Alberta Regulations
for Asbestos Removal
In the prairie province of Alberta, Canada, a number of specific regulations govern the handling, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing material. These regulations protect people from exposure to asbestos, which can cause death if accidentally inhaled or ingested. If you plan to involve yourself in any kind of renovation or home improvement project, follow regulations so you won't incur fines or penalties.
Hazardous Products Act
When preparing to work at a site in Alberta that may contain asbestos, you will need to review the Hazardous Products Act. The Hazardous Products Act is a piece of Canadian federal legislation dates to the 1970s, but it has been repeatedly updated. Asbestos-related provisions in the Hazardous Products Act include a list of prohibited asbestos products (such as sprayed-on asbestos fireproofing and drywall joint compounds). These products are no longer allowed in new construction, but may be found in some older buildings built before this legislation went into effect. Therefore, before you begin work, you may want to do some initial air quality testing, or test samples of building materials (insulation, fireproofing, floor tiles, caulking) that you suspect may contain asbestos. It may be helpful for you to speak with an attorney to help you understand the current version of the Hazardous Products Act, as well as all other Alberta asbestos regulations.
OHS Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety regulations require all workers removing asbestos to have proper training and wear proper protective gear that is properly maintained. If you are undertaking a project where you might come into contact with asbestos, it is vital that you purchase the proper protective gear for your and your crew.
Alberta Building Code Information
A June 1985 addition to the Alberta Building Code says asbestos can no longer be used in air-distribution systems. Part of asbestos removal in today's society now always includes the shutting down of air circulation systems to keep any airborne asbestos particles from being circulated and accidentally inhaled. In September 1991, another provision was added that requires the removal of any asbestos that could become airborne from the property prior to demolition.
Employer Responsibility
Employers who engage in asbestos removal are ultimately responsible for the health and safety of their workers. When a company is going to engage in asbestos removal, the employer must inform the workers about the presence of asbestos, provide them with suitable equipment, such as respirators, and act in accordance with all regulations governing the safe handling and disposal of asbestos. To protect yourself and your crews, educate yourself with asbestos-removal classes and certification programs. You must also educate your workers about health risks associated with asbestos exposure. You may want to purchase additional insurance for your business to help defray medical or legal costs should a lawsuit be brought against you or your workers.
Additional Regulations
You must review the current best practices on file with the Alberta Human Resources and Employment (AHRE), which administers and oversees asbestos issue in the province, in conjunction with other government organizations. Contact the organization directly for the most up-to-date information about current regulations. Additional regulations in Alberta pertinent to asbestos removal include the Chemical Hazards Regulation (AR 393/88) and the General Safety Regulation (AR 448/83). A full list of regulations can be found in the Reference below labeled Envirotopics. It is vital that you comprehend these regulations to protect your and your workers from illnesses caused by asbestos exposure, as well as fines or litigation stemming from violations of these codes.
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