers dearly.

✅ Who needs to have an asbestos survey?

Anyone owning, managing or contracting work on a building or structure where materials may contain asbestos. That includes:

• Home-owners renovating older homes. worksafebc.com+2worksafebc.com+2

• Contractors and prime-contractors engaged in demolition, restoration, maintenance or renovation. worksafebc.com+1

• Employers in charge of worksites where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be disturbed. worksafebc.com+1

In short: if there’s any chance of asbestos being in the building and your work will disturb materials, you need the survey.

🧪 What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection by a qualified professional to:

• Identify materials that are or may be asbestos-containing. worksafebc.com+1

• Collect samples, assess risk of disturbance, and provide a report that tells you what must be done. worksafebc.com+1

• Serve as the basis for safe work planning: removal / containment / disposal all depend on the survey findings. worksafebc.com

You can’t determine asbestos presence just by looking. “Never assume a building material is free of asbestos” says WorkSafeBC. worksafebc.com

📍 Where must the survey take place?

Inside any building, home or structure undergoing renovation, demolition, repair or maintenance when there is a possibility of encountering ACMs. It’s especially critical in homes built pre-1990, since asbestos was widely used in insulation, floor tiles, textured coatings, etc. worksafebc.com+1

The survey must be done before work begins that may disturb the material. If you begin tearing out walls, flooring or ceilings without a survey, you’re risking non-compliance. worksafebc.com

Wanting more information, or needing immediate help, look no further click this link

Common sources of asbestos in residential buildings, illustrated by WorkSafeBC.

⚖️ Why is the survey mandated by law?

Because asbestos exposure is the leading cause of workplace-related death in B.C., causing lung disease, cancer and mesothelioma decades later. worksafebc.com+1

Under the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia / OHS Regulation, employers, prime contractors, homeowners and all parties have legal duties: identify hazards (ACMs), plan work, hire qualified contractors, and ensure safe disposal. worksafebc.com+1

📆 What changed on January 1, 2024?

Big enforcement-shifts:

• As of Jan 1 2024, any employer offering asbestos abatement services must hold a valid Asbestos Abatement Licence (AAL). worksafebc.com+1

• Any worker conducting asbestos abatement must be trained and certified by WorkSafeBC. worksafebc.com+1

• BC is the first Canadian jurisdiction to introduce this licensing/licensing regime. thesafetymag.com

• WorkSafeBC now maintains a public registry so homeowners and contractors can verify the licence status of abatement firms. worksafebc.com+1

• Inspection initiatives (commercial & residential) are now targeting non-compliance under renovation & demolition work. worksafebc.com+1

  https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/asbestos

WorkSafeBC infographic showing key asbestos safety facts—over 600 worker deaths in B.C. linked to asbestos exposure, with the majority in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of safe testing and removal practices.

🚨 Call to Action

If you’re planning a renovation, demolition or maintenance project:

1. Stop and ask: “Has an asbestos survey been done?”

2. Check contractors: are they licensed (AAL)? Are the workers certified? Use WorkSafeBC’s registry.

3. Require the survey report be available before work begins. Make it part of your contract.

4. Act now! Failing to inspect and remove asbestos properly can lead to serious health consequences—and legal liability. With the tougher enforcement since January 2024, non-compliance risks fines, stop-work orders and reputational damage.

5. For free guidance or to connect with qualified professionals — consider reaching out to a certified surveyor / abatement firm who meets the new standards under WorkSafeBC.

Don’t wait until fibres are in the air and the risk is real. Protect yourself, protect your workers, protect your project. Act now.

ANY Questions, or Concern, feel free to give Assure Property Solutions Inc. A Call at: (250) 215-8892 via email.

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