Asbestos
Once known as the ‘magic mineral’ asbestos today is recognized as a serious health hazard. It has been used throughout the world in literally hundreds of different products that we may find in our workplaces and homes. Asbestos was used for decades in building construction and as a result we are left with a cancer causing agent mixed into otherwise non-hazardous building materials. Asbestos is found in so many different forms that it seems difficult to grasp the enormity of its use.
In 2005, the Ontario Ministry of Labour further addressed asbestos concerns with the creation of Ontario Regulation 278/05, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Building owners and employers who suspect they may have an Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) on their properties, or in their workplaces, must now renew their efforts to achieve legal compliance.
Oakhill will sit down with you and explain the legal requirements imposed by the regulation and help you assess if you are currently in compliance. For example, you may have completed previous asbestos surveys or training before 2005 that no longer meets current requirements. We will help you address areas that require attention by outlining compliance solutions. We offer this service free of charge and without obligation.
Our professional personnel have a combination of extensive training and experience to help in “Bridging the Gap to Compliance.” Our strong asbestos project team has handled numerous asbestos projects since the 1990’s from a variety of occupational sectors including;
- School Boards;
- Health Care Facilities;
- Airports;
- Bulk Carrier Sea Vessels;
- Construction Projects;
- Industrial Facilities;
- Office and Residential Buildings;
- Government Buildings; and
- Property Management Groups.
We take great pride in our approach to provide you with solutions that are practical and meet your specific requirements. Our asbestos services cover the following areas;
- Asbestos Compliance Assessment – A free service offered by Oakhill to evaluate your compliance status and provide recommendations where necessary as a requirement of the regulation.
- Asbestos Surveys – A detailed site inspection and sampling of all accessible areas of your building as a requirement of the regulation.
- Asbestos Management Plan – Development of a site specific asbestos control management framework as a requirement of the regulation.
- Asbestos Awareness Training – A comprehensive instructional presentation prepared and delivered by Oakhill that includes manuals as a requirement of the regulation.
Most of our clients typically request that we perform a hazardous substance survey during the course of our asbestos related objectives. Our staff will include, upon your request, the following services:
- Designated Substance Survey – A detailed site inspection and sampling of all accessible areas of your building as a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Mould Identification and Evaluation – On site visual inspection of potential mould and follow-up recommendations.
- PCB Identification and Assessment – On site visual inspection of potential PCBs and follow-up recommendations.
It is through the above services that Oakhill is able to satisfy the client’s legal requirements for the relevant governing body, utilizing Acts & Regulations, including;
- Ministry of Labour (MOL);
- Ministry of the Environment (MOE);
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA);
- Environment Canada (EC);
- Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME);
- O. Reg. 278/05 – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Building Repair Operations;
and - O. Reg. 490/09 – Designated Substances.
If you would like more information related to our services, please view our Fact Sheets OR call Oakhill, we would be happy to provide you with a FREE no obligation quote.