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ایمنی بالا (به دلیل نصب برچسب بر روی آن، در صورت شکستن از پاشش تکه و پاره های آن به اطراف جلوگیری می شود. )
سبک
طراحی مهندسی و زیبا
نصب آسان بر روی اکثر سطوح
ضخامت کم (3 میلیمتر) و استحکام بالا
استفاده از مرغوبترین ورق اکلریک موجود در ایران
سه سال ماندگاری در برابر نور آفتاب (استفاده از رنگ های سالونت مقاوم در برابر UV)
دارای روکش لمینت جهت ماندگاری رنگ ها
قابل شستشو 
نارسانا (جهت ایمنی بیشتر در موارد تگ گذاری تاسیسات برقی)
 

تولید تگ های ایمنی در ابعاد و طرح های مورد نظر شما مشتریان گرامی امکان پذیر است.

Safe Work Practices
for Handling Asbestos
About WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC (the Workers’ Compensation Board) is an independent provincial statutory agency
governed by a Board of Directors. It is funded by insurance premiums paid by registered employers and
by investment returns. In administering the Workers Compensation Act, WorkSafeBC remains separate
and distinct from government; however, it is accountable to the public through government in its role of
protecting and maintaining the overall well-being of the workers’ compensation system.
WorkSafeBC was born out of a compromise between B.C.’s workers and employers in 1917 where
workers gave up the right to sue their employers or fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a
no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. WorkSafeBC is committed to a safe and healthy
workplace, and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits to
workers injured as a result of their employment.
WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line
The WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line can answer your questions about workplace health
and safety, worker and employer responsibilities, and reporting a workplace accident or incident.
The Prevention Information Line accepts anonymous calls.
Phone 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or call 1 888 621-7233 (621-SAFE) toll-free in Canada.
To report after-hours and weekend accidents and emergencies, call 604 273-7711 in the Lower Mainland,
or call 1 866 922-4357 (WCB-HELP) toll-free.
Safe Work Practices
for Handling Asbestos
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- ii -
WorkSafeBC publications
Many publications are available on the WorkSafeBC website. The
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and associated policies and
guidelines, as well as excerpts and summaries of the Workers Compensation
Act, are also available on the website: WorkSafeBC.com
Some publications are also available for purchase in print:
Phone: 604 232-9704
Toll-free phone: 1 866 319-9704
Fax: 604 232-9703
Toll-free fax: 1 888 232-9714
Online ordering: WorkSafeBC.com and click on Publications; follow the
links for ordering
©1996, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2012 Workers’ Compensation Board of British
Columbia. All rights reserved. The Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C.
encourages the copying, reproduction, and distribution of this document
to promote health and safety in the workplace, provided that the Workers’
Compensation Board of B.C. is acknowledged. However, no part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced, or distributed for profit or other
commercial enterprise, nor may any part be incorporated into any other
publication, without written permission of the Workers’ Compensation
Board of B.C.
2012 Edition
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
Safe work practices for handling asbestos. -- [1996] -
Annual.
Also available on the Internet.
ISSN 1497-2956 = S afe work practices for handling asbestos
1. Asbestos industry - British Columbia - Safety measures.
2. A sbestos abatement industry - British Columbia - Safety
measures. 3 . I ndustrial hygiene - British Columbia.
I. Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia.
TA455.A6S2 363.17'91 C00-960297-6
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- iii -
Contents
Introduction. 1
Who should read this manual?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ALARA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Use this manual as a starting point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Part 1: About asbestos. 5
What is asbestos?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Health hazards of asbestos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Industry terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Regulation requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 5.2, General information requirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sections 5.48 to 5.59, Controlling exposure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Guideline G5.53-4, Occupational hygiene methods
acceptable to WorkSafeBC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sections 6.1 to 6.32, Asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Guidelines G6.1 to G6.32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section 20.2, Notice of project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Guideline G20.2(1)(c), Notice of project for asbestos —
Ongoing work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 20.112, Hazardous materials (Demolition). . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Guideline G20.112, Hazardous materials — Asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . 15
Who is qualified to deal with asbestos? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Part 2: Programs and documentation . 17
Responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Employers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Prime contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Supervisors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Health and safety program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Asbestos management program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Asbestos survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Collecting bulk samples of materials suspected
of containing asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Bulk sample analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Risk assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- iv -
Exposure control plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
What is an exposure control plan? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Who needs an exposure control plan for asbestos?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Elements of an exposure control plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Respirator program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Training, instruction, and supervision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Inspection and testing of equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Record keeping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Notice of project (NOP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Contracting out projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
NOP for ongoing asbestos work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Part 3: Work procedures . 43
Low-risk work activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Moderate-risk work activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
General moderate-risk procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Example procedure: Collection of bulk samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
High-risk work activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Example procedure: Isolating the high-risk asbestos
work area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Example procedure: Decontaminating workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Example procedure: Controlling airborne asbestos fibres. . . . . . . 57
Example procedure: Laundering contaminated clothing. . . . . . . . 59
Example procedure: Disposing of asbestos waste materials. . . . . 59
Example procedure: Removing asbestos-containing pipe
insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Monitoring the work environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Air sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Air sampling at moderate-risk sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Air sampling at high-risk sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
High-risk site inspection requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Asbestos clearance document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Waste handling and disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Demolition and renovation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Risk assessment for identified asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Asbestos encountered during demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Safe removal of asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- v -
Part 4: Personal protective equipment (PPE). 75
Protective clothing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Heat stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Cold stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Respiratory protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Air-purifying respirators (APRs and PAPRs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Air-supplying respirators (SARs and SCBAs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Choosing the right respirator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Checking for proper operation and fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Part 5: Emergencies and incidents . 85
Preparing for emergencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Medical emergency procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Investigating incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Emergency information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Appendices. 91
Sample exposure control plan for cutting small amounts (<3 m2)
of gypsum board containing asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Sample respirator program for asbestos work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 1 -
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals used in many products
because it adds strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. Asbestos
is a hazardous material. If employers and workers do not take proper
precautions for work around asbestos, workers may develop serious chronic
health problems or even die of an asbestos-related disease. To prevent these
health problems, WorkSafeBC has developed requirements detailed in the
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (the Regulation).
Who should read this manual?
This manual is mainly for:
yy Consultants who provide services regarding asbestos identification
and management
yy Employers whose operations may require workers to handle or work in
an environment with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials
yy Workers who work with asbestos (removing and cleaning up asbestos
waste materials)
Consultants and employers will find information to help them comply
with the Regulation and ensure a safe environment for workers and others
who may be affected by asbestos management, removal, or cleanup.
Workers will find information to help them work safely with asbestos
products or waste materials.
This manual provides information about asbestos and assists consultants
and employers in developing suitable work procedures. For company owners
who are required to have asbestos abatement carried out on their premises,
the sections in this manual describing procedures for low-risk, moderaterisk,
and high-risk work activities will provide an idea of the scope of such a
project. These sections will also give company owners, property managers,
and those who are not experienced with asbestos a better idea of the type of
work done by consultants and asbestos abatement contractors.
Introduction
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 2 -
In some places in this manual, the term regular is used (for example, “regular
worksite inspections,” “regular health and safety meetings”). The term is
used in these cases because circumstances vary with each worksite, and it is
not possible to provide more specific requirements. Some employers may find
it necessary to conduct inspections every work shift (during a continuous,
high-risk removal), while other employers may only need to do monthly
inspections (on sites where circumstances do not change very often). Some
employers may need to hold safety meetings daily (if the workforce changes
every day), while other employers may hold meetings monthly (in usual
circumstances). A qualified health and safety professional must decide what
regular means in each particular circumstance involving asbestos.
ALARA
The ALARA principle governs worker exposure to asbestos — all exposures
must be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Although the Regulation
specifies exposure limits and action levels, every employer must further
reduce or eliminate worker exposure if it can reasonably be done. Where
possible, asbestos-containing materials should be replaced with products
that do not contain asbestos.
Improvements in technology, and new work practices and procedures, will
help employers decrease worker exposures and move closer to the ultimate
goal of zero exposure to designated (hazardous) substances.
Use this manual as a starting point
This manual provides generic information that employers can use
to develop their own site-specific procedures. If a worker is or may
be exposed to potentially harmful levels of asbestos, the employer
must develop and implement an exposure control plan meeting the
requirements of section 5.54 of the Regulation. The employer must
also ensure that surveys and risk assessments on asbestos-containing
materials are conducted by a qualified person. Specific procedures must
be based upon the risk assessments.
The word must used in this manual means that a particular safety step
is required by the Regulation. The word should indicates that a particular
action, although not specified in the Regulation, is recognized as an
industry standard by occupational hygiene or safety professionals and
will improve safety in the workplace.
Note
This manual is not a
definitive guide and
does not replace the
Occupational Health
and Safety Regulation.
It complements the
Regulation and is a tool
to help industry work
safely.
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 3 -
The word worker includes supervisors, managers, and workers.
WorkSafeBC has produced a number of related safe practices manuals, such
as Breathe Safer, a respirator manual. For copies, visit WorkSafeBC.com or
contact the WorkSafeBC Bookstore (see the front of this manual).

Part 1: About asbestos

Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 7 -
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the term used to describe a group of naturally occurring
fibrous mineral silicates. Three main types of asbestos have been used
commercially:
yy Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the most commonly used form of
asbestos. It is found in over 95% of asbestos-containing products.
yy Amosite (brown asbestos) has been used in sprayed coatings, in heat
insulation products, and in asbestos cement products where greater
structural strength is required.
yy Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is now rarely found in B.C. Before 1973 it
was commonly used in sprayed coatings on structural steelwork for
fire protection and for heat or noise insulation. It was also used in
gasket materials and asbestos cement pipe.
Actinolite, anthophyllite, and tremolite were rarely used in B.C., but
actinolite and tremolite may be found as natural contaminants within
vermiculite insulation.
Defining asbestos-containing material
The Regulation defines asbestos-containing material as containing 0.5%
or more asbestos as determined by polarized light microscopy, electron
microscopy, or gravimetric analysis. An exception is made for vermiculitecontaining
insulation materials (e.g., more than 25% vermiculite), which are
considered asbestos-containing if any asbestos (even less than 0.5%) is
present. This definition is not intended to include materials with negligible
amounts of asbestos, or other situations where the asbestos insulation was
properly removed and a few fibres remain sealed in place.
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 8 -
Asbestos is a hazardous material. Its fibres are extremely fine and can
remain suspended in the air for hours; workers exposed to asbestoscontaminated
air can inhale the fibres. If handled improperly, asbestos
may cause serious chronic health problems and even death.
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to
asbestos dust. The fibres gradually cause the lung to become scarred and
stiff, making breathing difficult.
Lung cancer may be caused by asbestos fibres in the lung. Although it is
unknown exactly how asbestos causes lung cancer, research has shown
that the combination of smoking tobacco and inhaling asbestos fibres
greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer affecting the lining
of the lungs or the abdominal cavity. There is a confirmed link between
asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
Pleural thickening may develop after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining
of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells, causing shortness of breath and
discomfort in the chest.
Asbestos fibres magnified many times.
Health hazards of asbestos
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 9 -
This manual uses some words and phrases specific to the asbestos industry.
Asbestos-containing material
A manufactured article or other material, other than vermiculite
insulation, that would be determined to contain at least 0.5% asbestos if
tested in accordance with one of the following methods:
yy Asbestos, Chrysotile by XRD, NIOSH Method 9000 (Issue 2, dated
August 15, 1994) in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods,
published by the United States National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
yy Asbestos (bulk) by PLM, NIOSH Method 9002 (Issue 2, dated August 15,
1994)
yy Test Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building
Materials (EPA/600/R-93/116, dated July 1993), published by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Also, vermiculite insulation that would be determined to contain any
asbestos if tested in accordance with the Research Method for Sampling
and Analysis of Fibrous Amphibole in Vermiculite Attic Insulation
(EPA/600/R-04/004, dated January 2004), published by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Asbestos inventory or survey
A written report that locates and describes, as far as reasonably practicable,
the amount, condition, accessibility, and so on, of all asbestos-containing
materials in a building or structure, or where renovations or demolition
are planned. A survey conducted prior to renovations or demolition must
be more detailed than an occupied building survey and include asbestoscontaining
materials that are hidden or in inaccessible areas.
Asbestos management program
A program used to actively manage asbestos in a workplace. It includes
inventory and identification of asbestos-containing materials, labelling
systems, emergency response, a provision for reassessment, and worker
education and training.
Containment
An isolation system designed to effectively contain asbestos fibres within
a designated work area where asbestos-containing materials are handled,
removed, encapsulated, or enclosed. Glove bags are a type of containment.
Industry terms
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 10 -
Encapsulation
A process in which a material containing asbestos is treated with a product
that penetrates the material and prevents the fibres from being released.
Enclosure
A physical barrier that isolates asbestos-containing materials from adjacent
occupied areas in a building, using means such as gypsum board, plywood,
or metal sheeting to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into those areas.
Friable asbestos-containing material
Asbestos-containing material that is crumbled or powdered or can be
crumbled or powdered, by hand pressure. Materials such as vinyl-asbestos
floor tile or asbestos cement products have the potential to become friable
if handled in an aggressive manner (for example, cut, drilled, or sanded
using power tools) or dropped from a height.
Friable materials containing asbestos may appear:
yy Fluffy or spongy (usually applied by spraying)
yy Irregular, with a soft surface (usually applied by spraying)
yy Textured, dense, with a fairly firm surface (usually applied by
trowelling)
yy Chalky, with a firm surface in preformed, fitted sections (placed
around pipes as insulation), or in some ceiling tiles
yy As dust or debris on horizontal and vertical surfaces
HEPA filter
Defined in the Regulation as a high-efficiency particulate air filter that is
at least 99.97% efficient in collecting an aerosol particle 0.3 micrometre
in size. Any HEPA filters used for asbestos applications must be at least
99.97% efficient. When used for respiratory protection, HEPA filters are
now referred to as NIOSH 100 series filters, or “100” filters for short.
High-risk work activity
A work activity that involves working with or in proximity to asbestoscontaining
material if a high level of control is necessary to prevent
worker exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 11 -
Low-risk work activity
A work activity that involves working with or in proximity to asbestoscontaining
material, if the material is not being:
yy Cut, sanded, drilled, broken, ground down, or otherwise fragmented
or
yy Disturbed in such a way that asbestos fibres may be released
Moderate-risk work activity
A work activity, other than a high-risk work activity, that involves working
with or in proximity to asbestos-containing material that is being cut,
sanded, drilled, broken, ground down or otherwise fragmented, or
otherwise disturbed, where it is necessary to use personal protective
equipment (PPE) or engineering controls to prevent worker exposure to
airborne asbestos fibres.
Negative air unit
A cabinet, usually portable, that contains a fan and one or more HEPA
filters. Negative air units are used to exhaust air from a containment area,
reducing the risk of contaminated air escaping into the workplace through
a leak in the containment. Negative air unit efficiency must be tested
using a suitable indicator chemical, such as dioctyl phthalate (DOP) or
polyalphaolefin (PAO) aerosols.
NIOSH 100 series filter
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter used for respiratory
protection. These HEPA filters, called “100” filters for short, are at least
99.97% efficient in collecting an aerosol particle 0.3 micrometre in size
and carry an N, R, or P designation that specifies where and for how long
the filter can be used.
Filter designation For use in … Time-use limitations
N = No oil Oil-free atmospheres only
(atmospheres containing
no oil mist)
May be reused only after considering
cleanliness, filter damage, and increased
breathing resistance
R = Oil resistant Oily atmospheres A single shift only (or eight hours of
continuous or intermittent use)
P = Oil proof Oily atmospheres Check the manufacturer’s specified timeuse
limitations for each P-type filter
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 12 -
Practicable
Defined in the Regulation as “that which is reasonably capable of being done.”
Qualified person
A person who has education, training, and experience in the management
and control of asbestos hazards (see “Who is qualified to deal with
asbestos” on page 16).
Respirator
A device worn to prevent the inhalation of hazardous airborne substances.
There are two basic types of respirators: air purifying and air supplying.
So-called “single-use” or “disposable” respirators are not acceptable for
working with asbestos.
Risk assessment
A comprehensive document, developed to select appropriate workplace
controls, that evaluates the probability and degree of possible illness,
injury, or death in a hazardous situation.
Risk of exposure to asbestos fibres
The likelihood of being exposed to airborne asbestos fibres when using
or handling materials containing asbestos or being in proximity to such
work. There is a much greater risk of exposure to asbestos fibres when
handling friable asbestos materials than when handling hard, wellbonded
asbestos materials such as vinyl-asbestos floor tile or asbestos
cement products.
Note
For more information
on respirators and
respirator programs,
see the WorkSafeBC
manual Breathe Safer.
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 13 -
Several sections of the Regulation and their corresponding guidelines
relate to asbestos exposure. The key requirements are found in the
following sections.
Section 5.2, General information requirement
This section describes the requirement to identify a chemical or biological
agent, its possible effects on health, and precautions required to protect
worker health and safety. This information must be clearly communicated
to workers.
Sections 5.48 to 5.59, Controlling exposure
These sections describe general requirements for controlling exposure to
various hazardous materials in the workplace, including:
yy Exposure limits
yy Workplace monitoring to assess exposure levels
yy Monitoring methods acceptable to WorkSafeBC
yy Exposure control plans
yy Types of risk controls
yy Designated hazardous substances
yy Investigating symptoms of overexposure
The current occupational exposure limit for asbestos (all forms) is 0.1 fibres
per millilitre.
Guideline G5.53-4, Occupational hygiene methods
acceptable to WorkSafeBC
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on the publications
that detail occupational hygiene methods (such as sampling and analytical
methods) acceptable to WorkSafeBC.
Sections 6.1 to 6.32, Asbestos
These sections describe specific requirements to prevent workplace
exposure to asbestos. Employers are responsible for the following:
yy Conduct asbestos inventories or surveys (see “Asbestos survey”
beginning on page 24).
yy Conduct risk assessments to determine worker exposure and work
classifications (see “Risk assessment” on page 31).
Regulation requirements
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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yy Develop and implement an exposure control plan (see “Exposure control
plan” beginning on page 32) and a respirator program (see “Respirator
program” on page 37) if workers are or may be exposed to asbestos.
yy Develop and implement safe work procedures for handling and
disposing of asbestos (see “Part 3: Work procedures” beginning on
page 43).
yy Conduct air monitoring if workers are at risk of overexposure to
airborne asbestos fibres (see “Monitoring the work environment”
beginning on page 62).
yy Post warning signs at the boundary of work areas where exposures to
asbestos could occur.
yy Instruct and train workers who are at risk of exposure to asbestos.
yy Maintain records of risk assessments, worker exposures, and worker
training.
Guidelines G6.1 to G6.32
These guidelines are specific to asbestos-containing materials and include
the following:
yy G6.1-1, Qualified person
yy G6.3, Exposure control plan for asbestos
yy G6.4, Inventory of asbestos-containing materials
yy G6.5, Identification
yy G6.6-1, Risk Assessment
yy G6.6-2, Classification of risk
yy G6.7, Control of friable asbestos
yy G6.8, Procedures for abatement of asbestos materials during house
and building demolition/renovation
yy G6.10, Substitution
yy G6.13, Authorized persons — Designated area
yy G6.16, High risk work
yy G6.19, Ventilation — Filter testing
yy G6.24-1, Friction materials
yy G6.24-2, Dry removal of friction material dust
yy G6.24-3, Suitable work procedures
yy G6.24-4, HEPA-filtered vacuum enclosure systems
yy G6.27, Asbestos waste removal
yy G6.31, Contaminated personal protective clothing — Information to
laundry workers
yy G6.32, Documentation — Types of records
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
- 15 -
Section 20.2, Notice of project
According to this section, if a construction activity involves the
disturbance of asbestos, the owner or prime contractor must file a Notice
of Project (NOP) with WorkSafeBC, in writing or by fax, at least 24 hours
before starting the project. For more information or to file an NOP online,
visit WorkSafeBC.com; under “Quick Links,” click “Notice of Project.”
Guideline G20.2(1)(c), Notice of project for
asbestos — Ongoing work
This guideline provides information on the requirements for submission
of a Notice of Project for asbestos (NOP-Asbestos) for short-duration
intermittent repair or maintenance work. The guideline is for use by
employers who conduct periodic repairs or other minor disturbances of
asbestos-containing building materials as part of an ongoing operations
and maintenance program. It is not intended for use by asbestos
abatement contractors or restoration contractors.
Section 20.112, Hazardous materials (Demolition)
This section describes the requirements that employers and owners are
responsible for before beginning work on the demolition or salvage of
machinery, equipment, buildings, or structures. The employer or owner must:
yy Have a qualified person inspect the site to identify any asbestoscontaining
materials that may be handled, disturbed, or removed
yy Have the inspection results available at the worksite
yy Ensure that asbestos-containing materials are safely contained or removed
If asbestos-containing materials that were not identified in the survey
are discovered during the work, the work must cease until the asbestos is
contained or removed.
Guideline G20.112, Hazardous materials — Asbestos
This guideline explains the hazards associated with the uncontrolled release
of asbestos. It also provides information for owners, employers, consultants,
workers, and other involved persons on what constitutes a compliant
asbestos inspection, on arranging for and confirming the safe abatement of
asbestos, and on what to do if additional materials suspected of containing
asbestos are encountered during demolition or salvage work.
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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According to the Regulation, qualified means “a person who (a) has
knowledge of the management and control of asbestos hazards through
education and training, and (b) has experience in the management and
control of asbestos hazards.”
When asbestos-containing materials may be present, a qualified person
should be an occupational health and safety professional with occupational
hygiene experience related to asbestos. These persons would include the
following:
yy Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Registered Occupational
Hygienist (ROH), or Registered Occupational Hygiene Technologist
(ROHT) with education and experience specific to asbestos
management and work procedures
yy Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Canadian Registered Safety
Professional (CRSP), or Professional Engineer with education and
experience specific to asbestos management and work procedures
yy An experienced asbestos abatement contractor with education and
experience specific to asbestos management and work procedures
yy An AHERA (U.S. Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) Certified
inspector (for asbestos building surveys only)
The following activities must be conducted by a qualified person:
yy Preparation of asbestos inventories or surveys
yy Risk assessments and work classifications (e.g., low, moderate, or high
risk)
yy Preparation of work procedures for the safe removal of asbestos waste
yy Collection of samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos
In addition, only a qualified person should:
yy Collect air samples to determine the concentration of asbestos fibres in
the air
yy Perform regular worksite inspections for high-risk work
yy Perform post-abatement clearance inspections
Who is qualified to deal with asbestos?
Part 2: Programs and
documentation

Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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Everyone in the workplace has health and safety responsibilities, including
owners, employers, prime contractors, supervisors, workers, and consultants.
Owners
Owners have the following responsibilities:
yy Provide and maintain the land and premises that are being used as
a workplace to ensure the health and safety of anyone at or near the
workplace.
yy Provide the employer or prime contractor at the workplace with
information known to the owner that is necessary to identify the
hazards, including asbestos.
yy Comply with the relevant sections of the Regulation and the Workers
Compensation Act (the Act), as well as any applicable orders.
Employers
Employers have the following responsibilities:
yy Ensure the health and safety of all workers at the worksite.
yy Identify workplace hazards and assess the risks of injury associated
with those hazards.
yy Conduct a risk assessment for asbestos exposure, develop an exposure
control plan, write safe work procedures, and implement controls.
yy Ensure that workers and supervisors are adequately instructed and
trained.
yy Keep written records of training (detailing who, what, and when).
yy Establish and maintain an occupational health and safety program,
including a written health and safety policy and a procedure for
incident investigations.
yy Support supervisors, safety coordinators, and workers in their health
and safety activities.
yy Take action immediately when a worker or supervisor reports a
potentially hazardous situation.
yy Initiate immediate investigations into incidents.
yy Report exposure incidents to WorkSafeBC.
yy Provide adequate first aid facilities and services.
yy Provide and maintain PPE and clothing, as required.
yy Ensure that workers follow the requirements of the Regulation and the
Act, and that they have access to these documents.
Responsibilities
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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Prime contractors
Prime contractors have the following additional responsibilities:
yy Ensure the coordination of health and safety activities for employers,
workers, and others at the workplace.
yy Do everything that is reasonably practicable to establish and maintain
a system or process that will ensure compliance with the relevant
sections of the Regulation and the Act.
Each employer at a multiple-employer workplace must give the prime
contractor the name of the person the employer has designated to
supervise his or her workers.
Supervisors
Supervisors have the following responsibilities:
yy Instruct workers in safe work procedures.
yy Ensure that workers are familiar with and follow the exposure control
plan.
yy Train workers for all tasks assigned to them, and regularly check that
they are doing their work safely.
yy Ensure that only authorized, adequately trained workers operate tools
and equipment or use hazardous materials.
yy Ensure that workers follow safe work procedures for handling, storing,
and maintaining equipment and materials.
yy Enforce health and safety requirements.
yy Correct unsafe acts and conditions immediately.
yy Identify workers with problems that could affect safety at the worksite,
and follow up with interviews and referrals where necessary.
yy Create health and safety rules, and inspect the workplace regularly for
hazard.
What is a prime
contractor?
In a workplace with
multiple employers, the
prime contractor is the
directing contractor,
employer, or other
person who enters into
a written agreement
with the owner of that
workplace to be the
prime contractor.
If there is no such
agreement, then the
prime contractor
is the owner of the
workplace.
Reference: Section
118(1) of the Workers
Compensation Act
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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Workers
Workers have the following responsibilities:
yy Know and follow health and safety requirements that apply to the job.
yy Ask the supervisor for training to perform work tasks and use
equipment safely.
yy Participate in all required health and safety education and training.
yy Work safely, and encourage co-workers to do the same.
yy Use all required PPE and clothing.
yy Correct any unsafe conditions or immediately report them to a
supervisor.
yy Immediately report any injury to a first aid attendant or supervisor.
yy Inform a supervisor of any physical or mental impairments that may
affect work safety.
yy Make suggestions to improve health and safety.
Consultants
Consultants:
yy Should be occupational health and safety professionals with
experience in the practice of occupational hygiene as it relates to
asbestos management
yy Should only provide advice and information based on their education,
training, and experience
yy Must follow accepted occupational hygiene practices, including those
related to:
–– Collection and identification of samples
–– Reporting of sample results
–– Performance of risk assessments
–– Development of safe work procedures
–– Implementation of exposure control methods
yy Should provide documentation within a reasonable time frame and
clearly explain any results, conclusions, or recommendations
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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According to the Regulation, employers must develop and implement an
effective health and safety program for their workplace, and train workers
and supervisors in relevant sections of the program.
A health and safety program helps ensure a safe, productive workplace by
describing specific tasks and responsibilities for many different aspects of
an employer’s operation. An effective health and safety program for any
workplace in which asbestos is handled or present must include:
yy A written occupational health and safety policy that:
–– States the employer’s commitment to health and safety
–– States the program’s objectives
–– Defines the responsibilities and roles of the employer, supervisors,
and workers
yy Written safe work procedures and emergency response procedures
yy Training for supervisors and workers
yy Regular worksite inspections (the definition of “regular” depends on
the conditions and number of shifts for each individual site)
yy Regular health and safety meetings
yy Accident investigation
yy Records and statistics
yy A joint health and safety committee or representative, if required
It is important to remember that every worksite is different. Although
these general elements may be common to health and safety programs
across the province, employers cannot expect to copy a program from
another worksite. Instead, they must develop and implement a health and
safety program unique to their own operation.
Health and safety program
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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An effective asbestos management program consists of several elements.
Employers, building owners, or property managers must do the following:
yy Keep an up-to-date inventory of all asbestos-containing materials in
the workplace, including the condition of those materials.
yy Ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are clearly identified.
yy Conduct a risk assessment of the potential for exposure to any of the
asbestos-containing materials. This should be conducted only by a
qualified person.
yy Develop safe work procedures, including the correct use of PPE, for
workers who may work near asbestos-containing materials. This
should be done only by a qualified person.
yy Instruct all workers who could be exposed to asbestos in all aspects of
the asbestos management program.
yy Make manufacturers’ manuals and instructions available to workers.
yy Prepare written work procedures specific to each worksite and make
them available to all workers required to follow the procedures.
yy Ensure that work is carried out under the supervision of experienced
and qualified supervisors.
yy Develop and implement an exposure control plan if workers will be
exposed to asbestos fibres. For more information on exposure control
plans, see page 32.
yy Keep accurate and complete records regarding asbestos management.
In addition to implementing an asbestos management program, employers
or building owners must ensure that all friable asbestos-containing
materials are either removed from the workplace (using procedures similar
to those outlined in this manual), encapsulated, or enclosed. Asbestoscontaining
materials that are hidden from view but still accessible (such as
materials above a T-bar ceiling) are not considered to be enclosed.
Asbestos management program
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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The employer must ensure that a qualified person collects representative
samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials and prepares a
written (or computerized) inventory of all asbestos-containing materials in
the workplace. This inventory must be kept at the workplace and must be
kept current.
The asbestos inspection process is generally referred to as an asbestos
survey, and the person conducting the inspection is often referred to as
the surveyor. The asbestos survey includes a walk-through inspection,
sample collection, sample analysis, and reporting and communicating the
results. Surveyors must be familiar with proper walk-through and sample
collection practices.
There are a number of recognized industry standards that provide
guidance on conducting asbestos surveys. They include:
yy Ontario Regulation 278/05, Designated Substance — Asbestos on
Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations
yy Asbestos: The Survey Guide, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the
United Kingdom
yy How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings (EPA 910-B-96-001), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
Two types of asbestos surveys are required under the Regulation:
yy The inventory in section 6.4 is typically prepared for occupied
buildings as part of an asbestos management program. Not all
asbestos-containing materials may be identified in this survey, as
some are hidden or would be damaged by sampling.
yy The inventory or survey in section 20.112 is a pre-demolition or
pre-renovation survey that must locate all asbestos materials in the
building or structure before any work commences, including materials
that are hidden or normally inaccessible.
Asbestos surveyors must have the following documentation and programs
in place:
yy Asbestos exposure control plan
yy Respirator program
yy Bulk sample collection safe work procedure
They should also be able to provide proof of their training (such as an
AHERA certificate), experience, evidence that their laboratory is qualified
to analyze asbestos samples, and a survey report template.
Note
For a definition of
qualified person, see
page 16.
Asbestos survey
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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The first step in the asbestos survey is to identify asbestos hazards through
a thorough and systematic walk-through inspection of the site. The site may
be a building (commercial, industrial, residential), a structure, a machine, or
a piece of equipment. Asbestos identification and recognition is a specialized
skill, and it is essential that the surveyor be adequately instructed and
trained in identifying materials known or likely to contain asbestos.
The following table lists some of the materials that commonly contain
asbestos in older commercial and residential buildings.
Asbestos materials in commercial and residential buildings
Exterior Interior insulation
• Asbestos cement pipes (e.g., drain
pipes)
• Roof felting
• Asphalt shingles
• Soffit boards
• Stucco and textured paints
• Asbestos cement siding
• Brick mortar
• Window putty
• Deck undersheathing
• Asbestos cement shingles
• Spray-applied insulation (acoustic and
fireproofing)
• Vermiculite (blown-in) insulation (e.g., in attics
and wall cavities)
• Paper backing on fibreglass insulation
Flooring Heating (HVAC) and ducting
• Vinyl sheet flooring and mastic
• Vinyl floor tile and mastic
• Poured flooring/levelling compound
• Asphalt flooring
• Vinyl sheet flooring with asbestos
backing
• Furnace duct tape
• Furnace/boiler insulation
• Pipe (mechanical) insulation
• Hot water tank insulation
• Mastic
• Asbestos rope and gaskets
• Asbestos cement board
• Asbestos cardboard insulation
Walls and ceilings Other
• Drywall mud
• Plaster
• Asbestos cement board
• Textured coatings
• Ceiling tiles
• Fireplace box and mantel
• Artificial fireplace logs and ashes
• Fire doors
• Insulation on electrical wiring
• Fire blankets
• Chalkboards
• Heat reflectors
• Penetration firestopping
• Light fixture backing (pot lights)
Note
This list does not
include every product
that may contain
asbestos. It is intended
as a general guide.
See also the online
WorkSafeBC Bulletin
WS 03-03, Asbestos
hazards in demolition,
renovation, and
salvage (www2.
worksafebc.com/i/
posters/2003/WS%20
03_03.htm).
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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During the initial walk-through inspection, the surveyor systematically
goes through each area and room in the building to make a preliminary
determination of whether asbestos could be present. This initial walkthrough
will involve observing the wall, ceiling, floor, and other materials,
including any machinery or equipment (such as an old boiler or heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning [HVAC] system) and hidden insulating
materials. During this walk-through, the surveyor will also consider
where to collect representative bulk samples of suspected asbestos
material. Once the walk-through is complete, the surveyor has the
necessary information to begin the sampling process.
Collecting bulk samples of materials suspected of
containing asbestos
To confirm or discount the presence of asbestos, representative bulk samples
must be collected by a qualified person. Multilayered materials, like multiple
layers of old tile and linoleum flooring or multiple layers in wall or ceiling
materials, will commonly be encountered. Careful consideration must be
given to which layers of multilayered materials to sample. Ideally, a sample
should be collected from each suspect layer. The surveyor should identify
the sample location in the building with a unique sample number.
The sampling technique and quantity of material sampled are two other
important factors to consider. Sufficient quantities of material must be
collected. Check the laboratory method for required sample quantities, or
check with the laboratory analyst. For materials like vermiculite, ensure
that the full depth of the material down to the bottom is sampled and that
the quantity collected meets the requirements of the analytical method
that will be used (for example, about 4 L of vermiculite insulation is
required for the EPA/600/R-04/004 method).
Sample collection methods must minimize disturbance as well as
minimize exposure to asbestos for the persons collecting the bulk
samples. Use of protective clothing and a properly fitted, approved
respirator are required. Persons collecting the samples must have a
written sample collection procedure as part of their asbestos exposure
control plan (for an example of a bulk sample collection procedure, see
pages 49 – 51). A respiratory protection program is also required.
The number of representative bulk samples collected should be consistent
with recognized industry standards and principles of good occupational
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
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hygiene practice. The following table provides guidance on the minimum
number of bulk samples that should be collected to identify asbestoscontaining
materials that might be present in a building.
Bulk material sample collection guide
Type of material Area of homogeneous
material*
Minimum number of bulk
samples to be collected**
Surfacing materials, including
textured coatings, drywall mud,
plasters, and stucco
Less than 90 m2
(approximately 1,000 ft2)
At least 3 samples of each
type of surfacing material
Between 90 and 450 m2
(approximately 5,000 ft2)
At least 5 samples of each