Hazardous Materials Survey

 • Initial Assessment and Planning: A certified Hazmat professional begins by reviewing the scope of the renovation or demolition project. They will assess the areas of the building that will be impacted by the work, ensuring all locations requiring inspection are included in the survey.
 

• Site Inspection: The surveyor thoroughly inspects the property, visually identifying materials that may contain hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead-based paints, or mould. They will check common areas like ceilings, walls, flooring, insulation, HVAC systems, and other areas where hazardous materials might be hidden.
 

• Sampling and Testing: Samples are collected from suspect materials, including bulk samples (e.g., drywall and flooring). These samples are tested for hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or other toxic substances.
 

• Laboratory Analysis: A certified analyst uses specific methods for detecting hazardous materials. For example, asbestos samples are typically analyzed using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 9002, while paints are tested for lead using NIOSH Method 7082.
 

• Reporting and Recommendations: The findings are compiled into a comprehensive report outlining all on-site hazardous materials once the analysis is complete. The report includes recommendations for safely managing or removing these materials and details the steps necessary to comply with regulations from WorkSafeBC and the Ministry of Environment.

 • Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are commonly found in buildings constructed before the 1990s. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and asbestosis, especially if disturbed during renovations or demolitions.
 

• Lead: Lead-based paints and materials, often found in older buildings, can be hazardous when disturbed. Lead exposure is especially dangerous to young children and pregnant women, causing developmental issues and other health problems.
 

• Leachable Paints: Lead or other harmful substances in paints may leach out over time, especially when exposed to moisture. Identifying leachable paints ensures safe handling and disposal.
 

• Silica: Crystalline silica, found in materials such as concrete, brick, and stone, can be hazardous when inhaled. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory diseases like silicosis.
 

• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): These toxic chemicals were commonly used in electrical equipment, caulking, and paints before being banned. PCBs are harmful to both humans and the environment.
 

• Mercury: Mercury is found in older light fixtures, thermostats, and other items. Mercury exposure can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage.
 

• Ozone-depleting substances (ODS): These chemicals, commonly found in older refrigeration and air conditioning systems, can cause significant environmental harm if not properly handled and disposed of.
 

• Radioactive Materials: Certain materials, such as those found in smoke detectors, may contain radioactive elements. These materials need to be correctly identified and disposed of to avoid potential health risks.

• Mould: Mould growth can occur in damp or poorly ventilated areas, posing health risks such as allergies, respiratory issues, and infections. It is important to identify and address mould before construction or renovation work begins.

• Hantavirus: Rodent droppings can carry diseases like Hantavirus. During renovation or demolition, it’s important to identify areas where rodents may have been present.
 

• Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation: This type of insulation, which was commonly used in the past, contains formaldehyde—a carcinogen that can pose serious health risks when disturbed.
 

• Arsenic: Often found in pressure-treated wood, arsenic is a toxic substance that can cause long-term health issues if exposed during demolition or construction work.
 

• Flammable and Combustible Materials: Flammable materials, including certain solvents, paints, and chemicals, must be identified and safely handled to prevent fire hazards during construction or demolition.
 

• Above Ground Fuel Oil Storage Tanks: These tanks, often found in older buildings, can pose a risk of leaks or spills. Identifying these tanks is critical for safe removal and disposal.

Other Hazardous Materials: This can include other potentially harmful substances, such as those found in grow operations and clandestine labs, that may pose a risk during renovation or demolition.

 → WorkSafeBC Compliance: WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS 20.112) require employers to identify hazardous materials before demolition, renovation, or salvage work begins. This includes conducting a Hazmat Survey to locate and assess materials such as asbestos and lead, which could pose serious health risks if disturbed during the project. The survey ensures that all hazardous substances are identified and properly managed, protecting workers and occupants from potential exposure.
 

→ Ministry of Environment Guidelines: The Ministry of Environment mandates that hazardous materials be managed according to environmental protection standards. These guidelines ensure that materials like asbestos and lead are safely handled and removed to minimize environmental contamination risks and protect workers and the surrounding environment.
 

→ Conducting a thorough Hazmat Survey ensures that hazardous materials are correctly identified and managed, minimizing health risks and protecting workers and occupants. Improper testing can lead to issues with regulators or landfill operations, delaying your project. It guarantees compliance with regulatory standards by identifying hazardous materials so they can be safely handled, contained, or removed.

 Phase Environmental provides comprehensive pre-renovation and pre-demolition hazardous materials surveys, ensuring all potential risks are identified and managed. Our expert team conducts testing for asbestos, lead, mould, and other hazardous substances. We follow strict regulatory guidelines, including WorkSafeBC and municipal regulations, to ensure your project is safe, compliant, and free from unexpected disruptions