Alberta Requirements
The province of Alberta has set out strict requirements for the management of asbestos in order to protect people and the environment. These requirements include 4 different ways the danger of asbestos may be neutralized to meet provincial standards. These methods are:
1. Removal
Materials containing asbestos are fully removed from the premises. Removal is the only acceptable management option if the building will be demolished, if it is required by the building codes, or if the type of asbestos present is crocidolite. Removal is not necessary but is highly suggested if work in the area may disturb the asbestos or if staff, children, or others may be in contact with asbestos-containing material.
2. Encapsulation
This method leaves the asbestos where it is but coats it in a protective sealant. This method requires routine inspections to ensure the sealant is not corroding. This is a temporary asbestos-management solution that can only be used if the asbestos-containing material will not cause further damage through contact and can support the weight of the sealant. This method should not be used if the sealant will impact the fire rating of the asbestos-containing material or if the asbestos is likely to crumble.
3. Enclosure
Barriers are erected around the asbestos-containing material. This method of management will be used only when there is no risk to the integrity of the enclosure and that access within the enclosure is restricted to employees trained to handle asbestos.
4. Manage-In-Place
If the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition without deterioration and minimal risk to the health and safety of those around, the asbestos-containing material can remain in place. This will require an annual inspection for deterioration or damage.
The method of asbestos management will be decided based on the risk factors presented by the state of the asbestos. Factors that increase risk level are:
- Possible deterioration or damage
- Able to be crumbled or otherwise turned to dust in the hand
- Easily accessible
- Risk of damage due to airflow, vibrations, or human activity
- Exposed portion of the structure could release asbestos fibres
- High percent of asbestos
- Water that could damage, release, and carry asbestos fibres
Asbestos Abatement in Calgary With 24/7 Restoration
Asbestos in buildings doesn’t always need to be fully removed for it to be deemed safe by the provincial government. But due to the risks associated with asbestos when disturbed, homeowners in Calgary must receive asbestos testing before they can demolish their home. At 24/7 Restoration, our team of asbestos abatement experts make clients safety our number one priority and we go above and beyond the provincial requirements to ensure your safety. For asbestos testing and abatement when you plan on demolishing your home, renovating, or to remove materials known to contain asbestos for peace of mind, contact 24/7 Restoration in Calgary at 1-403-247-4365 or fill out the contact form.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is asbestos?
A: Asbestos is the name for a group of minerals found occurring naturally in the environment that have been harvested and used to make consumer goods. The minerals are:
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Amosite
- Crocidolite
- Anthophyllite
Q: What are some of the dangers of asbestos for humans?
A: While asbestos can be harmless when undisturbed, being exposed to and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause many health complications such as:
- Cancer, specifically mesothelioma
- Other cancers such as ovarian, lung, and laryngeal
- A chronic lung disease known as asbestosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Q: Can I detect asbestos in my home myself?
A: No, asbestos particles are not visible to the human eye and many asbestos-containing materials will not give any indication that there is asbestos in them. The only way to know for sure is through professional asbestos testing. If you suspect there is asbestos in your home or you are about to demolish or renovate your home, call 24/7 Restoration in Calgary to check for asbestos.
