Why Report Asbestos Before Starting Construction in Toronto
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on December 15, 2022
As many residential and commercial properties age, the desire or need to renovate them increases. If you choose to renovate an older property, you may encounter asbestos. If you do, you must file a Designated Substance Survey (DSS) Report. Reporting the presence of asbestos allows construction projects to continue seamlessly and guarantees everyone's health and safety. Once asbestos has been identified, asbestos removal in Toronto will commence. To be proactive and figure out if asbestos is present before construction starts, contact Canada's Restoration Services for asbestos testing. This way, all traces of the hazardous mineral will be uncovered and effectively eliminated.
Read on to learn more about reporting asbestos before starting construction.
What is a DSS Report?
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Designated Substance Survey (DSS) Reports are reports provided to contractors detailing the presence of designated substances, ranging from silica, lead, and asbestos. The contractor then must convey the information in the DSS to everyone involved in the project. The purpose of DSS reports is to inform those involved in the project of any risks, potential exposure, and conditions so that all necessary precautions are taken. This way, all liabilities are covered, and people are kept safe and healthy. Not only will a DSS Report identify asbestos, but also the condition it's in. If asbestos is non-friable, it's not usually a massive cause for immediate concern. However, if it's friable and damaged, it must be contained and disposed of right away. If asbestos is found in a DSS report, then proactive measures, like asbestos testing and asbestos removal in Toronto from a certified company are implemented.
The Importance of a DSS Report
In essence, a DSS Report ensures that all safety measures have been taken. With construction projects, knowing what hazardous materials and substances are lingering in a property is vital. Without a DSS Report, contractors, construction workers, and people in the building may be exposed to substances that will severely harm their health, like asbestos. Once a DSS Report is filed and all necessary measures are taken, the construction can carry on, and construction workers don't have to worry about unsafe working conditions.
Consequences of Not Reporting Asbestos
If asbestos is present in a property and it's not reported, there is a high risk of construction being delayed or indefinitely paused. Not reporting asbestos in a DSS costs money, time, and people's health. If people become exposed to asbestos because it wasn't reported or legally disposed of, the owner of the building may be held liable for any health issues that may arise. The list of asbestos-related illnesses is long and may result in mesothelioma, asbestos, lung cancer, and other life-long respiratory problems. So, to guarantee everyone's safety and to prevent wasting time and money, conduct a DSS Report.
Preventing Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is prevalent in many building materials, such as ceiling tiles, floor tiles, drywall, insulation, HVAC ducts, and pipe wrappings. Despite asbestos being federally banned in 2018, it's still possible to discover the hazardous mineral in many residential and commercial properties that were built in the mid to late 20th century. Before construction begins, file a DSS report and contact a professional asbestos testing and removal.
For effective and comprehensive asbestos removal, contact Canada's Restoration Services.
