Hazardous Materials

WorkSafeBC requires that a Hazardous Materials Survey be completed for any buildings that are undergoing demolition, renovation or additions that were built prior to 1990. According to WorkSafeBC, “hazardous material” refers to a hazardous substance or material containing a hazardous substance and can include: asbestos, lead (or other heavy metals) and toxic, flammable or explosive materials, etc.

 All hazardous materials must be identified, removed and recycled or disposed of prior to any work being done in accordance with all relevant regulations, including the Environmental Management Act, The Hazardous Waste Regulation, The Workers Compensation Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR).

 From section 20.112 Hazardous Materials of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation on the WorkSafeBC website:

(2) Before work begins on the demolition or salvage of...a building or structure, or the renovation of a building or structure, all employers responsible for that work, and the owner, must ensure that a qualified person inspects the....building or structure and the work site to identify the hazardous materials, if any.                        

 The qualified professional must thoroughly inspect the structure and test any materials in question and then compile a written report detailing their methods, findings and resolution. This report must be included in the application package submitted to the City of Courtenay and will be reviewed by staff to ensure the scope of the survey corresponds to the work applied for on the building permit application form.

 Please keep copies of all documents on the worksite at all times.

For further information, please visit the WorkSafeBC website at http://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-20-construction-excavation-and-demolition#SectionNumber:20.112.