Designated Substance Surveys and DSS Reports

In Ontario, workers are protected from eleven “designated substances” that are regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. If a Designated Substance Survey is not duly provided to the Ministry of Labour, a STOP work order can be initiated. Without a DSS, and without proper precautions to protect workers, there could be significant delays in such projects as construction, building, and renovation. Needless to say, this could translate into big investment losses.

The primary purpose of OHSA regulations is to appropriately protect workers from any health or safety hazards while on the job. Part of OHSA requires “project management” to perform a formal assessment to determine whether there are any “designated substances” present on the worksite. Prior to beginning a project, management must prepare a list of “designated substances” that are present. Some are typically hazardous materials, while others are substances of concern.

• Asbestos

dss report and survey inspectors • Benzene

• Lead

• Acrylonitrile

• Mercury Coke Emissions

• Silica

• Arsenic

• Isocyanates

• Ethylene Oxide

• Vinyl Chloride

Also within the scope of a Designated Substance Survey are PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). However, they are not considered part of the so-called named substances.

Failure to initiate a Designated Substance Survey can have negative repercussions that can cause downtime and costly fines. Project delays and lost productivity can have a serious effect on the bottom line for any demolition, construction, or renovation project. In Toronto, OHSA stipulates that a DSS Report is required prior to any work being carried out. Undertaking a demolition or construction project without a DSS report could quickly result in serious legal implications.

The Benefits of a DSS Report

Determining which “designated substances” may be present onsite
Confirmation of findings through independent, certified lab DSS reports
Assessing the scope of a contamination in order to take precautions
Eliminating the potential for management liability and compensation

Obtaining a DSS Report

Only specially trained, certified inspectors can perform a Designated Substance Survey. It means that an inspection company must have appropriate credentials to provide the DSS report. With a certified inspector, client companies can be assured that testing is in-depth (with an independent, third party lab providing the findings). DSS Surveys are provided to management, and further shared with contractors and sub-contractors. All onsite workers must be informed about any risk levels and relevant working conditions in order to ensure appropriate safety precautions.

A certified DSS Report, using advanced diagnostic equipment, guarantees a high degree of DSS report accuracy, so that management can make informed decisions about next steps. Important to note is that both residential homes and commercial businesses fall under OHSA regulations. With a certified DSS Report, construction, demolition, or renovation can proceed in a healthy manner.

DSS Reports from Inch-by-Inch Inspections

Inch-by-Inch Inspections adheres to the defined inspection guidelines of InterNACHI - standards of practice that are highly respected throughout industry. As such, Inch-by-Inch inspectors are highly trained and qualified to perform DSS Reports. Neutral Reporting ensures objective results on every DSS report, allowing client companies to arrive at their own conclusions. It allows company owners and managers to effectively strategize going forward.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Hiring a construction contractor to renovate my house for the first time, I was not familiar with any of the DSS-related requirements. So, it was quite reassuring to find someone like Tony who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. I also needed a quick turnaround for the completed DSS report and Tony delivered (on time, as promised). In short, Tony was great to deal with. I would recommend him to anyone, anytime.

Richard, Toronto

Tony did an excellent job with inspecting the house. He was very knowledgable in his field and thorough with his inspection. He carefully and patiently looked at both the exterior and interior of the building. He pointed out the deficiencies, what the risks are and how to rectify them. He answered all of our questions and made sure that we understood them. He offered his expertise and help if we needed.

Mandan, Toronto

I have heard a lot of stories about home inspection but I could honestly say that I had a great experience. I would like to thank Tony from Inch by Inch Home Inspection for the great experience. A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Tony through my realtor. I want to thank Tony for taking the time to answer any questions and any concerns I had about my home inspection.

Teresa, Toronto

Tony Muscat of Inch by Inch Inspections is extremely professional, caring and a prompt individual, when he heard we may have a mold problem he came immediately. Tony was worried with the level of mold that was contained in this recent purchased older home and he walked me through the process of getting rid of the mold and what dangers were involved. He paid the best attention to us, while we went through this horrible ordeal. The fact that impressed me the most was his vast amount of knowledge, and the dangers of each mould which there are many. He is extremely professional and equipped to handle any job. I would recommend Inch by Inch, (Tony) to anyone he is a concerned and serious individual, that cares about your family!!!!!!!

Debra, Toronto

If it wasn't for Joe from Inch by Inch Healthy Homes coming into test the quality of the air in 3 condo's in our building we would have never known it was a gas leak from an outside BBQ which had been an ongoing problem for close to four years!!!!!!(the gas smell was going into the fresh air intake and then spreading through the 3 condo's!!! Thank You!

Peggy, Toronto

We called Inch By Inch Inspections as we needed the mold removed from our attic to complete the sale of our property. They were very professional and did a great job! Thank you Tony and Team!

Andrew, Vaughan

Tony and Joe were really knowledgeable and great to work with! They explained everything thoroughly and were very responsive to questions. Thank you!

Angela, Burlington

I contacted this company to do an air quality test after we had asbestos wrapping removed from our basement. They were the most reasonably priced. The young man came the same day and was very thorough about the entire process. I appreciate that Tony was able to get my results sooner than the previously date we originally agreed on.

Iman, Mississauga

Tony came to my home to help me inspect the potential root causes of some water damage in my home. Through his vast knowledge and the use of the latest technology, he was able to help me understand what led to the damage and how to better prevent it in the future.