Why You Must Follow Local Asbestos Removal and Disposal Regulations
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on November 15, 2024
Though asbestos was once a favoured construction material in Canada, it was banned due to its health risks. Damaged asbestos can release invisible yet hazardous fibres into the air that can be unknowingly inhaled or ingested. Even a minor asbestos fibre exposure can cause lung scarring, cancers like mesothelioma and other grave diseases. Understandably, the Canadian government has prescribed stringent regulations for safe asbestos removal in Toronto. Though asbestos removal costs can be steep, Canada’s Restoration Services provides affordable services with convenient payment options. So, be safe and ensure asbestos abidance with Canada’s Restoration Services! Meanwhile, here’s our quick guide on the why and how of asbestos removal in Toronto.
Understanding Asbestos & Exposure Risks
Asbestos is a natural silicate mineral present in the soil and rocks. Unfortunately, it’s now identified as a known carcinogen responsible for asbestosis and several cancer types, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The danger lurks in the invisible asbestos fibres—they’re about twelve thousand times thinner than the average human hair. You can unknowingly inhale these deadly fibres that lodge in your lungs and other organs. Over time, the asbestos fibres trigger inflammation and lung scarring that results in cancer and other health concerns.
Where Can One Encounter Asbestos?
As homeowners, builders, or contractors managing older properties, you may come across asbestos in your homes and buildings. Asbestos was abundantly used in Canadian construction materials right up to the late 90’s. Older insulation, floor & ceiling tiles, siding & roofing materials, and textured paint—can all contain asbestos. While undamaged asbestos is not harmful, badly damaged asbestos materials can release carcinogenic fibres that linger and spread through the air. It’s a severe health risk for construction workers, plumbers, electricians, engineers, and property occupants. Ensuring safe and proper asbestos removal in Toronto is a must to prevent such health impacts.
Who Carries the Legal Responsibility?
Asbestos is a regulated material in Canada. Homeowners and building contractors are legally bound to identify and manage asbestos correctly—including asbestos removal costs. The strict asbestos regulations protect public and worker health, ensuring they’re safe from dangerous carcinogenic exposure. Asbestos management and disposal regulations can vary by location, and failing to comply comes with hefty fines, legal penalties, or lawsuits. The Ontario province Occupational Health & Safety Act requires owners to clean and contain fallen ACMs, plus bear asbestos removal costs.
Section 17 of Ontario’s Environmental Protection Act mandates specific guidelines for safe asbestos removal in Toronto and responsible disposal. It clearly mentions removal by trained professionals, applying for permits, and notifying respective authorities about asbestos removal schedules. Suspect ACMs on your property? Entrust its identification and safe removal to a certified and reliable contractor like Canada’s Restoration Services to avoid prosecution and ensuing lawsuits. Canada’s Restoration Services are the #1 resource for guidance on safe asbestos removal in Toronto, including compliance with specific legal regulations.
Best Practices for Asbestos Removal in Toronto
- Hire Certified Professionals: The foremost rule about asbestos removal is never to handle it yourself! Never disturb or handle asbestos materials—this deadly carcinogen should be handled only by licensed asbestos abatement personnel. Hiring inexperienced contractors to save asbestos removal costs can lead to improper handling and the spread of toxic asbestos fibres into the air, risking the health of everyone nearby. You’ll also be breaking the law with a DIY asbestos removal. So take no chances—hire Canada’s Restoration Service professionals trained and certified to follow all laws governing safe asbestos abatement.
- Conduct Asbestos Inspections & Surveys: Get a professional asbestos inspection and survey before any renovation or demolition work. CRS professionals can conduct comprehensive examinations to identify possible asbestos-containing materials(ACMs) like drywall, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Our advanced sampling techniques and laboratory tests can accurately confirm the asbestos presence in suspected materials for your safety.
- Asbestos Management Plan & Abatement: Once the presence of ACMs is confirmed, a comprehensive record of such identified materials, location, and abatement plan is critical. The Abatement plan should include a detailed risk assessment and plan for safe asbestos containment, removal, and disposal.
A professional company like Canadas Restoration Services will ensure adherence to state regulations regarding safety protocols for asbestos removal. This includes adopting established safety protocols like proper respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE). Containment methods like a specialized workarea and decontamination zone help in safe asbestos management by preventing asbestos fiber exposure and spread. Wetting the ACM before elimination is critical as it prevents the spread of carcinogenic asbestos particles and fibres in the environment. CRS professionals also ensure that all ACMs are safely disposed of in asbestos-certified bags.
The Canada’s Restoration Services Difference
Professional identification and elimination of asbestos is non-negotiable for your safety and that of your employees and the general public. If you suspect ACMs in your premises, choose Canada’s Restoration Services, your trusted resource for professional guidance on asbestos regulations & removal. Our expert asbestos abatement solutions ensure the peace of mind that comes from knowing asbestos is handled correctly by certified professionals. We promise 100% compliance with the strict regulations governing its abatement—all at minimal asbestos removal costs. And we’ll handle everything—from asbestos inspection to its safe disposal and work certificates for all asbestos projects. So don’t take chances with asbestos in your home—contact Canada’s Restoration Services today for secure and compliant asbestos removal in Toronto!