A qualified surveyor inspects, samples and documents every suspect material, so your report is ready for Surrey permit and contractor review.
- Professional testing
- Third-party laboratory analysis
- Results in 1 to 2 business days
What's included in our hazmat surveys
Thorough. Compliant. Built for peace of mind.
Trained-professional hazmat surveys and clearance testing. Samples are submitted under documented chain of custody to an appropriately accredited third-party laboratory. Reports document the survey required by applicable WorkSafeBC requirements for contractor and permit decisions.
On-site inspection
A qualified surveyor inspects the building and identifies every suspect material.
Sample collection
Bulk and air samples collected by a trained professional, following WorkSafeBC practice.
Laboratory analysis
Suspect materials analyzed by an appropriately accredited third-party laboratory.
Clear reporting
A plain-language report of what was found, where it is, and its risk classification.
WorkSafeBC compliant
Reports document the trained-professional survey required by applicable WorkSafeBC requirements.
Fast turnaround
Third-party laboratory results in 1 to 2 business days, with rush service available.
Testing and reporting are separate from the contractor whose work we verify.
Why choose Balco Environmental
Local experts. Professional. Focused on your safety.
We provide testing and inspection separate from the contractor whose work we verify across Surrey and Metro Vancouver.
Local and responsive
Surrey and the wider region, not a national call centre.
Professional and thorough
Our testing decision is separate from the contractor whose work we verify.
Trained professional
Every survey is inspected and signed by a qualified surveyor.
Clear communication
Plain-language reports your permit and abatement contractor both work from.
Ready to get started?
Book your Surrey hazmat survey and get clear reporting with third-party laboratory results in 1 to 2 business days.
What we test for
Complete hazardous materials scope, so you know exactly what you are dealing with.
WorkSafeBC defines hazardous material broadly, and our survey covers the full regulated hazard scope, not just asbestos. We test for the materials most often found in Surrey homes and buildings, following WorkSafeBC regulations and industry best practice.
Asbestos
The primary target in any pre-1990 Surrey building. Bulk samples of suspect materials, analyzed by an appropriately accredited third-party laboratory.
Lead
Paint, coatings and dust, common in older Surrey homes.
Mold
Surface and air sampling where water damage or renovation exposure is a concern.
Mercury
Thermostats, switches and older components identified under applicable WorkSafeBC requirements.
PCBs
Fluorescent ballasts, older refrigerants and similar components identified under applicable WorkSafeBC requirements.
Silica
Concrete, masonry, tile and drywall release respirable silica when cut. We flag silica-bearing materials so your crew can plan dust controls.
Where hazardous materials hide
Know your home. Know your risks.
Surrey grew in waves, and each era left its own materials in the walls. Here is where hazardous materials most often hide in Surrey properties.
Pre 1980s
High risk
Greatest chance of hazardous materials across most building components.
- Popcorn ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles and black mastic
- Drywall joint compound
- Vermiculite attic insulation
- Pipe and duct wrap
1980s to 1990s
Moderate risk
Some hazardous materials still common in specific building materials.
- Drywall joint compound
- Sheet flooring
- Furnace insulation
- Roofing felt
- Window putty
1990s to 2000s
Lower risk
Use of asbestos declined but suspect materials still turn up.
- Some vinyl products
- Older fixtures
- Legacy insulation
- Test before you disturb
2000s and Newer
Low risk
Modern standards reduced asbestos, but other hazards remain.
- Asbestos largely phased out
- Lead, mercury or PCBs still possible
- Survey if materials are of unknown age
Our survey process
A clear process. Accurate results. Permit ready.
We follow a proven, professional process to identify hazards, collect reliable samples and deliver reports you can act on.
- 1
Site walk and inventory
A qualified surveyor walks the property, identifies every suspect material, and maps location and quantity.
- 2
Sampling
We collect bulk samples, and air samples where needed, following WorkSafeBC practice. Homeowner-collected samples are not accepted.
- 3
Accredited lab analysis
Samples go to an appropriately accredited third-party laboratory, with standard turnaround of 1 to 2 business days and rush service available.
- 4
Reporting and recommendations
You receive a written report of what was found, quantity, location and risk class. It also gives the reference any WorkSafeBC Notice of Project must cite.
Fast turnaround. Permit ready.
Reports that check every box. Delivered fast.
Most Surrey projects are on a clock. On-site sampling usually takes about an hour for a single-family home, and third-party laboratory results come back in 1 to 2 business days, with rush analysis when a permit or demolition date will not wait.
What's in your report
What materials were found, the estimated quantity, where each is located, and its WorkSafeBC risk classification.
Permit ready
Documents the trained-professional survey required by applicable WorkSafeBC requirements.
Fast turnaround
Third-party laboratory results in 1 to 2 business days, with rush service for tight deadlines.
Delivered to you
A clear digital report package with everything your permit and contractor need.
Most reports delivered in 1 to 2 business days after lab results are in.
Surrey permit compliance
Meet Surrey's permit requirements with confidence.
To demolish any building in Surrey you need a demolition permit, and the city requires hazardous materials to be identified and removed in line with WorkSafeBC before demolition.
- Required for permits
Hazmat surveys are required for demolition and many renovation permits in Surrey.
- WorkSafeBC compliance
Surveys follow applicable WorkSafeBC requirements, in Part 20 for construction, excavation and demolition.
- Identify before you disturb
Hazardous materials must be identified before work starts to keep your project safe and legal.
- Clear, permit-ready reports
Detailed reports document findings for WorkSafeBC and applicable permit decisions.
A complete trained-professional survey helps protect the project schedule from unsafe disturbance and avoidable stop-work delays.
Our independence guarantee
Professional. Thorough. Always on your side.
Here is what makes our survey different: our surveys and clearance testing are separate from the contractor whose work we verify.
Professional and thorough
We are separate from the contractor whose work we verify.
Focused on testing and inspection
Our service is accurate testing and clear reporting. We do not remove hazardous materials.
Your advocate
We give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay compliant.
Trusted by homeowners and contractors
Reports Surrey homeowners and contractors rely on for permits and abatement.
Our promise
Our testing decision is separate from the contractor whose work we verify.
We provide honest, accurate results you can rely on.
We keep testing and removal separate, the standard WorkSafeBC points to.
Proudly serving Surrey and surrounding areas
Local experts. Local coverage.
We survey across Surrey: Whalley and City Centre, Guildford, Fleetwood, Newton, Cloverdale, Sullivan, Panorama Ridge and South Surrey. Wherever the older housing stock is, that is where the pre-1990 surveys cluster.
Surrey-based and local
We know Surrey permits, bylaws and local requirements.
Quick response times
Fast scheduling and reliable turnaround across the Lower Mainland.
Permit-ready reporting
Reports built to meet Surrey and WorkSafeBC standards.
For homeowners and pros
Trusted by homeowners, contractors and property managers.
FAQ
Hazmat surveys. Clear answers.
Everything you need to know about hazardous materials testing, permits and compliance in Surrey.
Applicable WorkSafeBC requirements have required hazardous-material identification by a trained professional before covered renovation, demolition and salvage work since February 1, 2015 under B.C. Reg. 199/2014. Pre-1990 buildings carry an asbestos presumption, but the survey scope follows every material the Surrey project will disturb.
Other services
More testing. More clarity. One trusted team.
Comprehensive environmental testing and inspection for safer properties and confident decisions.
Asbestos Testing Surrey
Bulk sampling and third-party laboratory analysis for Surrey renovations and teardowns.
Learn MoreAsbestos Clearance Testing
Professional air clearance after abatement, so work can safely resume.
Learn MoreVermiculite Insulation Testing
Testing for asbestos in vermiculite attic insulation in older Surrey homes.
Learn MoreAsbestos Survey for Demolition Permit
The trained-professional survey your Surrey demolition permit requires.
Learn MoreIf your survey finds asbestos or another hazard, the next step is removal, and that is a separate, licensed job you are free to award to any WorkSafeBC-licensed abatement contractor. Licensed remediation firms such as On Command Restoration serve Surrey if you need a referral.
Ready to get started?
Book your Surrey hazmat survey today.
Get a clear hazmat survey from a qualified tester, with third-party laboratory results in 1 to 2 business days. Call 604-623-3464 or send your project details to admin@balcoenvironmental.com for a quote. Rush service available for tight Surrey permit deadlines.
Lab results in 1 to 2 business days.
Reports document the survey required by applicable WorkSafeBC requirements.
Qualified surveyors serving Surrey and Metro Vancouver.
Get a Survey Quote
Tell us about your project and we will reply with a quote and the earliest survey slot.