Hazardous Material Removal Licensing in Quebec

Asbestos removal in Quebec is regulated under the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety and its associated regulations, enforced by the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). Since April 2022, updated regulations require specific work methods to reduce asbestos dust on construction sites, including wetting materials, ventilation systems, work area delimitation, protective clothing, and respiratory protective equipment. Quebec classifies materials containing asbestos concentrations as low as 0.1% as hazardous. Employers must maintain a register of asbestos-containing materials and inspection records. Contractors performing decontamination work must hold the appropriate RBQ licence. The CNESST can stop work and pursue criminal prosecution if regulations are not followed.

Ask for proof of CNESST-compliant training and the contractor's RBQ licence number. Verify the RBQ licence on the online Licence Holders' Registry.

(1) No worker certification for Type 3 asbestos operations - this is a legal requirement in Ontario (2) Does not perform or require a Designated Substance Survey before starting work (3) No third-party air clearance testing after asbestos removal (4) For mold remediation, does not identify and address the moisture source causing the mold (5) Cuts corners on containment - improper containment spreads contamination to clean areas

(1) Are your workers certified for Type 3 asbestos abatement in Ontario? (2) Will you perform a Designated Substance Survey before starting removal? (3) Who conducts the post-removal air clearance testing, and is it an independent third party? (4) How will waste be disposed of, and which approved facility will you use? (5) Do you carry pollution liability insurance in addition to general liability?

Yes, hazardous material removals in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for hazardous material removals in Quebec range from $75-$150/hour (crew rate). Type of hazardous material (asbestos, mold, lead paint), operation classification (Type 1, 2, or 3 for asbestos in Ontario), area affected in square footage, severity and friability of the material, containment requirements, air monitoring and clearance testing costs, waste disposal fees, number of workers and safety equipment required, and whether the material is accessible or requires demolition to reach. Type 3 asbestos operations (friable material over 1 sq m) are the most expensive due to full containment, negative air pressure, and decontamination requirements.