Excerpt from http://www.infrastructure.alberta.ca/Content/docType486/Production/TB-020B.pdf
In the early 1980’s, Alberta Infrastructure embarked on a program of asbestos management. In a number of cases, enclosure or encapsulation were utilized to provide the necessary control measures. These methods, while providing proper protection to the building occupants, allow the known asbestos containing materials (ACMs) to remain in the building.
The condition of these materials changes with time and may become potentially unhealthy or hazardous if the materials are disturbed during routine maintenance, equipment maintenance or replacement, building renovations, building demolition or similar activities. Some of the more common ACMs which may be present in buildings are in the following forms and places:
Sprayed-on fireproofing to structural
columns, beams, joists, etc.
Decorative/acoustic ceiling textures, suspended
ceiling tiles and asbestos board used for fire, heat and mechanical protection, siding and interior panels.
Insulation on mechanical equipment such as hot water/steam lines, sheet metal air ducts, and steam and hot water vessels and boilers.
Flooring materials such as vinyl asbestos tiles or as a backing or underlayment beneath sheet vinyl goods. Also found in some concrete floor levelling compounds.
Roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or as a base sheet under the shingles or in built-up roofing.
A more detailed list of building materials known to contain asbestos follows this article.
As a general rule of thumb, when there is any concern or doubt about a material it should be considered as potentially harmful. A sample of any material in your building(s), which you suspect contains asbestos, should be analyzed by a laboratory to determine whether or not it contains asbestos prior to any disturbance. We feel that a policy of preventative caution is the only attitude to assume.
ACMs encountered in Alberta Infrastructure facilities must be dealt with in accordance with present legislation in a responsible manner. Practicality and common sense should take a leading role in determining required action and establishing a proactive management program.
A proactive management program must take into account that the human resources and physical conditions of a building are in constant change, and must contain “safeguards” to accommodate these variables.
Historically, Alberta Infrastructure has followed a policy of “opportunistic removal”, that is, if an ACM is in good condition it may be left in place, so long as it remains undisturbed and its condition is monitored on an ongoing basis.
If a renovation or demolition project is planned where ACMs are to be disturbed, the opportunity should be taken to remove them in a proper manner.
ACM removal is to be discussed with the Building Environment Unit.
The Building Environment Unit has been dedicated to provide asbestos management advice including, but not limited to, such services as:
1. Building surveys
2. Hazard assessments
3. Contract document preparation
4. Construction management
5. Asbestos management workshops
6. Asbestos awareness seminars
7. Assistance with asbestos management plans
The above services may be provided by Alberta Infrastructure and/or a private environmental consultant. Where provision of services by an outside consultant is selected as the route to follow, the Building Environment Unit is available to assist in setting the scope of work, terms of reference and to assist with contract and construction administration.