New protections to help keep everyone safe from the danger of asbestos came into effect on January 1, 2024 in British Columbia. By Marnie Douglas, Guest contributor to Speaking of Safety Starting January 1, 2024, all asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia. Additionally, anyone performing asbestos abatement work must complete […]
A broken refrigeration system could release gas that displaces oxygen from the room before workers can react — controls and training are key. “We can’t see asphyxiant gas, so we don’t necessarily realise it’s a risk,” says David Ogilvie, an occupational hygiene officer with WorkSafeBC. “Any mechanical system using gas could fail, with severe consequences. […]
Harmful asbestos fibres can be found in more than 3,000 common building materials. Recently, a friend of mine said their 18-unit condo building had a plumbing job done and found asbestos in the drywall from 1977. The contractor followed all safety procedures and notified residents. At Simon Fraser University, hazardous material experts are assessing its […]
