Most workers who have died from overexposure to asbestos fibres have been in the construction trades. Until the late 1980s, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

Exposure to asbestos fibres may result in asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma a cancer affecting the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. Even short-term exposure to asbestos dust can be hazardous if the fibres are inhaled.

Employers and owner/builders are responsible for determining if materials containing asbestos are present at the jobsite before work begins. This assessment must be carried out by qualified personnel, and testing should be performed in a certified laboratory.

Safe Removal Practices

• Asbestos-containing materials must be removed and disposed of by trained and qualified workers before renovation or demolition work begins.
• Use protective clothing, respirators, and containment barriers when working with asbestos.
• Prevent the spread of asbestos dust by wetting materials before removal and sealing waste in approved containers.
• Ensure all removal activities comply with provincial regulations and WorkSafeBC requirements.

At Gama Safety, we stress that proper asbestos awareness, hazard assessment, and certified removal are critical to protecting workers and preventing life-threatening illnesses.

Asbestos hazards must never be ignored. At Gama Safety, we promote strict adherence to safety procedures and certified removal to safeguard the health of all workers and the surrounding community.

Training Center: 122-2544 Douglas Road, Burnaby BC. V5C 5B4, Canada.

+1 (866) 661-9803 | info@gamasafety.ca | www.gamasafety.ca

© 2025 GamaSafety. All rights reserved.