Hazardous Material Surveys (often called “HazMat surveys”) are required in B.C. before demolition, salvage, or renovations that could disturb hazardous substances. A qualified professional inspects the building and worksite, takes representative samples where appropriate, and provides a written report so work can proceed safely and legally.
Hazardous Material
(HazMat) Surveys
What the survey includes
- On-site inspection by a WorkSafeBC Level S Surveyor
- Sampling and lab testing of suspect materials (where appropriate)
- Identification of hazardous substances present or reasonably expected
- Approximate quantities of each hazardous material
- WorkSafeBC Compliant HazMat report
- Clear next steps for safe removal/containment before work starts
- Location mapping
- Direction on potential further requirements such a TCLP (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure) for disposal of lead-painted building materials
What hazards are we looking for?
- Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
- Mould and other biological hazards (e.g., hantavirus)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Radioactive / ionizing-radiation sources
- Silica-containing materials / respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
- Lead and other heavy metals
- Storage tanks and fuel/chemical residues
- Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)
- Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
- Mercury
- Toxic, flammable, or explosive materials / chemical residues (site-specific)
- Other foreseeable chemical, biological, or ionizing-radiation hazard
When do you need one?
Before any renovation, demolition, dismantling, or salvage work that could disturb building materials and potentially expose workers to hazardous substances. The owner and all employers involved must ensure a qualified person conducts the pre-work inspection/sampling and produces a written hazardous materials report before work starts.
Hazardous materials surveys should be conducted for all size of job to ensure workers and occupants aren’t exposed to hazardous materials during the course of the work.
01
Book a site visit
02
Inspection & sampling of suspect materials
(asbestos, lead, observation of various other hazards)
03
Laboratory analysis
(if samples are taken)
04
WorkSafeBC compliant report with locations, quantities, and results
05
Support for next steps
(abatement/removal planning/TCLP)
Why it matters
A HazMat survey helps you:
- Meet WorkSafeBC requirements
- Protect workers and occupants from exposure
- Avoid project delays and change orders
- Plan abatement accurately and cost-effectively
- Reduce liability and environmental risk
