Asbestos Abatement
What is asbestos? Asbestos is a name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been mined for their useful physical properties such as relative incombustibility, excellent thermal and acoustical insulation values, great tensile strength, and resistance to corrosion by acid and bases. The two most common types of asbestos found in Canada are chrysotile and amosite. Chrysotile makes up approximately 90%-95% of all asbestos contained in buildings and, like all asbestos forms, can only be identified under a microscope.
Why is asbestos a hazard? Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when disturbed. These airborne fibers can then be inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause significant health problems. Some of these health problems include:
Asbestos and lung cancer picture
How Was Asbestos Used? Asbestos products can be divided into two broad categories “friable” and “non-friable”. Friability refers to how easily the asbestos containing material breaks apart and releases fibers. Common friable materials include sprayed fireproofing, sprayed acoustical insulation, sprayed texture coats, thermal pipe and boiler insulation, duct insulation and loose fill attic insulation. Common non-friable materials include cement pipe and siding, vinyl asbestos tiles, vinyl sheet flooring, some ceiling tiles, caulking and roofing materials.
What are the Provincial Regulations? Ontario has the following two Asbestos regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act:
Ontario Regulation 279/05 applies to the mining of asbestos and to the manufacturing of asbestos products. The regulation states that the time-weighted exposure limits of a worker to airborne asbestos is the lowest practical level and in any case shall not exceed 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre of air. Ontario Regulation 278/05 applies to maintenance, renovation or demolition work where asbestos-containing material is or may be disturbed. The major requirements of building owners under this regulation include:
Please note that under O. Reg. 278/05 the cleaning or removing of air handling equipment, including rigid ducting but not including filters, in a building that has asbestos containing sprayed fireproofing is a Type 3 operation. This is a change from the old asbestos regulation and can have a significant negative impact on building maintenance and renovation costs. How Can Power Environmental Help Me? The management and removal of asbestos and other toxic materials requires highly trained personnel and an up-to-date, in depth knowledge of Health and Safety Guidelines and legislation. At Power Environmental, we have the experience and training to ensure the required standards of safety and efficiency are maintained to the current legislation. Using the latest technology, we are equipped to deal with the analysis, removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials and other hazardous substances.
All our key technical team members have the training certificates required by the Ontario Ministry of Labour to work in hazardous environments. These include Asbestos/Worker Handler, WHMIS, Fall Arrest and Confined Space Entry. Senior managers hold US EPA certificates in Inspecting Buildings for Asbestos Containing Materials and Managing Asbestos in Buildings; as well as OSHA certificates in Waste Site Worker Protection. Our services include developing Asbestos Management Plans, asbestos cost benefit analysis, Project Management, training courses, asbestos repairs, Type1 operations, Type 2 operations, Type 3 operations and expert advice. Power Vac is an industry leader in providing duct cleaning and other HVAC maintenance services in buildings containing sprayed asbestos fireproofing and other asbestos materials. We work closely with the Ontario Ministry of Labour to develop cost effective HVAC servicing techniques that meet the requirements of O. Reg. 278/05. Perhaps you know some of our clients: The City of Guelph The Upper Grand School Board
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