Demolishing or gutting an older building without knowing what it contains can expose workers and neighbours to serious hazards. That is why a hazardous materials survey, often called a hazmat survey, is one of the first documents builders, developers and homeowners need in British Columbia.
What Is a Hazmat Survey?
A hazmat survey is a detailed inspection that identifies materials which could harm people if disturbed during demolition or renovation. It goes beyond a basic asbestos test and looks at the whole building.
What a Hazmat Survey Looks For
- Asbestos in drywall, ceilings, flooring, insulation, roofing and siding
- Lead in paint and coatings (see lead testing)
- Mercury in thermostats, switches and fluorescent lamps
- PCBs in older light ballasts and electrical equipment
- Silica sources such as concrete and masonry
- Mold and other biological hazards from water damage
- Ozone-depleting substances in older refrigeration and air conditioning units
When Is a Hazmat Survey Required?
Most Metro Vancouver municipalities, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond and Coquitlam, require a hazardous materials report before issuing a demolition permit, and many ask for one for significant renovations of older buildings. WorkSafeBC also expects hazardous materials to be identified before work that could disturb them begins.
How the Survey Is Carried Out
Document review
The inspector reviews the building's age, construction history and any previous reports.
Room-by-room inspection
Every accessible area is inspected, including attics, crawlspaces, mechanical rooms and exterior finishes.
Sampling and lab analysis
Representative samples are collected and analyzed by accredited laboratories.
Final report
The report lists every hazardous material, its quantity and location, with photographs and recommendations for safe removal.
Learn more on our hazmat surveying service page.
After the Survey: Abatement and Clearance
Identified materials must be safely removed before demolition continues. Asbestos work in BC must be done by a WorkSafeBC-licensed contractor, followed by clearance inspections or testing. Our asbestos removal and lead removal teams handle this stage.
Tips to Keep Your Project on Schedule
- Book the survey as early as possible, ideally before finalizing contractor quotes
- Make sure the inspector can access every area, including locked rooms and attics
- Share the final report with every trade before they start work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hazmat survey the same as an asbestos test?
No. An asbestos test focuses on specific materials, while a hazmat survey covers a full range of hazards across the building.
How long does a hazmat survey take?
A typical house can often be surveyed in a few hours, with lab results and a report following within days.
Does a new building need a hazmat survey?
Buildings built after 1990 are lower risk, but municipalities may still require a report for demolition permits.
Related: asbestos testing before renovation.
Need a hazmat report for your permit?
ACE Environmental delivers clear, permit-ready hazmat surveys across Greater Vancouver.
Request a survey or call +1 778-318-9904.
