Asbestos abatement is the planned, controlled process of dealing with asbestos-containing materials so a renovation, demolition or repair can go ahead safely. It's regulated work in B.C. and has to be done by a licensed contractor. We connect Kamloops homeowners, property managers, strata councils and businesses with WorkSafeBC-licensed local abatement specialists.
Kamloops Asbestos Removal is an independent referral service and is not an asbestos abatement contractor. Abatement work is performed by independent WorkSafeBC-licensed contractors.
What asbestos abatement involves
WorkSafeBC describes the abatement contractor's job as containing or removing the asbestos-containing materials identified in your hazardous materials survey. Depending on the material and the project, that can mean:
- Removal: taking out materials such as textured ceilings, drywall, flooring, vermiculite or pipe insulation before they're disturbed by renovation or demolition
- Containment: sealing or enclosing material so fibres can't be released, where that's appropriate and the material won't be disturbed
- Clean-up and disposal: cleaning the work area and arranging for asbestos waste to be handled and disposed of properly
The right approach depends on the type and condition of the material and what you plan to do with the space. A licensed contractor will explain the options for your building.
Licensing and certification in B.C.
As of January 1, 2024:
- Employers that carry out asbestos abatement work for others must hold a WorkSafeBC Asbestos Abatement Licence. Licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
- Anyone doing asbestos abatement work on a building must be trained and certified at the level that matches the type of work, through an approved training provider.
- Owners and prime contractors must make sure the abatement contractor holds a valid licence before permitting the work (OHS Regulation section 6.2.3).
WorkSafeBC also encourages owners to get an up-to-date WorkSafeBC clearance letter from the contractor before work starts. Inclusion in WorkSafeBC's registry isn't an endorsement, so it's still worth comparing contractors carefully.
Abatement for renovations and demolitions
For most projects in older Kamloops buildings, abatement follows a clear sequence:
- Hazardous materials survey. A qualified person inspects the building, samples suspect materials and produces a written report, as required by OHS Regulation section 20.112. See testing and inspection.
- Quotes from licensed contractors. You give the survey report to the abatement contractor so the quote covers every material identified.
- Notice and planning. For many asbestos projects, the contractor needs to file a Notice of Project with WorkSafeBC, which includes the hazardous materials survey and safe work procedures. Your contractor will know what's required for your job.
- Abatement work. Certified workers contain or remove the materials using the safe work procedures for that type of work.
- Written confirmation. When the work is done, the contractor provides a report confirming the asbestos has been contained or removed and the area is ready for renovation or demolition. Section 20.112 requires that written confirmation before work that could disturb those materials goes ahead.
Commercial, rental and strata properties
Asbestos isn't only a homeowner issue. WorkSafeBC's homeowner guidance is also directed at strata councils and property managers, and employers have their own duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Where workers may be exposed to asbestos, the employer must have an exposure control plan, and the employer and owner must make sure a qualified person prepares an inventory of asbestos-containing materials at the workplace.
If you manage an older office, retail unit, warehouse, rental property or strata building in Kamloops, a licensed abatement contractor can help you plan work around tenants and operations.
Typical materials handled during abatement
- Vermiculite insulation in attics and wall cavities
- Popcorn and textured ceilings
- Drywall joint compound and plaster
- Vinyl tiles, sheet flooring and mastic adhesive
- Pipe, boiler, furnace and duct insulation
- Stucco, asbestos cement siding and roofing materials
How we help
Tell us about the building, the work you're planning and whether you already have a hazardous materials survey. We'll connect you with a licensed local abatement specialist who serves your area so they can contact you about a quote. There's no charge for the request, and the contract is directly between you and the contractor.
Sources: WorkSafeBC: asbestos licensing and certification; WorkSafeBC: Find licensed contractors; WorkSafeBC: Notice of Project; OHS Regulation Part 6; OHS Regulation Part 20.