Last year, the Canadian government announced a full asbestos ban to take effect in 2018. With a change in building codes, the development of an online registry of buildings that contain asbestos, and a complete ban on the production, import, and export of the deadly substance, Canada has finally joined close to 50 other countries that have already enacted such legislation.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that has long been used in construction and thousands of workers across Canada are exposed to it on a regular basis. According to statistics, more than 2000 Canadian workers die from asbestos exposure each year. The Canadian Asbestos Ban wants to prevent those deaths from happening in the future.
Proactive businesses will want to get out ahead of this ban and do their due diligence to make sure that the working conditions they provide their employees will meet these new, strict regulations. There are many things a company can do to prepare for the coming ban.
First, companies should be checking what materials they are currently importing and see if there is a possibility they will be on the banned list. Many mundane-looking materials, such as building tiles or countertops, may contain asbestos and will no longer be allowed into Canada.
Second, companies should have a professional inspection team come in to their facilities to check to see what kind of asbestos exposure may exist. Regardless of what kind of business it is, there is a chance that there is asbestos present in the building. Asbestos insulation is very common in older buildings, such as residences and industrial complexes.
Finally, find the right company that’s an expert in asbestos abatement. EnviroVac has trained experts that know the safest and most effective way of removing asbestos. EnviroVac knows the asbestos removal regulations that are going to take effect in 2018 and will turn your work or living space into a safe, asbestos-free area.
