Due to its durability and fire-resistant properties, asbestos was widely used in Canadian construction for much of the 20th century. 

It was commonly found in insulation, roofing, and floor tiles. However, we now know that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma

Asbestos is one of the leading causes of occupational death in Canada, with the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation reporting over 400 cases of mesothelioma in 2022.

Given these risks, managing asbestos in older buildings is crucial. Asbestos surveys are an essential first step in identifying asbestos-containing materials and assessing their condition. 

It ensures that asbestos is safely managed or removed before it can threaten workers, residents, or visitors.

In Canada, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations mandate that buildings constructed before the 1990s be surveyed for asbestos before renovations or demolition work begins.

Ignoring asbestos safety protocols can lead to costly fines and, more importantly, expose individuals to life-threatening health risks.

This guide will explain the basics of asbestos surveys, their importance in maintaining safe environments, and how they help ensure compliance with Canadian safety standards. 

Proper asbestos management can significantly improve public health and reduce the risk of asbestos-related diseases.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

what-is an-asbestos-survey

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings. 

The survey's primary purpose is to locate, assess, and document any materials containing asbestos. These materials, including insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and pipe coverings, are often found in older structures built before the 1990s. 

Asbestos surveys help determine whether these materials pose a health risk and guide decisions on managing or removing them safely.

Asbestos management is critical to workplace health and safety. Conducting a survey ensures that all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are properly identified, allowing for appropriate safety measures. 

Without a survey, asbestos materials may remain undetected, increasing the risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to severe health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Canadian safety regulations, including the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR), require surveying any building constructed before the late 20th century for asbestos before significant renovations or demolition work begins. 

The survey helps employers comply with these regulations and avoid legal penalties. More importantly, it protects workers, building occupants, and the general public from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

An asbestos survey provides a plan for effective asbestos management. Depending on their condition, it ensures that hazardous materials are either safely maintained or removed. 

Why Are Asbestos Surveys Necessary?

Asbestos surveys are essential due to the severe health risks of asbestos exposure. 

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they release tiny fibers into the air. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to severe illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma

These diseases often develop years or even decades after exposure, making asbestos one of the most dangerous workplace hazards. 

In Canada, asbestos is the leading cause of occupational deaths, with thousands of workers still at risk from asbestos-related diseases.

To protect workers and the public, Canadian law mandates asbestos surveys as part of health and safety protocols. 

Federally, the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) require employers to assess buildings for asbestos if constructed before the late 20th century.

Additionally, each province has its specific regulations. For example, in Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires a designated substance survey, which includes asbestos, before renovations or demolitions. 

Non-compliance can result in heavy fines, legal liabilities, and, more importantly, serious health consequences.

Asbestos surveys are crucial during property transactions and building renovations or demolitions. 

Property buyers, sellers, and landlords must be aware of the presence of ACMs to ensure safe conditions and avoid future liabilities. 

Similarly, surveys are necessary before renovations or demolition work to prevent accidental asbestos exposure to construction workers and the surrounding community. 

Ignoring these requirements can expose people to deadly asbestos fibers and lead to costly project delays.

Asbestos surveys are vital for public health, regulatory compliance, and safety during property transactions and construction work.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

types-of-asbestos-surveys

Several types of asbestos surveys are available, each specific to a different situation depending on the condition of the building, the presence of asbestos, and the work being carried out. 

Each survey serves a specific purpose and is key in asbestos management, whether for routine monitoring or before major renovations.

1. Management Asbestos Survey

management-asbestos-survey

A Management Asbestos Survey is the most common type of asbestos survey, primarily designed to help building owners and managers identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be present in the building. 

This survey aims to ensure that ACMs are in good condition and remain undisturbed, preventing them from releasing harmful fibers into the air. 

This type of survey involves visually inspecting the building and collecting samples from suspected ACMs for laboratory testing.

A management asbestos survey aims to locate ACMs that may pose a health risk under normal conditions and create an asbestos management plan. 

This plan outlines how ACMs will be monitored, maintained, or removed over time, ensuring the building remains safe for occupants and workers. 

It is essential for older buildings where asbestos is likely to be present but undisturbed, such as office buildings, schools, or residential properties.

A management survey is required for buildings constructed before the late 1990s, especially if no plans for renovation or demolition are made. 

It helps property owners comply with Canada's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) and provincial regulations, such as Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act

The survey is typically updated periodically, especially when the building's structure or usage changes occur. This proactive approach helps prevent accidental asbestos exposure by ensuring that ACMs are safely managed over time.

2. Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey

refurbishment-and-demolition-asbestos-survey

A Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey is required before any significant renovation or demolition work begins. 

This type of survey is more intrusive than a standard management survey because it aims to identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during construction work. 

Renovations or demolition often involve breaking through walls, floors, and ceilings, where asbestos might be hidden. 

The intrusive nature of this survey means that inspectors will go beyond visual inspections. They may cut through materials or remove parts of the structure to locate asbestos in otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Samples are collected from these hidden spaces and sent for laboratory analysis. This process ensures that all potential ACMs are identified, even those not visible during building use.

Conducting this survey before any renovation or demolition helps prevent accidental asbestos exposure to workers and the public. 

If ACMs are found, they must be safely removed by certified professionals before further work can continue, ensuring a safe environment during construction.

3. Asbestos Screening

asbestos-screening

An asbestos screening is a less comprehensive and less intrusive process than a complete asbestos survey. 

It is typically used to assess whether there is a potential risk of asbestos in a building without conducting extensive sampling or testing. 

Screening may involve a visual inspection of the building and a review of historical documents, such as construction records, to determine whether asbestos might be present based on the age and type of building materials.

This assessment type is often used when there are no immediate plans for renovation or demolition, and the building is not suspected of containing large amounts of asbestos.

It serves as a preliminary step, helping property owners determine if further testing or a complete asbestos survey is necessary.

Asbestos screening differs from a complete survey in its scope and invasiveness. While a full survey involves physical sampling and lab testing, screening is quicker and less detailed. 

It is beneficial for low-risk environments or when a building’s history indicates that asbestos is unlikely to be present. 

If the screening results suggest asbestos, a complete survey is recommended to confirm its presence and develop a management plan.

4. Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey

pre-demolition-asbestos-survey

A Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey is a specific type of inspection that must be carried out before a building is completely demolished

This comprehensive and highly intrusive survey aims to identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the structure. 

Since demolition will disturb every part of the building, ACMs must be covered, as the process could release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.

Inspectors performing a pre-demolition survey will extensively test materials throughout the building, including those hidden behind walls, floors, and ceilings. 

This thorough inspection helps identify and remove all ACMs before the demolition begins. 

Once the survey is completed, asbestos abatement professionals can safely remove the asbestos, ensuring that demolition does not expose workers or the surrounding environment to asbestos fibers.

This survey ensures that the site is safe for workers and the public by identifying and removing asbestos before demolition, preventing the dangerous release of asbestos fibers during demolition.

The Asbestos Survey Process

Conducting an asbestos survey involves several detailed steps to ensure that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are properly identified and managed. 

The process typically includes an initial assessment and visual inspection, sampling and laboratory analysis, and reporting and documenting the findings. 

These steps are critical to ensuring the safety of workers and occupants, especially in older buildings where asbestos may still be present.

1. Initial Assessment and Visual Inspection

The asbestos survey begins with an initial assessment of the building. This involves reviewing the building’s age, construction materials, and renovation history to determine whether asbestos might be present. 

Buildings constructed before the 1990s are more likely to contain asbestos in insulation, tiles, and pipes.

Next, trained professionals conduct a visual inspection to look for signs of asbestos-containing materials. 

During the inspection, they focused on areas where asbestos was commonly used, such as around HVAC systems, roof spaces, and behind walls. 

While visual inspections do not confirm the presence of asbestos, they help identify suspected materials that need further investigation. 

Inspectors may also consult blueprints or building records to locate hidden areas where ACMs exist.

2. Sampling and Laboratory Analysis

Once suspected ACMs are identified, the next step is sampling. Small samples of the materials are carefully removed for testing. 

This step is carried out using specialized tools and techniques to ensure minimal disturbance of the materials, as disturbing ACMs can release harmful fibers into the air. The samples are placed in sealed containers and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.

In the laboratory analysis, experts use techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM) to confirm the presence and type of asbestos in the samples. 

The results will indicate whether the materials are indeed asbestos-containing and how much asbestos they contain. 

This step is crucial for determining the risk associated with the materials and whether removal or management is necessary.

3. Reporting and Documentation of Findings

After the laboratory results are received, the findings are compiled into a detailed asbestos survey report. 

This report includes descriptions of the materials tested, the locations of any ACMs, and their condition. 

The report also provides recommendations for managing or removing asbestos, depending on its state and risk. If the ACMs are in good condition, the report may suggest leaving them in place and implementing a regular monitoring plan. 

If the materials are damaged or pose a high risk, the report will recommend removal or encapsulation by certified professionals.

The documentation is essential for compliance with Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) and provincial regulations. 

It is a legal record that the building has been properly inspected and that appropriate measures have been taken to protect workers and occupants.

The asbestos survey process involves a comprehensive assessment of a building to identify any asbestos hazards and ensure that they are managed according to Canadian safety

regulations. Proper completion of each step ensures a safer environment for everyone involved.

Interpreting Asbestos Survey Results

interpreting-asbestos-survey-results

After an asbestos survey is completed, understanding how to interpret the results is crucial for making informed decisions about managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). 

The survey report typically includes information about the location, type, and condition of any ACMs found during the inspection. 

Here’s how to read and respond to the findings:

  1. Location and Extent: The survey report will indicate where asbestos was found in the building and how widespread the material is. Areas such as insulation, roofing, and floor tiles are familiar places where ACMs might be. Knowing the exact location is essential for planning future work, especially if renovations or demolitions are anticipated.
  2. Type of Asbestos: The report will specify the type of asbestos present. There are several types, including chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, each with different levels of risk. Some types of asbestos are more hazardous than others, so this information helps determine the urgency and method of management.
  3. Condition of the ACMs: The condition of the asbestos materials is a key factor in deciding how to proceed. If the materials are intact and undisturbed, they may not pose an immediate risk. However, if damaged or deteriorating, they could release harmful asbestos fibers into the air, making removal or containment necessary.

Actions Based on Findings

Once the results are understood, there are several possible courses of action:

  1. Asbestos Management: Ongoing management may be recommended if the ACMs are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed. This involves regular monitoring to ensure the materials remain intact and safe. The building owner or manager must maintain an asbestos management plan that outlines how ACMs will be monitored and who will be responsible for their oversight.
  2. Asbestos Removal: If the ACMs are damaged or likely to be disturbed during renovations or demolition, removal may be required. In Canada, asbestos removal must be carried out by certified professionals to ensure the safety of workers and building occupants.
  3. Containment (Encapsulation): In some cases, ACMs can be encapsulated rather than removed. This involves applying a sealant to the material to prevent the release of fibers. This is a less invasive option but still requires regular monitoring.

Proper interpretation of survey results ensures compliance with Canadian regulations and the safety of all building users.

Importance of Professional Asbestos Surveyors

Hiring certified professionals to conduct asbestos surveys is essential for ensuring the process is thorough, accurate, and compliant with Canadian safety regulations. 

Asbestos is hazardous, and improper handling or misidentification can lead to serious health risks and legal liabilities.

Why Certification Matters

Professional asbestos surveyors in Canada must undergo specific qualifications and Asbestos Awareness Training to be certified. 

This includes understanding the different types of asbestos, properly collecting samples, and using specialized equipment to inspect high-risk areas. 

Certified surveyors are also trained to assess the risks associated with ACMs and provide sound recommendations for managing or removing them.

Canadian surveyors must follow the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) and provincial laws like Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, which mandate proper procedures for identifying and managing asbestos in workplaces and buildings. 

Certified professionals are familiar with these regulations and ensure their work complies with legal requirements.

Qualifications and Training

To become a certified asbestos surveyor in Canada, professionals must complete accredited training programs that cover asbestos identification, sampling techniques, and health risks. 

They are also trained in risk assessment to determine the appropriate action for managing ACMs.

Many provinces also require surveyors to hold additional certifications related to hazardous materials handling, such as HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) certification.

Using certified professionals ensures that the asbestos survey will be conducted with the highest safety and accuracy, protecting workers and the general public from the dangers of asbestos exposure. 

Additionally, professional surveyors can provide legally compliant reports for regulatory approval in property sales, renovations, or demolition projects.

In short, hiring certified asbestos surveyors guarantees that your asbestos management is handled with expertise, by Canadian laws, and with the utmost attention to safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the legal requirement for asbestos surveys in Canada?

In Canada, the legal requirement for asbestos surveys is outlined in the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) and various provincial regulations. 

These laws mandate that employers identify and manage asbestos in their buildings, particularly in structures built before the 1990s, to ensure the safety of workers and occupants.

How often should asbestos surveys be conducted?

Asbestos surveys should be conducted whenever renovations, demolitions, or significant changes occur in a building. 

Additionally, ongoing management plans should include regular inspections, typically every 1 to 3 years, to monitor the condition of any identified asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

What should I do if my building has asbestos?

If your building contains asbestos, consulting with certified professionals to assess the situation is crucial. 

Depending on the condition of the ACMs, you may need to manage, encapsulate, or remove the asbestos safely. Implementing an asbestos management plan is essential to ensure ongoing safety.

Can I conduct an asbestos survey myself?

Conducting an asbestos survey yourself is not recommended due to the health risks associated with exposure. 

Certified professionals have the necessary training, experience, and equipment to identify and handle ACMs safely while adhering to legal regulations.

What are the costs associated with an asbestos survey?

The costs of an asbestos survey can vary widely based on factors such as the size of the building, the complexity of the survey, and the region. 

On average, costs can range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the extent of the inspection and whether laboratory analysis is required.

Conclusion

Conducting thorough asbestos surveys ensures safety and compliance in Canadian buildings.

The blog highlighted the historical use of asbestos in construction and the significant health risks associated with exposure to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). 

We discussed the various types of asbestos surveys, including management, refurbishment, demolition, and pre-demolition surveys, emphasizing their unique purposes and processes.

Understanding the results of an asbestos survey is crucial for determining the appropriate actions, whether that involves ongoing management, removal, or encapsulation of ACMs. 

Hiring certified professionals was also stressed, as their expertise ensures accurate identification and adherence to legal requirements.

Legal obligations for asbestos surveys in Canada compel building owners and employers to actively identify and manage asbestos hazards, protecting workers and occupants. Regular inspections and assessments are vital in maintaining safety and mitigating risks.

Prioritizing asbestos surveys is a regulatory requirement and a vital step in safeguarding health. 

Property owners can ensure a safe environment and comply with Canadian safety standards by taking proactive measures.