Asbestos Inventory
What It Is
An asbestos inventory is a comprehensive record of all asbestos-containing materials in a building — where they are, what condition they’re in, and how they should be managed. Unlike a pre-renovation survey, which focuses on a specific work area, an inventory covers the entire building and serves as a living document for ongoing management.
Why It’s Important
In BC, WorkSafeBC requires building owners and employers to identify asbestos-containing materials in workplace buildings — regardless of the building’s age — and to ensure workers who may encounter them are informed. Asbestos-containing products weren’t fully banned in Canada until 2018, so even newer buildings can contain asbestos in materials like drywall compound, flooring, and cement products.
Without a current inventory, routine maintenance — an electrician opening a wall, a plumber cutting into pipe insulation — can unknowingly disturb asbestos and expose workers. An up-to-date inventory protects your workers and trades, keeps you compliant, and prevents costly work stoppages when unexpected materials are discovered mid-project.
What’s Involved
Building Assessment
A certified surveyor systematically inspects all accessible areas of the building, including mechanical rooms, service spaces, and common areas.
Sampling & Lab Analysis
Representative samples of suspect materials are tested via Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) at an accredited lab.
Condition & Risk Assessment
Each confirmed material is assessed for condition, friability, and potential for disturbance.
Inventory Report
A detailed, room-by-room inventory documents locations, material types, asbestos content, condition, and management recommendations.
Ongoing Updates
Inventories should be reviewed and updated as materials are removed, disturbed, or change condition over time.
Who Needs an Asbestos Inventory
- Owners of commercial or industrial buildings of any age
- Property managers of multi-unit residential buildings
- Strata corporations planning maintenance or capital projects
- Employers whose workers perform maintenance in buildings that may contain asbestos
- Building owners preparing for sale or leasing
An asbestos inventory is a comprehensive record of all asbestos-containing materials in a building — where they are, what condition they’re in, and how they should be managed. Unlike a pre-renovation survey, which focuses on a specific work area, an inventory covers the entire building and serves as a living document for ongoing management.