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 Assessment completed that includes completing a Designated Substances Survey (DSS), and documenting any other hazardous substances and materials that may be present on a jobsite prior to tendering for contractors. This applies to all projects, regardless of size. A DSS is usually also a general requirement to get a municipal demolition permit.
Once a Hazardous Materials/Designated Substances Survey is completed, a Designated Substances Report (DSR) that also includes a list of Hazardous Materials identified at the job site is compiled. That report must be shared as part of the tendering information provided to contractors.
This process ensures that contractors are informed of all hazadous materials that are present on a job site, which helps them properly quote your job and also comply with workplace health and safety regulations that protect 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 report or DSR has not been completed and the project has already started, an MOL inspector may stop your project until proper testing has been completed. Worse case scenario, they may even lay fines for not having done so.
Finally, a Hazardous Materials Report / DSR not only helps protect the health and safety of contractors and employees, but also all other occupants of a building where renovations will take place.
So, limit your liability today. Call OIES (613)366-5226 or email us at info@oies.ca
Our experienced environmental consultants can help assess your whole property, or specific areas of the building that are to be renovated. We have the expertice and experience to safely complete designated substances and hazardous materials surveys for small and large projects. We also complete your report in a timely manner that is based on your important timelines; even in last-minute situations.
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 demolishe. Therefore, we can help you complete a DSS / Hazardous Materials Survey that will not only protect workers, but also minimize your liability exposure.
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 do an assessment with sampling and have a final DSR ready as fast as the next business day. So, Don't wait and get your project back on track right now! Call OIES at (613)366-5226.
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.