Asbestos Removal in Surrey
Asbestos is no longer a viable building material. Many properties, however, are still filled with asbestos-containing materials that pose serious health risks. Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd’s licensed team is trained to follow strict protocols for safe asbestos removal.
We specialize in the inspection and removal of hazardous materials. Whether you’ve recognized the possibility of asbestos in your Surrey property or need an expert to confirm, we can help.
Contact our removal specialists today at (604) 472-7499.
What Are the Long-Term Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure?
The effects of asbestos exposure often don’t appear right away. That delayed reaction makes it even more dangerous, especially because the symptoms can be subtle at first.
Long-term exposure increases the risk of three major health conditions. The first is asbestosis, which is a chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring in the lungs, which makes breathing harder over time. The second is lung cancer, especially when exposure is combined with smoking. The third is mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Remember: there’s no safe level of exposure. Even short-term contact with airborne fibers can be harmful if the material was disturbed.
Are There Different Types of Asbestos?
There are six different types of asbestos, but the most commonly found in buildings are chrysotile, white asbestos; amosite, brown asbestos; and crocidolite, blue asbestos. Chrysotile is often used in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors, while amosite is typically found in cement sheets and insulation materials.
Exposure to any type of asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. While all forms of asbestos are hazardous, chrysotile is the most likely to be present in your home due to its once widespread use in construction materials.
How Do Professionals Plan Asbestos Disposal?
We plan asbestos disposal by thoroughly inspecting affected areas to assess the extent of contamination. This includes identifying materials that may contain asbestos and taking samples for analysis. This allows us to effectively contain the work site and ensure all safety protocols are ready.
With a plan in place, we can prepare for removal by bringing all necessary equipment, including protective gear, containment materials, and specialized removal or dust control tools. With the affected areas demarcated, the work can begin.
We can also discuss timelines during planning. Most projects can be completed in one day to two weeks, but this can vary from property to property.
Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd’s Licensed Professionals
In addition to our asbestos abatement license from WorkSafeBC, we’re also licensed by the Ministry of Transportation to transport hazardous materials for your removal project.
When you work with our asbestos removal company, you can expect:
- Thorough inspection and testing to identify asbestos-containing materials
- A detailed removal plan tailored to your property’s needs
- Use of specialized equipment and safety protocols to prevent contamination
- Safe removal, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste at approved facilities
- Full regulatory compliance and documentation
Can You Sell a House That Contains Asbestos?
You can sell a house that contains asbestos, but you’ll need to be upfront about it. In British Columbia, sellers are legally required to disclose any known asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the property. Failure to do so could lead to legal trouble after the sale.
While asbestos doesn’t automatically make a home unmarketable, it can affect the sale price and buyer confidence. Many prospective buyers are wary of the health risks and the cost of removal. Getting a professional inspection and report can clarify the scope of the issue and make your listing more transparent. In some cases, sellers choose to complete the removal process beforehand to increase the property’s value and speed up the sale.
What Is the Legal Responsibility of Property Owners When Dealing With Asbestos?
If you’re a property owner in British Columbia, you’re legally responsible for identifying and managing asbestos on your property, especially if you’re planning renovations, repairs, or demolition. Provincial regulations require you to have a qualified professional conduct an asbestos inspection before any work begins.
If asbestos is found, it must be removed or contained by a licensed contractor following strict safety and disposal guidelines. Ignoring these rules can result in fines, legal consequences, or even health risks to occupants and workers. These requirements exist to protect construction teams, building occupants, and the broader community from the long-term dangers of asbestos exposure.
How Do You Avoid Asbestos Exposure During Removal?
To avoid asbestos exposure during removal, our team uses rip-proof poly sheeting to fully contain the worksite, preventing fibers from escaping into surrounding areas. This material ensures that the asbestos-containing materials remain sealed off while we proceed with the removal.
We also use HEPA vacuums and negative air units to capture and filter out any airborne asbestos dust, maintaining clean air throughout the process. Our team follows strict safety procedures at all times, including wearing protective gear, to ensure a safe and controlled environment.
Can You Stay in Your Home During Asbestos Removal?
Whether you can stay in your home depends on where the asbestos is located and how extensive the removal is. In some cases, only a small area is affected, and our team can isolate it with plastic barriers and negative air pressure systems. If the containment is secure and the rest of your home remains undisturbed, staying may be possible.
However, if the asbestos is in multiple rooms or near common living spaces like the kitchen or HVAC system, you may need to vacate temporarily. Safety is the priority. If there’s any risk of fibers spreading beyond the work zone, we’ll recommend leaving the home until the job is done and post-removal air testing confirms the space is safe again.
We’ll always walk you through your options based on the property layout, the type of asbestos-containing materials involved, and your family’s needs.
Schedule Asbestos Removal Services To Ensure a Safe Environment
Asbestos testing is especially important if you’re buying or renovating a home, but removing it safely requires professional expertise. Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd’s team ensures that asbestos-containing materials are properly identified, contained, and disposed of according to strict regulations.
Put your health and safety first—call (604) 472-7499 to book our asbestos removal services in Surrey.
Looking for asbestos removal in Surrey? Contact us at (604) 472-7499.