Hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint, may be found in any building. Proper testing by a qualified inspector is essential before disturbing these materials during renovations or demolition. Identifying these materials prior to starting any work is crucial, as many municipalities (including Victoria, Saanich, and Nanaimo) have specific asbestos testing requirements in their permitting processes. Conducting a hazardous materials survey before work begins helps avoid delays with municipal inspectors and landfills. Improper testing is a common reason for project shutdowns by WorkSafeBC.

Inspection Services has a team of trained and certified professionals to conduct hazmat surveys following the required regulations and guidelines, while considering your specific project scope. A survey performed by Inspection Services includes testing for:

• Asbestos-containing materials (including drywall, plaster, textures, stucco, flooring, ceiling tiles, HVAC tape, pipe wrap, mortars, mastics, and more)
• Lead-containing paints
• Leachable lead in paints

We also assess any of the following potential hazards, including:

• Materials with crystalline silica
• Mould and fungal contamination
• Animal droppings or remains (risk of hantavirus or histoplasmosis)
• Ozone-depleting substances
• Radioactive materials (e.g., in smoke detectors)
• Mercury in items such as thermostats and fluorescent light tubes
• Arsenic in pressure-treated wood

Once samples are collected, our in-house labs in Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Kamloops can analyze asbestos samples using the NIOSH 9002 method. Rush turnaround times are also available if needed. Contact us for further details on scheduling and pricing.

Pre-Purchase Surveys:

If you are purchasing a property for renovation or demolition, we also offer pre-purchase testing for asbestos and other hazardous materials. These reports help you anticipate whether abatement will be necessary and provide a clearer understanding of the building’s condition.

Pre-purchase surveys require:

• Permission from the current owners (or their representative) to collect and analyze physical samples from the building(s).
• An on-site testing time frame of two to three hours (depending on the building’s size and complexity).
• A minimum lead time of seven days between the testing date and when you need the report.