When dealing with asbestos in your home or building project, it’s essential to understand the difference between abatement and removal. These are terms that often seem to be used interchangeably, but the fact is that they each have their own distinct meanings and regulatory implications. Having this knowledge can help you decide which is right for you.
At North Elm Construction, we specialize in keeping your project safe, compliant, and aligned with Alberta’s construction standards. Here’s what homeowners and contractors need to know.
What’s the Difference: Abatement vs. Removal
Asbestos abatement
This is the controlled process of safely handling asbestos-containing materials. This process includes actions like encapsulation using specialized safety measures to prevent fibre release into the air. While removal is also an element of possible abatement, abatement also encompasses containment, monitoring, and safe disposal to control risk.
Asbestos removal
This term refers specifically to the outright physical extraction of materials containing asbestos. This can include complex recycling and other safe disposal methods. It’s not just about taking asbestos out, it’s about doing so in a way that protects human health and the environment at large.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Disturbing asbestos-laced materials during renovation or demolition can expose occupants and workers to serious health hazards such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestosis can scar the lungs and lead to difficulty breathing, while mesothelioma is a hard-hitting cancer that spreads in and ravages the linings of the abdomen or lungs. These diseases are not easily cured, and great care must be taken to prevent or counter them when working.
Why Edmonton’s Building Legacy Matters
Asbestos can create very difficult challenges for contractors or builders when it is found in older buildings. Edmonton’s construction boom over the past decades, prior to its ban in 2018, means that many structures still contain asbestos in materials or components like insulation, ceiling tiles, siding, or HVAC duct wrap. As temperature changes expand and contract materials, the risk of fibres becoming airborne increases. This makes abatement or removal all the more important.
Working in asbestos abatement or removal requires careful attention to not just the asbestos itself however. There are a wide range of government issued rules and regulations that must be followed in the process.
Regulations You Must Know
Alberta’s Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Code includes some strict rules regarding asbestos work that everyone must follow. These guidelines include:
- Mandatory pre-project notification to OHS at least 72 hours before abatement or removal of any asbestos material begins.
- Implementation of hazard assessments, use of PPE in restricted zones, and following worker training requirements outlined by OHS.
- Ensuring asbestos waste is sealed, labeled, and disposed of in compliance with environmental and safety norms.
Failing to follow these rules could result in serious legal and health consequences, including fines, work stoppages, or litigation. For more information or clarification regarding Asbestos regulations, check out the Alberta government’s asbestos abatement manual.
How North Elm Keeps Your Project Safe and Compliant
At North Elm, we take asbestos management very seriously, adhering to professional and regulatory best practices at every step:
- Inspection & Testing
Before any abatement or removal work begins, we can conduct thorough assessments to identify asbestos-containing materials. - Safe Containment & Removal
Our certified team uses negative air pressure, wet methods, and proper sealing to keep fibers locked down during removal. - Disposal & Clearance Testing
We can dispose of asbestos waste using labelled, sealed containers and confirm safe clearance levels before reoccupation. We do careful testing to make sure the job is done right the first time. - Regulatory Compliance & Training
Our technicians are professionally trained, and our work is OHS-compliant. We manage all of our required project notifications and can protect you from fines or future liabilities.
Get Rid of Asbestos Today
When it comes to asbestos in Edmonton area buildings, the right care goes beyond just removing hazardous materials. The important part is doing it safely, legally, and with utmost care and precision. At North Elm Construction, we can help you navigate this complex path with skilled professionals, proven protocols, and peace of mind.
Contact us today about your projects and let us handle the heavy lifting so you can move forward confidently without any fears.