List of Hazardous Materials for Your Next HAZMAT Assessment

Managing hazardous materials' exposure is a very straightforward, yet complicated process. A hazardous materials (HAZMAT) assessment is performed at workplaces to minimize the likelihood of being exposed to dangerous goods on site.

Common hazardous chemicals and dangerous building materials, as stated by WorkSafeBC, include:

• Ammonia
• Asbestos
• Asphalt fumes
• Carbon dioxide
• Carbon monoxide
• Chloramines
• Chlorine
• Combustible dust
• Drilling fluids
• Drywall
• Flour dust
• Formaldehyde
• Hydrogen sulfide
• Isocyanates
• Latex
• Lead
• Mercury
• Metalworking fluids
• Paints & coatings
• Pesticides & fumigants
• Radon
• Silica
• Smoke toxins
• Welding gases & fumes
• Wood dust

These materials are potentially life-threatening to the workers who might be exposed or unaware of their presence. HAZMAT survey is essential for identifying all substances that, if not addressed, could be very dangerous to workers.

Once hazardous materials assessment have been performed, the environmental consultant will create a Hazmat demolition plan. This detailed plan will outline the steps needed to minimize all potential risks to the workers on site.

Common hazmat practices include:

• Asbestos removal and control
• Respiratory Protection
• Lead/Mercury abatement and control
• Silica assessment and remediation
• Chlorine assessment and control
• and other

It is important to understand the difference between abatement and remediation.

Hazardous materials abatement means removing the substance from the source or eliminating the exposure. An example would be replacing asbestos-containing parts with non-asbestos substitutes.

HAZMAT remediation is a more complicated method used not only to remove the hazardous material, but to also make sure the underlying issue so that it doesn't reoccur. The consultant's job is to create a remediation plan which usually includes: problem scope, hazard source, recommendations for eliminating the root of the issue and testing requirements.

Hazmat assessment and remediation go hand in hand. It is mandatory to perform hazardous materials assessments prior to job start. Choosing a competent environmental consultant for the job is employer's responsibility.

Irwin's Safety provides qualified consultants in BC and Alberta to conduct HAZMAT assessments on site. We are also able to perform hazardous materials abatement and remediation for your renovation and demolition projects.