Asbestos Management
Simon Fraser University was built in the 1960's when asbestos was a commonly used building material. In the 1970’s, extensive research revealed that inhaled friable asbestos fibres caused asbestosis or mesothelioma in workers. The fibres imbed into the lining of the lung, causing scar tissue to form and eventually causing lung cancer.
It was because of this finding that Canadian regulatory agencies banned the use of asbestos and required employers to implement asbestos regulations.
Since the ban SFU has worked to remove this material from the campus and ensure any remaining materials are managed correctly. As part of its due diligence, the university conducted an extensive Asbestos Inventory Survey and had all asbestos containing material (ACM) identified, assessed and classified. A room-by-room hazard analysis was performed to determine the presence and risk, if any, of asbestos on campus. Although no immediate hazard existed, asbestos containing areas with a high potential for future disturbance have been removed.
Asbestos Exposure Control Plan
As part of the asbestos management at SFU an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) 
has been developed to ensure:
- Proper protocols are followed
- Workers are not exposed
- Any affected parties working within the space are not exposed
- All ACM is disposed of as required by WorkSafe BC, in Part 6.28 of the OH&S Regulation
Protocols for Asbestos Containing Materials
We undertake annual surveys to check on the asbestos condition. Damaged ACM is prioritized for immediate removal. Renovations in areas where ACM is present must have all asbestos abated prior to initiating renovations. All work involving asbestos is done in accordance with regulatory requirements by trained SFU workers or certified asbestos abatement contractors.
Emergency Situations
If anyone discovers asbestos containing material (ACM) that has been disturbed, they must:
- Immediately leave the area and notify their supervisor
- Immediately notify the EHS department and Facilities Services of the disturbance
- Restrict access to the area until the appropriate personnel respond
Through consultation, the EHS office and Facilities Services will determine the immediate action to be taken.
Renovations/Removal of Projects
To prevent accidental disturbance of ACM, EHS must be contacted before carrying out work to ensure that an area does not contain asbestos.
If work is required to be conducted in an area where there may be a potential disturbance of asbestos the project coordinator must:
- Ensure work has been authorized by EHS
- Complete the SFU Asbestos Work Permit and submit all required documentation
- Notify affected building occupants
- Follow proper protocols as required by WSBC
Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors must ensure that all personnel under their direction have taken appropriate training in asbestos identification and have been made aware of the possible presence of asbestos.
Asbestos Containing Materials on Campus
Asbestos containing materials (ACM) on campus are primarily found in:
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WARNING: Drywall and asbestos floor tiles are not labelled.
ACM Identification at SFU:
Asbestos texture coatings and asbestos insulation areas are identified with either a red or black stylized "A" with a circular border, spaced at 15-foot intervals. Potentially, ACM areas missed by the survey may not show the symbol. When working in the vicinity of asbestos, workers must follow safe work procedures to ensure that ACM is not disturbed.
Asbestos on campus in its present condition poses no health threat to anyone as long as it is not disturbed (ie. drilled into, cut or sanded)
Asbestos contact numbers:
Department |
Local |
| Facilities Service Desk: | (778) 782-3582 |
| Environmental Health & Safety |
(778) 782-4978 or (778) 782-3867 |