What Is a Hazardous Materials Survey?

Before any renovation, demolition, or building upgrade, one of the most important safety steps is conducting a Hazardous Materials Survey (HazMat Survey). Many older homes and commercial buildings contain materials that can pose serious health risks if disturbed, including asbestos, lead, mould, silica, PCBs, and more.

A proper survey ensures the safety of workers, occupants, and the surrounding environment — and is required by most safety regulations and building authorities.

This guide explains what a hazardous materials survey is, why it’s necessary, what it includes, and how the process works.

A Hazardous Materials Survey is a detailed inspection of a building to identify any materials that could pose health or environmental risks when disturbed during renovation or demolition.

These surveys are performed by trained and certified professionals and follow strict safety and sampling protocols.

A HazMat Survey typically screens for:

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
Lead-based paint
Mould
Silica-containing materials
Mercury
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
Other regulated hazardous building materials

The purpose is to locate, sample, test, and document all hazardous materials so they can be safely removed or managed.

Why Hazardous Materials Surveys Are Important

1. Protects Workers and Occupants

Disturbing hazardous materials without proper precautions can lead to:

Respiratory problems
Heavy metal poisoning
Skin and eye irritation
Long-term diseases (asbestosis, mesothelioma, neurological damage, etc.)

A survey prevents accidental exposure.

2. Required by Law Before Renovation or Demolition

In regions like BC, Ontario, California, and many others, hazardous materials surveys are mandatory before any construction activity that might disturb building materials.

Without a survey, you may face:

Regulatory fines
Work stoppages
Legal liability
Insurance issues

3. Prevents Project Delays and Unexpected Costs

Hidden hazardous materials can shut down a job site if discovered late.
A survey helps:

Accurately plan the project
Identify abatement needs
Budget for removal
Avoid costly surprises

4. Ensures Safe and Compliant Removal

Survey findings determine what must be:

Removed
Abated
Sealed
Monitored
Disposed of according to regulations

This keeps the project safe and fully compliant.

What’s Included in a Hazardous Materials Survey?

A complete HazMat survey typically includes:

1. Building Walkthrough & Visual Inspection

Inspectors examine the property and identify all materials suspected to be hazardous.

2. Sampling of Suspected Materials

Certified professionals take controlled samples of:

Drywall
Flooring
Insulation
Ceiling texture
Roofing materials
Caulking, paint, mastics
HVAC insulation
Concrete or plaster (for silica)

Each sample is carefully collected to avoid fiber or dust release.

3. Laboratory Analysis

All samples are tested in an accredited laboratory to confirm:

Type of hazard
Concentration
Location and extent
Specific hazard classification

4. Air Sampling (When Required)

Air samples may be collected if:

Mould is suspected
Asbestos fibers may be airborne
Post-abatement clearance is required

5. Hazardous Materials Inventory Report

A full report is provided that includes:

All identified hazardous materials
Photos and locations
Laboratory results
Risk assessment
Recommended removal or management procedures

This report is required before any abatement or demolition begins.

Types of Hazardous Materials Commonly Found in Buildings

1. Asbestos

Found in drywall compound, flooring tiles, insulation, textured ceilings, roofing materials, and more.

2. Lead Paint

Common in buildings built before 1990; toxic when scraped, sanded, or heated.

3. Mould

Occurs in damp, poorly ventilated, or previously flooded areas.

4. Silica

Present in concrete, tile, mortar, brick, and other masonry materials.

5. PCBs

Found in older fluorescent light ballasts and electrical equipment.

6. Mercury

Often found in thermostats, switches, and some older lighting systems.

7. Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)

Located in older HVAC and refrigeration units.

When Do You Need a Hazardous Materials Survey?

You need a HazMat Survey if you are planning:

Renovation
Demolition
Building upgrades
Restoration after water/fire damage
Property purchase inspections
Commercial building compliance checks

If the building was constructed before 1990, a survey is almost always required.

How the Survey Process Works

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Discuss the project scope, building age, and areas of concern.

Step 2: On-Site Inspection

Inspectors identify areas and materials needing sampling.

Step 3: Sample Collection

Small samples are safely removed and sealed for lab testing.

Step 4: Laboratory Testing

Accredited labs analyze the samples for hazardous components.

Step 5: Final Report

You receive a complete Hazardous Materials Survey report with:

Results
Photos
Recommendations
Abatement requirements

Conclusion

A Hazardous Materials Survey is a crucial step in any construction or demolition project. It protects workers, ensures legal compliance, prevents health risks, and avoids costly delays. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or developer, investing in a professional HazMat survey is the smartest way to begin any building project safely and responsibly.