Under Section 30 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O., 1990, c. O.1, building owners who are planning to hire a contractor for renovation or demolition projects must have a Hazardous Materials Survey completed that includes checking for the presence of designated substances, as well as any other hazardous substances and materials that may be present prior to tendering for contractors. This applies to all projects, regardless of size.
Once a Hazardous Materials Survey is completed, a list of all Designated Substances and Hazardous Materials identified at the job site needs to be prepared before the start of the project, and that list must stared as part of the tendering information provided to contractors.
This process ensures that contractors are informed of designated substances and hazardous materials that are present at a job site, which helps them comply with workplace health and safety regulations that protecting their employees.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) is tasked with enforcement of the the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, and If a hazardous materials / designated substances report (DSR) has not been completed and the project has already started, an MOL inspector may stop your project until proper testing has been completed, and/or may even lay fines for not having done so.
Finally, a Hazardous Materials and Designated Substances Report not only helps protect the health and safety of contractors and employees, but also all other occupants of a building where renovation or demolition work will take place.
Our certified and experienced environmental consultants can help assess your whole property, or specific indoor areas that are to be demolished or renovated. We have the know how and experience to safely complete designated substances and hazardous materials surveys for small and large projects. We can also complete your designated substances and hazardous materials report in a timely manner that meets your important timelines.
Prior to beginning any demolition work in Ontario, workers must know what designated substances may be present within the building being demolished. Additionally, toxic substances must be removed from a building structure that is to be demolished, dismantled or moved. Therefore, we can help you complete a designated substances and hazardous materials survey that will not only protect workers, but also minimize your exposure to liabilities.
Has the Ministry of Labor placed a stop order on your renovation or demolition project? We can help get your project going again. Generally, we can conduct an assessment with sampling, and have final analysis results as well as a final DSR ready as fast as the next business day following the completion of a designated substance and hazardous materials survey. Please contact us for additional information and pricing.
The above Ontario law deals with defining what materials are considered designated substances.
They are as follows:
Designated substances and hazardous materials are particularly of serious concern, especially when adequate controls are not in place to protect workers. They can cause cancers, strong allergic reactions, liver and lung problems, and effects on the nervous system.
This is why it is crucial to identify Designated Substances and Hazardous Materials materials that will be or are likely to be disturbed, handled, or removed as part of a project.
Why is it also important as an owner of a building to have a Hazardous Materials and Designated Substances Survey completed?
For more information please call us at (613)366-5226.