Designated substance surveys are a requirement in Ontario before completing renovation, construction or demolition projects on either residential or commercial properties. The province has 11 substances which can be encountered during these types of activities which can put occupants, workers, and others at risk. One of the most notorious of the 11 substances is asbestos, a mineral which’s fibres can easily become airborne and cause long-term illness if exposed for an extended period. Conducting a designated substance survery with Inch By Inch Inspections is a critical tool for determining how to navigate safe asbestos removal in Toronto. Our experts are experienced and equipped with safe techniques to help you generate a DSS Report, and complete abatement.
Here are some of the ways your designated substance survey can inform the approach to removal, facilitating safety and effectiveness.
Identifying Asbestos-Containing Materials Proactively
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One of the biggest challenges with asbestos is that it’s not always visible to the naked eye. Or, the general public is unfamiliar with how asbestos may appear in their existing building materials. Many older buildings throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area contain asbestos in insulation, drywall, ceiling tiles, pipe wrap, and flooring materials. A designated substance survey helps pinpoint where asbestos, as well as other hazardous materials, is located before any work begins, reducing the chances of accidental disturbance. This step is essential to prevent unnecessary exposure and ensures that asbestos removal in Toronto is prepared for and handled safely.
Guiding the Right Asbestos Removal Strategy
Once the Inch By Inch Inspection team identifies and locates following the DSS report, the next step is to develop a plan for asbestos removal in Toronto. The extent, location, and condition of the material all affect how it should be removed. A designated substance survey and professional asbestos inspection facilitates and informs decision making to ensure proper handling and complete removal of the mineral.
Keeping Your Site Legally Compliant
Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) mandates that building owners and employers must identify and control exposure to designated substances in workplaces, including asbestos. A designated substance survey is not just a best practice, it's often a legal requirement before issuing building permits or starting demolition. If asbestos is missed or improperly managed, it could lead to fines, project delays, or health risks for workers and future occupants. By conducting a thorough survey with Inch By Inch Inspections prior to the start of your project, you remain compliant with the law and protect everyone involved.
Protecting Worker and Occupant Health
When asbestos fibres become airborne, they can be inhaled and embed themselves in the lungs. Long-term exposure is linked to serious conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. A designated substance survey allows property owners and project managers to take proactive steps to protect workers, tenants, and contractors by knowing where risks exist and minimizing exposure. Understanding the potential risk of asbestos can also help other contractors who may be involved with HVAC, electrical work, plumbing etc., be property informed to take the right safety measures before working on your property.
Trust Inch By Inch Inspections for All Your Asbestos Needs
Don’t leave asbestos management to chance. Investing in a DSS report with Inch By Inch Inspections and asbestos removal costs, can save you time and money in the long run by helping prevent delays to your project or fines. Most importantly of all, a designated substance survey report can help keep you and the people around you safe.
