Western Health & Safety is a CIH-led industrial hygiene consultant providing hazardous building materials investigations in Calgary and across Alberta and British Columbia. We identify asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials prior to renovation, demolition, or occupancy to ensure regulatory compliance and protect worker health.
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When Are Hazardous Materials Investigations Required?
Hazardous materials surveys are required in many situations where building materials may pose a risk to workers or occupants. You should complete an investigation:
In Alberta and British Columbia, regulatory requirements often mandate identification of hazardous materials before work begins.
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What Materials Do We Test For?

Our hazardous building materials investigations identify a range of potential contaminants, including:
  • Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
  • Lead in paint and coatings
  • Respirable crystalline silica risks
  • Mould and biological contaminants
  • Other hazardous building materials
Each assessment is tailored to the building type, age, and planned work activities.

Why Hazardous Materials Testing Matters

Failing to properly identify hazardous materials can lead to:
  • Worker exposure risks
  • Project delays and shutdowns
  • Regulatory violations (Alberta OHS / WorkSafe BC)
  • Increased remediation costs
Testing ensures that risks are identified early and managed appropriately before work begins.
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The Hidden Risk: Why Visual Inspection Isn’t Enough

Many hazardous materials are not visible or easily identified without proper sampling and analysis. Relying on assumptions or limited inspection can result in:
  • Missed asbestos-containing materials
  • Inaccurate risk assessments
  • Inadequate controls during work
Effective hazardous materials investigations require both field sampling and professional interpretation of results.

Our CIH-Led Approach to Hazardous Materials Investigations

At Western Health & Safety, our approach goes beyond basic identification.
We provide:
  • Structured sampling strategies
  • Laboratory analysis coordination
  • Interpretation of results in real-world conditions
  • Practical recommendations for control and compliance
As a CIH-led industrial hygiene consultant serving Alberta and British Columbia, we ensure that hazardous materials assessments are not only compliant—but actionable.

Request a Hazardous Materials Assessment

Planning a renovation, demolition, or property assessment in Calgary?
Ensure hazardous materials are properly identified before work begins.
CIH-led hazardous materials surveys and testing across Calgary, Alberta, and British Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions – Hazardous Materials Testing Calgary

❓When is hazardous materials testing required in Calgary?

Hazardous materials testing is typically required before renovation or demolition of buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1990. Regulations in Alberta require identification of materials such as asbestos before disturbance.

However asbestos wasn't fully banned until 2018 in Canada, and lead paint has been banned in residential settingss.

❓What types of hazardous materials are commonly found in buildings?

Common hazardous materials include asbestos in insulation and flooring, lead in paint, silica in construction materials, and mould in moisture-affected areas.
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❓Can hazardous materials be identified without testing?

No. Many hazardous materials cannot be reliably identified through visual inspection alone. Laboratory analysis is required to confirm the presence of materials such as asbestos or lead.
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❓Can lead based paints still be used in Canada?

Yes—but their use is highly restricted. In Canada, most surface coatings must contain less than 90 mg/kg of lead. However, there are specific exceptions where higher lead content is still permitted. These include coatings used for:
  • Anti-corrosive or anti-weathering applications on agricultural buildings or equipment
  • Certain public or agricultural structures (non-building)
  • Touch-up coatings on metal surfaces
  • Outdoor graphic applications such as billboards
  • Art, craft, or hobby use (excluding products intended for children)
While these exceptions exist, lead-containing coatings can still present exposure risks during renovation, demolition, or surface preparation.

❓How long does a hazardous materials investigation take?

The timeline depends on the size of the building and scope of work. Most investigations, including sampling and reporting, can be completed within a few days to a week.
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❓Who can perform hazardous materials testing in Alberta and BC?

Qualified professionals such as industrial hygienists or trained hazardous materials consultants should perform testing to ensure accurate identification and regulatory compliance.
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Western Health & Safety is a CIH-led industrial hygiene consultant providing hazardous materials surveys and testing in Calgary and across Alberta and British Columbia. Services include asbestos, lead, and mould identification for renovation and demolition projects, ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate assessment of workplace hazards.
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More Info About Asbestos Sampling

Updated April 2026
WHS - Occupational Hygienist