Asbestos-Containing Materials
Asbestos-containing materials were used widely throughout Canada in building construction for its thermal properties, electrical resistance and its ability to withstand chemical breakdown. Often referred to as the ‘magic mineral’, exposure to asbestos can lead to adverse health effects such as asbestosis and lung cancer when inhaled over a long period of time.
Ontario Regulation 278/05 ‘Designated Substance – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations’ is the governing regulation in Ontario for building owners, building managers, construction managers, general contractors, engineers and maintenance personnel who are required to manage or may come in contact with asbestos as part of their work activities. It has specific requirements for employer and building owners such as the identification of friable asbestos materials, management programs, training of workers and other requirements. SEL can assist with ensuring your facility is in compliance with this regulation. Some of the new requirements of this regulation include the following:
- Identification of all non-friable asbestos materials in surveys.
- Removal of >1 m2 of drywall with asbestos-containing joint compound as a Type 2 operation.
- Supplied air respiratory protection for removal of sprayed amosite or crocidolite asbestos.
- Clearance air testing using aggressive air monitoring techniques for most Type 3 operations.
- Completion of an Asbestos Abatement Worker Training Program approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for all workers and supervisors involved in Type 3 operations.
Safetech Environmental Limited (SEL) has a particular expertise in the identification, management, abatement and control of asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous building materials. We can assist you with ensuring that your facility is in compliance with O.Reg. 278/05 and that all hazardous materials present are properly identified and managed. Our range of Hazardous Materials services includes:
- Hazardous Materials Surveys with Recommendations for Abatement
- Asbestos Surveys using the Asbestos Trakker Version 2.4
- Design of Hazardous Materials Management Programs
- Design of Contract Specifications, Tendering, Walkthroughs, and Tender Evaluation
- Inspection During Abatement, Air Monitoring and Laboratory Services
- Air Monitoring: monitoring to ensure asbestos fibre levels are within acceptable limits.
- Laboratory Service: air sampling and bulk sampling analysis.
In conjunction with the above SEL offers four occupational health and safety training courses specific to asbestos-containing materials. These courses have been designed to address the needs of maintenance personnel, health and safety managers, construction managers, building managers and those interested in conducting Type I, II and III abatement. Please refer to our training section for further information.
If you suspect asbestos-containing materials are present in your facility or are planning renovations where asbestos is present, do not hesitate to contact us at (905) 624-2722 or at 1.877.GO.TO.SEL (1-877-468-6735) or email us at info@safetechenv.com
Hazardous Building Materials
Asbestos-Containing Materials
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Lead Containing Building Materials
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