In Ontario, a designated substance survey is required for renovation and construction projects, including demolition, as per section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The province requires the designated substance survey report because of the potential risks that the listed substances pose in the case of contact with materials. Construction activities are the most likely to trigger exposure to these 11 substances. Identification of one of these 11 substances on your property will require management solutions like asbestos removal in Mississauga from a certified company like Inch By Inch Inspections.
Here are the risks associated with skipping a designated substance survey.
Penalties and Fines
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Failing to complete a designated substance survey can result in pretty substantial fines for property owners and contractors that are typically not budgeted for in the construction project. Under Ontario law, an owner is responsible for ensuring hazardous materials are identified and communicated before work begins. If this isn’t done, and a contractor or worker is harmed or misled, the owner could face fines and even legal liability. These fines can add up quickly, especially if the Ministry of Labour issues repeat violations or finds that exposure occurred due to negligence.
Stop Work Orders
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) can issue stop-work orders at any point if they believe designated substances like asbestos or lead are present and haven’t been properly reported, or if they think that remediation or asbestos removal in Mississauga has not been properly completed. These work orders can bring progress to a halt for days or weeks, leading to project delays, additional costs, and frustrated contractors or tenants. In many cases, a stop-work order could have been entirely avoided if a proper designated substance survey had been completed in advance.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Beyond legal and financial implications, the most serious risk of skipping a designated substance survey is the potential for human harm. Asbestos, lead, mercury, and other substances can be toxic when disturbed, especially during renovations or demolition. Without knowing where these materials exist in your building, contractors can unknowingly release harmful particles into the air, putting themselves and occupants at risk. When substances like asbestos are identified, safe and certified asbestos removal in Mississauga becomes mandatory. Inch By Inch Inspection is a trusted provider of both DSS Reports and asbestos abatement services, allowing you to access the safe removal of harmful minerals.
Minimize Liabilities
By completing a designated substance survey, building owners not only protect their workers but also minimize liability exposure. If a worker falls ill due to contact with a designated substance and no survey was conducted, the property owner could face a costly lawsuit.
What’s Required When Dealing with Asbestos On-Site
If asbestos is suspected or confirmed, Ontario Regulation 278/05 outlines the steps that must be taken. These include collecting material samples through a competent worker, identifying the asbestos type (friable or non-friable), and preparing a formal report. This report determines how the work will proceed and whether the area must be treated as containing asbestos. Even if testing isn’t done, controls must still be in place. A certified expert at Inch By Inch Inspections will guide the process and ensure the results meet provincial requirements.
Prioritize Your Designated Substance Survey with Inch By Inch Inspections
If you suspect your building may contain hazardous materials, it’s critical to contact a qualified inspection team and, if needed, plan for proper remediation. When in doubt, reach out to Inch By Inch Inspections for a designated substance survey and safe, professional support from our experts in asbestos removal in Mississauga.
