Hazardous Materials Survey
Before starting a renovation or a new build have your house tested for Asbestos Containing Materials
If you suspect your old home or business may have any hazardous materials lurking about its walls, you should probably consider getting a hazardous materials survey (or a hazmat survey) done by professionals. Elite Asbestos Removal & Testing provides hazmat surveys in Vancouver and surrounding areas of the Lower Mainland to identify ALL hazardous materials that may be present in a structure. These materials will need to be removed before any renovation or demolition work may occur on the premises. You should never remove hazardous materials yourself – professionals possess special training and equipment to do it safely and effectively.
If your structure was built prior to 1990, a hazmat survey is actually required prior to any work because harmful materials such as asbestos and lead paint were commonly used in construction prior to that date. Although it’s far less common, hazardous materials may have been used in your building’s construction even after 1990. Hazmat surveys are required to keep both construction workers and building occupants safe from exposure to hazardous materials. Exposure to asbestos, lead, or mold can lead to serious health risks for individuals.
WE WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH WORKSAFEBC
In accordance with WorkSafeBC and other municipal regulations, we provide professional testing and removal services for various contaminants on properties, including asbestos, lead, mold, and other harmful hazardous substances and materials, including mercury, PCBs, rodent/bird droppings, and even radioactive materials. When you call Elite Asbestos Removal & Testing., we’ll come in and collect samples for laboratory analysis to identify which types of hazardous materials are present on your property (if any) and then gather a hazmat survey report detailing the results of our findings. If you have any hazardous materials present, we can then go in and remove them for you. If you’re only renovating one specific area of your building, a hazmat survey can be customized to only include the area(s) that could potentially be disturbed by your project and not the entire structure itself.
Learn More
- You must be certified in order to test or remove asbestos legally.
- Contact us for a hazardous materials survey and let our team advise you.
Pre-Demolition or Pre-Renovation Surveys
Asbestos Testing Steps
- We do not attempt to clean any item or area you intend to collect a sample from, in case asbestos also exists in the surface dust. Ensure still air in your work area so that any microscopic fibers do not become airborne. Shut all the windows and doors and turn off all fans, heaters, and air conditioning systems that circulate air.
- We outfit our-self in deposable protective gear: face mask, gloves, coveralls long pants) and shoes. We not allow anyone in the area who is not wearing protective gear.
- Lay plastic sheeting around the work area to catch any potential asbestos dust that may settle. Spray the entire area thoroughly with water, so that all the surfaces are misted and the air is humid. This will help ensure that any disturbed dust quickly settles.
- Working as passively as possible to minimize dust, use a utility knife or chisel to loosen a sample of the material you wish to test. The sample must weigh between 5 grams and 100 grams (just under 1/4 lb). Without touching the loosened sample, spray it down with water and mist the air around you.
- Place a wet wipe in the mouth of the pliers, which will prevent microscopic fibers from sticking to the pliers. Carefully pick up the sample with the pliers and place it inside a zip-locking plastic bag. Drop the wet wipe in as well.
- Seal the plastic bag. At the top of the bag, neatly print the following information in reasonably small letters: where the sample was taken, the date of collection, and what the sample contains. Now place this sealed bag into a second zip-locking plastic bag to be sure it stays secure. Mist the air one more time to ensure dust settles.
- Carefully fold up the plastic sheeting and dispose of it in a plastic trash bag. Fold down the top of the plastic bag and securely tape it shut to contain any fibers.
- Thoroughly vacuum the area and clean the entire work area and anything nearby where dust may have landed with another wet rag. Dispose of the rag with the others, and tape that bag closed.
- Carefully remove your coveralls or clothes, facemask, and gloves, and dispose of them as per WorkSafe BC regulations.
- Send the collected samples to an EPA-certified asbestos testing lab for analysis.
OUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
We have confidence in our services and we want you to be really happy.
We know there a lot of asbestos removal & testing companies you could choose from and we really value you taking an interest in us.
If for some reason you're not completely happy with Elite Asbestos Removal & Testing just call us immediately and we will come back to fix whatever need to be fixed until you are satisfied.
