Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residential construction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca 902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

UpdatePreventionPreventionPrevention

www.wcb.pe.ca902 368 5680

Toll free in Atlan c Canada 1 800 237 5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and DemolitionsWhat is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residentialconstruction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and Demolitions

UpdatePreventionPreventionPrevention Page 2

If you have questions on this or any workplace safety topic, contact WCB Occupational Health & Safety

at 902 368 5697 or toll free 1 800 237 5049, or visit our website at wcb.pe.ca.

Know the risks involving needles ck injuries. Be sure to follow all proper procedures around the safe use, handling, storage and disposal of needles and other sharps including safe recapping technique if required, eg., using a recapping device or the scoop method (many injuries occur during recapping). Always dispose of needles and other sharps in the proper container, and report to your employer when you see an over owing container, or an improperly stored sharp. Take needles ck injuries very seriously and seek medical a en on as quickly as possible. Always report any needles ck/sharp incidents to your employer and be sure to follow the employer’s protocol for follow up blood tes ng.

Recommendations for Workers

Recommendations for Employers

www.wcb.pe.ca

902 368 5680 Toll free in Atlan c Canada 1 800 237 5049

Train workers on the hazards and risks, and the proper use, storage and disposal of needles and other sharps. Provide wide mouth, puncture proof, locking containers in areas where needles are used. Have a procedure for monitoring and replacing containers before they are completely lled this should include instruc on to seal, collect and dispose of the containers in accordance with local regula ons for biomedical waste handling. Provide puncture resistant gloves for workers who collect and dispose waste where sharps may be present. Train workers to report all needles ck injuries and all incidents of needles found or thrown into the regular garbage.

If a needles ck injury does occur, it is important to act swi ly to minimize any impact of infec on to the worker, including ensuring the worker seeks medical a en on right away for blood tes ng and treatment as necessary. Implement and enforce wri en, step by step procedures for injured workers for post exposure protocol.

Ideally, needles should have protec ve caps or other safety features so that the worker does not come into contact with the sharp surface. If this is not possible, and the worker must work with current equipment, then reducing and managing the risk are the next best op ons.

Demolishing or renovating houses containing asbestos products can release asbestos fibres, which are extremely fine and can stay in the air for hours. Unprotected workers exposed to asbestos-contaminated air can breathe in the fibres. This may cause serious health problems, such as lung disease and cancer. Most workers who have died from overexposure to asbestos fibres have been in the construction trades.

Reduce Your Risk

Be aware that it is the joint responsibility of the insurance company, property manager, building owner, and/or the contractor to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations whenever a renovation, restoration or demolition project is undertaken. Contractors are legally required to ensure that all hazardous materials, such as asbestos, are identified and abated in a safe manner. Failure to do so could expose workers, occupants, and the general public to hazardous materials with significant potential liability issues for all involved.

Contract firms that meet the legislated and legal requirements to protect the health and safety of workers employed on the project site.

Ensure that the contractor has a qualified person inspect the site to identify any onsite hazards such as lead and asbestos, or other hazardous materials that may be present. If the contractor is unable to provide documentation for a hazardous material assessment, it may result in a Stop Work Order at the project site by an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

Contract a certified asbestos abatement contractor if asbestos containing materials are present. Certified asbestos abatement contractors in PEI are listed on the Workers Compensation Board’s website at www.wcb.pe.ca under Service Providers.

Ensure that a signed copy of the Asbestos Notification Permit is posted at the worksite by the certified asbestos abatement contractor.

Dispose waste materials containing asbestos at an approved waste management facility. Asbestos disposal permits are required and may be obtained from the PEI Department of Communities, Land and Environment.

Adapted with permission by

www.wcb.pe.ca 902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Demolishing or renovating houses containing asbestos products can release asbestos fibres, which are extremely fine and can stay in the air for hours. Unprotected workers exposed to asbestos-contaminated air can breathe in the fibres. This may cause serious health problems, such as lung disease and cancer. Most workers who have died from overexposure to asbestos fibres have been in the construction trades.

Reduce Your Risk

Be aware that it is the joint responsibility of the insurance company, property manager, building owner, and/or the contractor to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations whenever a renovation, restoration or demolition project is undertaken. Contractors are legally required to ensure that all hazardous materials, such as asbestos, are identified and abated in a safe manner. Failure to do so could expose workers, occupants, and the general public to hazardous materials with significant potential liability issues for all involved.

Contract firms that meet the legislated and legal requirements to protect the health and safety of workers employed on the project site.

Ensure that the contractor has a qualified person inspect the site to identify any onsite hazards such as lead and asbestos, or other hazardous materials that may be present. If the contractor is unable to provide documentation for a hazardous material assessment, it may result in a Stop Work Order at the project site by an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

Contract a certified asbestos abatement contractor if asbestos containing materials are present. Certified asbestos abatement contractors in PEI are listed on the Workers Compensation Board’s website at www.wcb.pe.ca under Service Providers.

Ensure that a signed copy of the Asbestos Notification Permit is posted at the worksite by the certified asbestos abatement contractor.

Dispose waste materials containing asbestos at an approved waste management facility. Asbestos disposal permits are required and may be obtained from the PEI Department of Communities, Land and Environment.

Adapted with permission by

www.wcb.pe.ca 902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and Demolitions What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residential construction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca 902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations and Demolitions What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. It was used as insulation against heat or noise, and for fire protection in homes and commercial buildings. When added to materials such as cement and plaster, the asbestos fibres provided more structural strength. Consequently, more than 3,000 products containing asbestos were used in house construction up until the late 1980’s. When renovating or demolishing older homes, there is a high probability of encountering asbestos-containing materials.

The following illustration shows asbestos-containing materials that were once commonly used in residential construction.

Add Prevention Update Banner in teal with WCB logo in white, without the traffic light. Same for page 2.

www.wcb.pe.ca 902-368-5680

Toll-free in Atlantic Canada 1-800-237-5049

UpdatePreventionPreventionPrevention

www.wcb.pe.ca 902 368 5680

Toll free in Atlan c Canada 1 800 237 5049