Asbestos Contamination Response Protocols

Immediate Actions in Case of Asbestos Incident or Contamination

In the event of asbestos contamination, it is crucial to act quickly. A rapid response is vital in mitigating and management of risk and worker/environmental exposure. Begin by evacuating all non-essential personnel as well as anyone who does not have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This step minimizes the risk of exposure to hazardous asbestos particles.

Site Security and Decontamination

Once the area is cleared of unprotected personnel, a licensed and certified abatement team must isolate and secure the contaminated site. This team is responsible for implementing decontamination and/or cleanup and asbestos removal procedures according to regulatory standards and risk-assessments. Proper isolation and containment will help in preventing asbestos fibers spread to other areas.

Notification to regulatory officials and thorough documentation of the incident is essential. Record all relevant details, including the time of occurrence, personnel involved, and actions taken. Comprehensive records support regulatory compliance and future safety improvements.

Air Quality Assessment

During and after decontamination, air quality assessments must be conducted to verify that asbestos levels are within legal exposure limits. This step is necessary to confirm that the site is safe for workers and for occupancy. Re-entry to the affected area should only be permitted when a formal clearance certificate is issued. This certificate serves as official confirmation that the site meets all safety standards and is free from hazardous asbestos levels.

For the abatement and decontamination of many hazardous materials like asbestos in BC, special training and certification is required and these regulations are continuously evolving. The decontamination of workspaces is particularly dangerous work, and we highly recommend that you select a seasoned professional abatement to do your abatement and remediation. 

About Enviro-Vac

Enviro-Vac is one of the oldest privately owned environmental contractors in Canada, offering a full suite of services in hazardous materials abatement and decontamination. Their expertise includes shrink-wrap containments, industrial vacuum services, and abrasive blasting. Enviro-Vac is equipped to manage both small and large-scale projects across Canada, with the head office located in Surrey, BC.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this article or would like to discuss hazardous materials abatement solutions, facility decontamination, high-risk negative pressure containments, or industrial vacuum cleaning, please call Enviro-Vac on their toll-free number: (888) 296-2499.