OHS law requires 72-hour notice for projects that may disturb asbestos
Alberta is introducing a number of additions and revisions in its asbestos abatement manual that intends to clarify and ensure better safety for workers.
Included in the revisions to the 2019 manual are a new section on procedures for mechanical abatement that details circumstances where a structure has been destroyed; a new section on disposal of asbestos waste that includes recommendations for packaging, transportation and landfilling processes; and new recommendations related to the use of composite samples for bulk sampling.
Also added are criteria for when area sampling for air monitoring may be considered, a new section on polarized light microscopy and point counting methods and a new section on housekeeping. There are also updates to proficiency testing information.
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code requires employers to ensure all workers who work with asbestos receive the training necessary to perform work safely, and that workers get asbestos training from a government-approved agency before they handle asbestos in a restricted area.
All employers are also required to give a 72-hour notice to the government before starting work on removing or abating asbestos or demolishing or renovating a building or equipment containing asbestos.
