How We Handle Asbestos Abatement in Demolition and Excavation
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally-occurring fibrous materials which are known to be strong and resistant to heat, electricity, and chemicals. In construction, asbestos is typically found in many types of homes and buildings. Asbestos can exist in pipe insulation, roofing felts, some drywall joint compounds, and fireproofing. Although asbestos isn’t really used today very much, it’s been used frequently in the past which makes it very common in older buildings. Thereby, asbestos abatement is a necessary step in any sort of Toronto demolition service.
Why so much care is taken with asbestos is because of how dangerous it is. As asbestos goes airborne, a person can inhale the particles. They then settle into the respiratory or digestive systems. Asbestos exposure like this has been associated with diseases and disorders including mesothelioma, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and others. Sadly, symptoms may only become apparent decades after one was first exposed to asbestos. For this reason, any contractors or employees are not allowed to be exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos greater than .01 f/cc as an 8-hour time weighted average (TAW).
There are a number of regulations in Ontario on asbestos abatement in demolition and construction. Any time asbestos is found in a demolished structure, it must be removed and encapsulated. There are strict rules on constructing, altering, repairing, or renovating a structure with asbestos. There’s also strict regulation on transporting, disposing, and storing asbestos or asbestos-containing products on the construction site. Building owners ideally are aware of the presence of asbestos or the possibility of it. Prior to any work beginning, troweled-on surfacing materials, sprayed on surface materials, and/or any thermal system insulation must be analyzed.
From the perspective of a demolition company, we are required to notify the building owner as well as any employees working on-site within 24 hours. The location, presence, and quantity of asbestos must be identified. Any information relating to the determination of materials on-site being or not being asbestos must be retained by the employer. Evidently, when we go into any environment, we always serve to uphold the highest standards of safety for employees and anyone on-site. All laws and regulations surrounding asbestos abatement are closely followed.
There are some companies who will knowingly ignore or who are naïve to what’s supposed to happen with asbestos. That’s not us. The rules are there to be followed. We’re not looking to get the job done fast, cutting corners and doing whatever we need to do to get it done. We’re a guaranteed top Toronto demolition contractor and we’ve maintained our high standards of operation for investing in safety, efficiency, and doing things right.
Asbestos exposure can be deadly. There’s a lot of procedures involved with asbestos removal. While other companies may cheat, we don’t. Any house or structure built before the late 1980s probably has some asbestos in it. Every year, there are thousands of structures in Ontario demolished with asbestos in them. It’s an unavoidable major health hazard which can’t be avoided. When we find asbestos, we notify the relevant stakeholders and adhere to the regulations.
Are you looking for a demolition company in Toronto? Be it knocking down an older building or renovating, if a demolition is needed, you have to have someone there you can trust. Hire Core Mini Bins today. For demolition and excavation both, we can help.
