News Releases

Annual Inspection Gives RQHR Clean Slate on Asbestos

(May 25, 2012)

An annual facilities inspection commissioned by the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) has given the Region a passing grade regarding asbestos.

The inspection, conducted by an asbestos consultant, shows no new areas in Region facilities where friable asbestos requires remediation. In addition, it confirms that friable asbestos that had potential to become airborne, identified in a 2010 audit, has been properly disposed of and/or contained.

That initial audit, commissioned by the Region and its affiliates, identified several facilities that had friable asbestos requiring attention. Asbestos in this condition was primarily found in maintenance and building service areas (i.e. boiler rooms and crawl spaces).

“We wanted to be proactive in this process, recognizing that we may not have complete information on all of the facilities in our Region,” Barry Rorbeck, Executive Director of Facilities Management with RQHR said. “We worked together with our affiliates to implement a co-ordinated and consistent Region-wide approach to asbestos management, while meeting our obligation to locate, label, record and inspect asbestos containing materials.”

The Region has already taken steps to speak with staff members at affected locations. Education will continue, as part of the Region’s commitment to the ongoing safe and effective management of asbestos. In addition, information is available by clicking here, or by calling the toll-free information line: 1-855-215-5553.

For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Communications Consultant
Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
Phone:(306) 766-0889