Asbestos Surveys Toolbox Talk

Before renovation, demolition, maintenance, or any work that could disturb building materials, it is essential to determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. An asbestos survey identifies known or presumed ACMs, documents their location and condition, and helps ensure the appropriate controls are implemented before work begins. Workers should never assume a building is asbestos-free because of its age or appearance.

This toolbox talk reviews the purpose of asbestos surveys, when they are required, and how workers should use survey information to work safely.

Why This Matters

• Asbestos surveys help prevent accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.
• Survey results allow work to be planned using appropriate controls.
• Disturbing unidentified asbestos can release hazardous airborne fibers.
• Reviewing survey information protects workers, occupants, and the public.
• Asbestos surveys support regulatory compliance and safe project planning.

Common Hazards

• Beginning work before reviewing the asbestos survey.
• Cutting, drilling, sanding, or demolishing suspect materials without confirming their status.
• Incomplete or outdated asbestos surveys.
• Assuming areas not specifically identified are free of asbestos.
• Changes to the work scope that affect previously surveyed areas.
• Damaging known asbestos-containing materials during nearby work.
• Poor communication of survey findings to workers.
• Failing to report newly discovered suspect materials.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Verify an asbestos survey has been completed for the work area when required.
• Review the survey findings, including the location, type, and condition of any identified asbestos-containing materials.
• Ensure the planned work matches the surveyed area and scope.
• Identify any restricted areas or materials that must not be disturbed.
• Confirm required controls, permits, and procedures are in place before work begins.
• Ensure workers understand the survey findings and know how to report concerns.

During Work

• Follow all restrictions identified in the asbestos survey.
• Do not disturb materials identified as containing or presumed to contain asbestos unless authorized procedures have been implemented.
• Stop work immediately if suspect materials are discovered that were not identified in the survey.
• Report damaged asbestos-containing materials or discrepancies between the survey and actual site conditions.
• Prevent unauthorized access to areas where asbestos hazards are present.
• Resume work only after any new hazards have been evaluated and appropriate controls are established.

Crew Talking Points

• Has everyone reviewed the asbestos survey for today's work area?
• Where are the known or presumed asbestos-containing materials located?
• Does today's work remain within the surveyed scope?
• What should you do if you discover a material that was not identified in the survey?
• Who should be notified if asbestos concerns arise?
• Speak up immediately if you believe survey information is incomplete or does not match site conditions.

Stop Work If

• An asbestos survey has not been completed when required.
• Survey information is unavailable, incomplete, or does not cover the planned work.
• Previously unidentified suspect asbestos-containing material is discovered.
• Known asbestos-containing materials have been damaged or disturbed.
• The work scope changes beyond the surveyed area.
• You are unsure whether asbestos hazards have been properly identified.

Final Reminder

An asbestos survey is one of the most important planning tools for preventing asbestos exposure. Review the survey before work begins, understand where asbestos-containing materials are located, follow all restrictions, and stop work immediately if conditions differ from the survey or suspect materials are discovered.