Hazardous Building Materials

Additional Services for Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos-containing materials were used widely throughout Canada in a variety of building materials and other products. This naturally occurring mineral was used in building construction for its thermal properties, electrical resistance and its ability to withstand chemical breakdown. Often referred to as the "magic mineral", this fibrous material can lead to adverse health effects such as asbestosis and lung cancer when inhaled over a long period of time. SEL has a particular expertise in the identification, management, remediation and control of asbestos-containing materials.

Currently, asbestos is the only designated substance in Ontario where a specific regulation exists for controlling occupational exposure during construction projects. Ontario Regulation 838 "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 employers and building owners to identify the location of friable asbestos materials, implement asbestos management programs, train workers, etc. SEL can assist you with ensuring that your facility is in compliance with this regulation. Our range of service includes all of the items outlined in our services section for hazardous building materials, which can be tailored specifically for asbestos. In addition to these services, SEL also offers the following:

• Asbestos Surveys using the Asbestos Trakker Version 2.4 - This windows based database was designed specifically for the management of asbestos–containing materials for building owners that have one facility or multi-facilities. The Asbestos Trakker has many features that can assist with the day to day management of asbestos–containing materials. Some of these features include web-enabled, ability to be networked or stand alone system, report generation feature specific to room, floor or building, a database that can be updated instantly by users and many other valuable features. Contact SEL for an on-site demonstration of the Asbestos Trakker Pro Version 2.4.

• Laboratory Services - SEL has the abilities to set-up an on-site portable Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) laboratory during the abatement of asbestos-containing materials. In addition, SEL uses independent NVLAP accredited laboratories for all Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) bulk samples, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) air, dust and bulk samples and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) samples.

• Seminars - Often SEL is contracted by building owners to provide general information seminars for employees and user groups regarding the presence of asbestos-containing materials. These seminars have proven to be invaluable when major abatement projects are being planned. Seminars are PowerPoint format and can be designed to be 20 to 60 minutes in duration depending on anticipated interest. Contents of the seminars are jointly reviewed and approved with the building owner representatives to ensure the needs of the target audience will be met.