An asbestos assessment, also known as an asbestos survey or inspection, is a comprehensive evaluation of a building or structure to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The assessment aims to assess the potential risk of asbestos exposure and provide information necessary for effective management or removal of ACMs.
Here’s why you may need an asbestos assessment:
Regulatory Compliance: In Ontario, it is a legal requirement to perform an asbestos assessment of any building (excluding a private residence) which may have had ACMs used in its construction. Further, an annual condition reassessment of all identified ACMs is required to maintain legislative compliance in Ontario. These obligations are designed for identifying, monitoring, and managing ACMs and their associated hazards.
Health and Safety: Asbestos poses significant health risks when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled. An asbestos assessment helps identify the presence of ACMs, their condition, and any potential risks they may pose to occupants or workers. By knowing where asbestos is located and its condition, appropriate precautions can be taken to minimize the risk of exposure and protect people’s health and safety.
Renovation or Demolition Planning: If you’re planning renovations, refurbishments, or demolitions in a building that was constructed before the regulated use of asbestos was banned (in Ontario, this date is 2018), it’s crucial to conduct an asbestos assessment. The assessment determines the presence of ACMs that may be disturbed during the construction process, allowing for proper planning and safe work practices to prevent fiber release.
Property Transactions: Before purchasing or leasing a property, it is wise to conduct an asbestos assessment to understand the presence and condition of ACMs. This information helps potential buyers or tenants make informed decisions, negotiate terms, and plan for any necessary asbestos management or removal activities.
Insurance and Liability: Insurers often require information on asbestos-containing materials within a property for coverage and risk assessment purposes. An asbestos assessment provides the necessary documentation and helps ensure that insurance coverage accurately reflects the potential risks associated with ACMs.
Workplace Safety Programs: Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. An asbestos assessment helps identify any ACMs in the workplace and enables employers to implement appropriate control measures, training programs, and risk management strategies to protect their workers’ health.
It’s important to note that asbestos assessments should be carried out by qualified and experienced professionals who follow established protocols and guidelines. Indoor Environmental will conduct thorough inspections, sample collection, and analysis to provide accurate information on the presence and condition of ACMs. Indoor Environmental has performed thousands of asbestos assessments throughout Ontario since 1996.
We also offer our Integrated Health and Safety Online Management Program (HSO), which goes hand in hand with efficient management of Asbestos across multiple sites. HSO also unburdens a wide range of health and safety responsibilities. Call us today.
