Typically asbestos assessments are conducted in two different formats; intrusive and non-intrusive.

Intrusive

An intrusive assessment is requirement to be performed if an owner is arranging or contracting for any work that may impact any asbestos-containing material. Prior to demolition or renovations, material suspected to contain asbestos should be sampled and analyzed by professionals. Until the results of the testing are received, the materials should be considered to be asbestos-containing.

Non-intrusive

Sometimes called Management Surveys, a non-intrusive asbestos assessment should be performed in any commercial or industrial establishment and made available to the building occupants and/ or inhabitants that may come into contact with any asbestos-containing material on the property.

Under Ontario Regulation 278/05 asbestos-containing materials are defined as a material that contains 0.5 % or more asbestos by dry weight.