A Beginner’s Guide To A Designated Substance Survey

Designated Substances are a list of hazardous chemicals specified in Ontario Regulation 490/09, requiring enhanced controls for worker health and safety. During construction projects, full-scale demolition and hazardous material abatement companies are often called upon to perform a DSS following large fires or impact damages and to provide oversight on abatement projects. Additionally, they inspect for hazardous materials that may be disturbed or removed during the abatement stage of work.

As experts in the field, we at Demo Works want to help you ensure all your work is completed in a safe manner. This is why we have written down a beginner’s guide to a designated substance survey.

Getting Started

Do your research: As a property owner, you are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all residents and workers present at your workplace. Therefore, before starting any project, it is important that you refer to a demolition permit application guideline.

Next Steps

Hire a testing company: Asbestos is a hazardous natural mineral found in building materials of homes and businesses. Demolishing a structure containing asbestos can be incredibly dangerous if not handled with great care by trained asbestos removal experts. A testing company will test and ensure that all hazardous materials are removed from a property before demolition begins.

Get the proper documentation and results: Before beginning the process, one needs to take permits from various civic authorities and neighbors, as they too will be impacted by the demolition. Therefore, it is imperative that you get proper documentation for it. Additionally, once the testing is done, you will need to ask for a detailed report on the test results so that you can work on it accordingly.

Hire the right contractor: The right people for demolition are also necessary because they understand what happens at a demolition site and plan accordingly. Additionally, you have to consider neighboring properties and your neighbors’ health and safety. A professional will know to use the right equipment and will also know how to dispose of hazardous waste according to code. They will organize low loaders to transport excavators, trucks for machinery transportation, and wheeled tippers for removing masonry, concrete, and brickwork.

Advice From The Pros

Don’t cut corners: When it comes to the health and safety of people involved in the project, it is important that you go all out. Avoid cutting corners as this will only lead to health problems and other hazardous injuries. Hire a professional as they have the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure the site is as safe as possible.

If you’re looking for a full-scale demolition and hazardous material abatement company in Ottawa, ON, reach out to us at Demo Works. We strive to deliver all projects on time and on budget regardless of the size or magnitude. We believe that value for our customers is best delivered by exceptional workmanship and a well-thought-out approach to problem-solving. Through the execution phase, our team of skilled workers employs a carefully planned strategy for deconstruction, which sets us apart in the industry and keeps our clients coming back. We offer demolition and hazmat services to clients across the Greater Ottawa Area.

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