Scenarios Where Asbestos Removal is Legally Required?

In Ontario, asbestos is a designated substance because it poses a serious risk to people. As a result, there are legal situations when asbestos removal in Toronto and cities across the province is required. Investing in asbestos removal costs as a preventative measure can help you avoid fines and other expenses, while also ensuring you, your family and contractors are safe from exposure to asbestos-containing materials. At Canada’s Restoration Services, our experts can help you identify contaminated materials with comprehensive asbestos inspections, and our experienced specialists will help you streamline removal so you can be compliant and safe.

Here’s when asbestos removal becomes a legal requirement in Ontario.

Renovations or Demolition

asbestos removal toronto One of the most common situations that legally requires asbestos removal is during major renovations or demolition projects in structures built before the mid-1980s. Under Ontario Regulation 278/05, property owners and employers must conduct an asbestos inspection before any work that may disturb building materials suspected to contain asbestos.

If the asbestos inspection confirms the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), removal or encapsulation is required, and it must be carried out by trained and certified professionals. Attempting to conduct asbestos removal in Toronto without proper containment procedures or licenses is not only dangerous but also a violation of provincial health and safety regulations.

Damaged or Deteriorating Asbestos-Containing Materials

When asbestos-containing materials are intact and undisturbed, they may not pose an immediate risk. However, when those materials begin to deteriorate, crack, crumble, or get water-damaged, they release fibres that can be inhaled.

In cases where asbestos-containing drywall, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, or floor tiles are damaged, asbestos removal in Toronto becomes essential and often legally required, especially in workplaces, commercial buildings, rental units, and multi-residential buildings. Property owners must act urgently to have the materials professionally removed or encapsulated to eliminate risk and ensure compliance. But removal must be done by a trusted restoration company like Canada’s Restoration Services.

Occupational Health and Safety Laws

If asbestos is found in a workplace, employers are legally required to manage the risk in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This may include conducting an asbestos inspection, notifying employees of the presence of asbestos, and initiating professional asbestos abatement.

When businesses fail to comply, it can result in stop-work orders, fines, and legal liability. Businesses are also responsible for asbestos removal costs in situations where ACMs could compromise the health of employees or contractors. To learn more about how to navigate asbestos removal in Toronto safely, contact our experienced specialists at Canada’s Restoration Services.

Real Estate Transactions

While not always mandatory, asbestos inspections and removal are increasingly important in real estate transactions. Sellers and buyers in Toronto are often advised to conduct asbestos inspections when dealing with older homes. If contamination is found, it may need to be remediated before the transaction can proceed, especially if your financing or insurance companies require it.

On the other hand, failing to disclose known asbestos can result in legal action from the buyer, particularly if the asbestos was disturbed during move-in or renovations. Proactively managing asbestos removal costs and abatement with Canada’s Restoration Services helps protect the value and safety of the property.

When Hiring Contractors

If you’re planning to bring contractors into your home or building for repairs, upgrades, maintenance or system replacements, you may be required to conduct an asbestos inspection first, especially if the work you need involves materials that have typically been manufactured with asbestos in the past. Tradespeople have a legal right to know if they will be exposed to hazardous materials like asbestos.

Without conducting an asbestos inspection and informing contractors, you could be held liable for any exposure-related consequences. This is another reason asbestos removal in Toronto should be completed ahead of any intrusive work.

Get Compliant with Asbestos Laws and Remove It with Canada’s Restoration Services

At Canada’s Restoration Services, we help you manage asbestos removal costs with transparent pricing and expert guidance. Our experienced team conducts thorough asbestos inspections to assess the extent of contamination and develop a safe, legal, and effective abatement plan.

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