Hazardous materials and Designated Substances can pose serious health and safety risks to building occupants and workers. Before beginning renovation, demolition or repair work, all designated substances in a work area must be identified to ensure compliance and minimize risks.
Asbestos, a natural, fibrous mineral, is one of the eleven designated substances in Ontario. Asbestos has been widely used as an additive to building materials and other products due to its desirable qualities, such as strength, durability and heat- and corrosion resistance. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the microscopic asbestos fibers can be breathed into the lungs, which can ultimately cause lung disease and cancer.
In buildings or structures containing asbestos, routine inspections, referred to as asbestos reassessments, are essential to ensuring asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain in good condition as the structure ages. The Asbestos Reassessments identify damaged ACMs and provide recommendations on remediation strategies.
Across Ontario, EXP partners with clients to identify and mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials and designated substances, while ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and relevant Provincial Regulations. These include Ontario Regulation 490/09 Designated Substances, and Ontario Regulation 278/05 Asbestos on Construction Project and in Buildings and Repair Operations.
Region of Waterloo
EXP has played a vital role in overseeing the Region of Waterloo’s asbestos reassessment portfolio. Over the past three years, EXP’s team of hazardous materials specialists has inspected more than 3,500 residential tenant units, assessing the condition of asbestos-containing materials to ensure safety and compliance.
“Residential buildings present a unique challenge,” EXP’s Project Manager Sarah Kruis said. “We understand that our work area is also somebody’s home, and our inspections can impact their daily lives. That’s why we prioritize respect, thoroughness, responsiveness, professionalism and compliance—ensuring both our client’s needs and the well-being of the community are met.”
Safety and Compliance
Meeting regulatory requirements is crucial—not just for identifying hazards like asbestos, but also for effectively mitigating and eliminating them.
“A key aspect of our approach is not just reporting findings but providing a clear path forward for our client,” Sarah said. “By offering actionable insights and guidance, we help building owners and project owners navigate the necessary steps for asbestos management with confidence.”
“EXP’s thorough inspections, timely reports, professionalism, tenant relationships and proactive approach to continuous improvement have made them an invaluable partner in ensuring the safety and well-being of our building occupants,” stated a representative from the Region of Waterloo.
EXP’s hazardous materials services include:
- Asbestos Surveys
- Designated Substances Surveys
- Asbestos Reassessments
- Indoor Air Quality
- Mold + Moisture Assessments
- Radon
- Lead, Silica + Mercury Assessments
- Infection Control
- Occupational Exposure Assessments
- Respiratory Training + Fit Testing
Learn more about EXP’s hazardous materials services and ongoing work with clients including the City of London and the Lambton-Kent District School Board by contacting Sarah Kruis.