Designated substance surveys are key to successful renovation, demolition, and construction projects. Mandated by the Ontario government, a DSS report clearly determines whether there are hazardous substances on-site prior to construction, allowing contractors, owners, and even occupants to properly and safely prepare with restoration and asbestos removal. You can count on Inch By Inch Inspections for reliable designated substance reports and asbestos removal in Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Vaughan, and elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area.
If your DSS report has identified asbestos, read on to learn how to respond.
How to Approach Asbestos Removal with DSS Report
In the late 20th Century, asbestos was used frequently in construction for a number of reasons. From its affordability, abundance, fire-resistance, thermal resistance, and durability it found its way into many residential, industrial, commercial, and public buildings throughout Ontario. While it has since been banned, the mineral still poses a threat in the buildings where it remains. Construction, be it renovations or demolitions threaten to disturb asbestos fibres that remain on these properties which can make those exposed very vulnerable to chronic illnesses like Mesothelioma.
When your designated substance survey detects the dangerous mineral on your property, it’s imperative that you take the appropriate steps from documentation to asbestos removal. This will ensure that your project continues smoothly while also complying with safety regulations.
Here's what to do when a DSS identifies asbestos or other hazardous substances:
- Documentation: If a DSS report finds asbestos or another designated substance on your property, the technician must carefully assess its presence, recording its location, condition, and the type of asbestos-containing material that was found.
- Risk Evaluation: Once the mineral has been identified and documented, your technician will assess the risk of the asbestos-containing material based on the condition it’s in (friable vs non-friable), the percentage of asbestos, and the likelihood of disturbance or fibre release.
- Risk Management Plan: Based on the risk assessment, a management plan will be implemented. Working with the experts, like the team at Inch By Inch Inspections will help guide this process. From encapsulation to asbestos removal, our team will help you safely handle the threat of asbestos-containing materials.
- Compliance: Because asbestos is a regulated substance that can be incredibly hazardous, it’s imperative that asbestos removal follow the appropriate guidelines and comply with local regulations. Working with experts like the Inch By Inch Inspections team will ensure that the best practices are following from management and removal to disposal.
- Communication: Upon discovering asbestos and setting a plan into motion for abatement, the next step is to inform anyone involved with the property of the hazardous mineral on-site, providing them with safety procedures.
- Asbestos Removal: If your team determines that the best approach is asbestos removal, you must find a certified and experienced restoration company. From the designated substance survey to asbestos removal, you can count on the reliable and trusted team at Inch By Inch Inspections.
- Air Monitoring: During and after asbestos removal, conduct air monitoring to verify that airborne asbestos levels are within safe limits. This step ensures that the removal process was successful and that the environment is safe for reoccupation.
- Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of the DSS, risk assessment, abatement activities, air monitoring results, and any other related documentation. This information might be required for legal or regulatory purposes in the future.
Designated Substance Survey & Inch By Inch Inspections
Don’t let the threat of asbestos or other hazardous substances threaten the future of your construction project. Talk to the experts at Inch By Inch Inspections about DSS Reports and asbestos removal in Mississauga, Toronto, and throughout the GTA.