How is a Vancouver hazmat survey arranged?

A hazardous materials inspection is arranged by hiring a qualified person to inspect the building before demolition or renovation work starts. It is not something the City arranges for you.

The rule is in WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, section 20.112: before demolition, salvage or renovation begins, the employer and the owner must ensure that "a qualified person inspects the machinery, equipment, building or structure and the worksite" for hazardous materials, and the qualified person must make a written report of the inspection. The Regulation describes a qualified person as someone who has, "through education and training, knowledge of the management and control of the hazardous materials," along with experience.

For homeowners, WorkSafeBC's asbestos FAQ is direct: "As a homeowner, you need to get your home tested for asbestos before you start a renovation or demolition project." WorkSafeBC notes that asbestos "was widely used in B.C. as a building material until the early 1990s."

Asbestos is not the only material in older homes. Health Canada says "your home probably contains lead-based paint if it was built before 1960," and if it was built between 1960 and 1990, the exterior may contain lead-based paint.

After the inspection

If asbestos is found, the removal goes to a licensed contractor: since January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia, and WorkSafeBC publishes a registry of licensed asbestos abatement contractors online. Waste asbestos can be a hazardous waste under the provincial Hazardous Waste Regulation, and then the site receiving it must be authorized to take hazardous waste generated off site.

If you are applying for a demolition or renovation permit, check your municipality's current permit requirements for the hazardous materials documents it asks for before you book the inspection, so the report covers what the permit office needs.

Questions to ask whoever does the inspection. Will you get a written report? Does the price include sampling and lab analysis? Have they inspected buildings of your home's age before? You can describe your project through the Vancouver Construction Network to be matched with local contractors.