We’ve written about the changes to Calgary’s legislation before, but a lot of Calgarians are still a bit confused about what exactly they have to do. Since the city of Calgary can shut down your demolition and give you a hefty fine, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand the red tape before you begin.
Step One: Complete an asbestos survey. Since 2011, this has been a mandatory step in receiving your demolition permit. An expert asbestos team like Amity Environmental will have to come in and check over your worksite. We’ll take small samples of the materials in the area and test them for asbestos back at our lab. Because asbestos comes in so many shapes and sizes and is often completely unrecognizable in products like drywall, lino, floor tiles, etc… testing the samples is the only way to know if your worksite is safe. If you’re asbestos-free, move on to step three.
Step Two: If asbestos is found on the location, things get a bit more complicated. Asbestos abatement professionals, like the experts at Amity, will have to come in and remove all the asbestos before you can continue with your project. While some homeowners think they can just remove the asbestos themselves, the city actually requires you to hire a licensed contractor and be able to provide 3 things: the testing report, the final air clearance and the asbestos free form from the city.
Step Three: An Asbestos Abatement Information Form (AAIF) has to be filled out. This form is granted by the city and says that your home is officially asbestos free. You’ll be able to get your demolition permit and finally begin work.
We know that this process can be long and annoying, but it is important. Asbestos that isn’t handled safely can hurt more than just you and your workers; loose fibers on your skin and clothing has caused illness in the families of those who work with asbestos without the due care. So please don’t move forward and ignore the paperwork. It’s there for the protection of you, your neighbours, and your family. If you’re ready to have your worksite examined, call Amity Environmental today at (403) 667-8264.
