Preparation
The acoustic texture finish in the ground floor of our future office ceiling space has been identified as containing asbestos. Asbestos abatement process has started with the installation of wall and floor covering (orange polyethylene sheeting) as appropriate to catch debris.
Regulation
Under the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Asbestos Regulation, Owners of buildings are required to have and asbestos assessment prepared by a qualified environmental consultant. The asbestos assessment report is required to be updated every 12 months and should be made available to contractors prior to any demolition or construction.
An assessment typically involves a visual inspection of the building and its components. General sampling of materials are collected in compliance with O.Reg.278/05. A summary of findings will identify asbestos materials present in the building and make recommendations for remedial work.
When asbestos has been identified, an asbestos management program (AMP) is required to comply with the following regulations:
- Ontario Regulation 278/05, Designated Substance – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations as amended, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1980, under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
- R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 347, as amended made under the Environmental Protection Act, under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (TDGA, 1992), S.C, 1992, c. 34 including Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations SOR/85/77 and subsequent amendments.
The AMP plan will indicate where there is or has been asbestos throughout the building and implement safety policies.
Quartek is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all staff, service providers, and building occupants. All building operations, whether performed by Quartek staff or service providers, shall be performed in adherence to the requirements outlined in an AMP document and Ontario Regulation 278/05, Designated Substance – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operation made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all other applicable regulations.