In the Don Ross Centre, there’s a little yellow sticker near the top of a cinder-block wall.
In bold, white letters against a black background it reads: “CAUTION.” Under that are words which might raise a few eyebrows: “The vermiculite in the block walls in this area contains asbestos fibres which may be hazardous to your health. Avoid creating dust. Do not disturb without proper training and equipment.”
The City of North Battleford wants to reassure residents using the Don Ross Centre and other municipal facilities with similar stickers on doorframes and walls that they are safe. The undisturbed asbestos within these building components does not pose a hazard to human health.
“It’s important for us, as a municipality, to identify which walls, door frames and other building components contain asbestos for the future when we will need to undertake repairs, renovations or demolitions,” says City Manager Jim Puffalt. “When that time comes we will need to follow special procedures to contain the asbestos and ensure our workers and the public are properly protected from asbestos dust.”
“We are advised by experts that as long as the asbestos is undisturbed in the walls or door frames or other building components, there is no risk to the public or staff,” says the city manager. The asbestos in these walls and door frames has been in place, sealed, for decades without incident.”
