Lead abatement · Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley
Lead abatement without spreading the hazard
Lead-based paint and lead dust are a hazard to everyone in the building, not just the crew. Bowfinn removes lead-containing paint and materials in occupied institutional, commercial and multi-residential buildings, using containment, HEPA vacuums and wet methods so the dust stays in the work area, then closes out with manifests and a written report.
Tell us the building, the work you're planning and your timeline. We aim to respond promptly.
- Occupied facilitiesContained work areas, phasing planned with you to limit disruption
- UA Local 170Signatory contractor
- Trained and certified crewsOn every asbestos abatement job
- InsuredInsurance certificates available on request.
When you need this
- Renovation, repainting or demolition will sand, scrape, grind or cut painted surfaces in an older building
- Your hazardous materials survey lists lead-containing paint or coatings in the work area
- Steel, trim or mechanical components with old coatings need to be removed or prepared
- Chipping or flaking paint needs to be dealt with in an occupied space
Materials we remove
- Lead-based paint on walls, trim and doors
- Coatings on structural steel and mechanical components
- Lead-containing materials identified in the survey
Interior and exterior scope, components and steel coatings
Process
How the work runs
Survey and risk assessment
Lead results from the survey and a qualified risk assessment set the controls for the work.
Exposure control plan
A written plan for the work, and a Notice of Project where the work significantly disturbs lead-containing material.
Containment and dust control
Enclosures sized to the task, warning signs, and no dry sweeping or compressed air.
Removal
Controlled removal with wet methods and HEPA vacuums.
Clean-up and waste
HEPA clean-up and lead waste packaged for a licensed carrier with a manifest where required.
Closeout report
Scope summary, results (as needed), manifests and worker records for your file.
Occupied facilities
How we keep disruption low
The area being worked on is cleared, isolated and contained until the work is finished and cleared. We plan the sequence, phasing and timing with you, including night and weekend shifts, so the rest of the facility is disrupted as little as possible.
Phasing
Work split into areas and sequences planned with you, so less of the building is affected at any one time.
Negative air
High-risk enclosures under negative pressure with HEPA-filtered exhaust, so air flows into the work area, not out of it.
After-hours work
Night and weekend shifts where they reduce disruption
Cleared, restricted work areas
The work area is cleared and closed off, with signs and controlled routes for crews and waste, until the work is finished and cleared.
Occupant notices
Plain-language notices for staff, students, patients or residents
Trade coordination
Clearance planned into the schedule so the mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler and electrical trades behind us are not held up.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bowfinn do lead paint abatement?
Yes. Bowfinn is a BC asbestos, lead and hazardous-materials abatement contractor.
How do I know if my building has lead paint?
Test it. Health Canada says homes built before 1960 probably contain lead paint, and homes built from 1960 to 1990 may have it, especially outside (Health Canada). Lead is also part of the pre-renovation hazardous materials survey (s. 20.112).
What work triggers WorkSafeBC's lead rules?
Any "lead process," including demolishing or removing materials, dry sanding or scraping, grinding, hot cutting, renovation, and power-tool or high-pressure water removal of coatings (OHS Regulation s. 6.58.1).
What has to happen before lead work starts?
A qualified person must complete a risk assessment, and if exposure is possible, develop an exposure control plan that the employer implements (ss. 6.59.1–6.60).
Is a Notice of Project required for lead?
Yes, when work significantly disturbs lead-containing material in buildings or structures. WorkSafeBC must receive it at least 48 hours before the activity begins (s. 20.2.1(2)(c)).
How is lead dust controlled and cleaned up?
With containment and dust controls, warning signs, HEPA-filtered vacuums and wet methods. Blowers, compressed air and dry sweeping are prohibited where lead processes are conducted (ss. 6.60.1, 6.62, 6.64–6.65).
How is lead paint waste disposed of?
BC's guideline recommends managing removed paint waste as "leachable toxic" hazardous waste, shipped by a licensed carrier with a manifest; painted components can be TCLP-tested to decide how they are handled (BC guideline, 2021).
Is intact lead paint dangerous?
Health Canada says leaving it alone can be safer than removing it if it is not chipping and not within reach of children, but chipping, flaking or chewable paint is a serious hazard (Health Canada).
General information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your project; confirm with WorkSafeBC, your municipality or a qualified professional.
Planning work in an older building?
Book a Site Consultation and we'll walk the scope, the schedule and the building with you.
Prefer email? admin@bowfinn.com