The History of Asbestos Regulation in Canada

Asbestos is a serious health and safety hazard, and both the Canadian government and the government of Alberta have taken the necessary legal precautions to prevent it from spreading. As a residential or commercial property owner, it’s important to know the legal consequences of asbestos infestations so you can have it eliminated as quickly as possible without any legal issues. Here is a brief overview of asbestos regulation in Canada and in the province.

Hazardous Protections Act

Asbestos has not been banned overall on either a federal or provincial level. There are, however, several policies that regulate the sale and use of asbestos products in the country, such as the Hazardous Protections Act. The federal law prohibits certain asbestos products from being imported or sold in Canada, including:

• Asbestos in textile fibres
• Asbestos in products used by children
• Certain construction materials like drywall joint cements, and spackling and patching materials that contain asbestos as a compound ingredient

The Hazardous Protections Act limits the amount of asbestos material that can enter the country. However, older buildings may still contain asbestos material as this policy wasn’t enacted until the 1970s.

Alberta Building Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Code

The Alberta Building Code is a section of the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Code that specifically prohibits certain asbestos materials from being used in the construction, demolition or renovation of property. The other sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Code seek to protect workers from asbestos exposure while on the job. The code does this by:

• Consulting with employers and staff on the development of safe workplace policies and practices.
• Conducting workplace inspections.
• Responding to employer and staff health and safety concerns.

This provincial policy ensures that all Albertan worksites remain as safe as possible and free from any of the hazardous effects of asbestos.

Asbestos is a serious health concern and legal risk. Learn about the federal and provincial legislation surrounding asbestos to make sure your property is up to code. If you need an asbestos inspection or removal for your building, contact us at Certified Asbestos Removal and Restoration for an efficient and professional asbestos removal service.