NEWS
The best way to safely remove asbestos from buildings and structures is to have experienced Hazardous Materials Abatement Workers do the job, said Don Whyte, manager of the Hazardous Materials Association, a non-profit association of professional contractors in B.C.'s hazardous materials industry.
"A worker must be qualified in order to get the job completed safely,"he said.
Asbestos is a naturally fibrous material that was commonly used in buildings up until the start of the 1990s. While no longer used in construction today, asbestos still remains in buildings around the province.
Asbestos is quite fine in size, making breathing in the hazardous substance a danger for workers without proper respiratory protection. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has been linked to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
"One of the things the HMA is trying to accomplish is making sure our contractors have the best trained Hazmat workers in the industry," Whyte said.
In order to do this, Hazardous Materials Abatement Workers must attend an orientation session followed by work in the field and two additional extensive hazmat courses before becoming a certified Hazardous Materials Abatement Worker. In these courses, the workers learn about asbestos, the mandatory safety gear, and the potential risks involved with the job, and much more.
Beyond the Hazardous Materials Abatement Worker certification courses, the HMA also provides health and safety courses so workers can keep their knowledge updated and fresh.
"We have first aid, fall protection, confined space, and elevated platform training courses," he said.
For more information about the Hazardous Materials Association, please visit their website
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