Asbestos Abatement

Ontario Regulation 278/05 defines asbestos-containing material as material containing 0.5 percent or more asbestos by dry weight. A laboratory result and representative sampling of each homogeneous material are used to establish content. Appearance, age, colour, or a prior result from a different material is not enough to clear a work area.

The types reflect the material, quantity, friability, and disturbance method. Type 1 covers specified lower-exposure tasks. Type 2 adds procedures such as glove bags, HEPA-controlled tools, or limited enclosures. Type 3 covers high-risk disturbance and requires full containment, negative pressure, decontamination, rigorous cleaning, and clearance procedures.

Yes, where demolition will disturb asbestos-containing material. The owner must provide the required information before tendering or arranging work, and identified material is removed or otherwise managed under O. Reg. 278/05 before uncontrolled demolition reaches it. Harrowgate sequences survey review, abatement, clearance, and demolition so the boundary remains controlled.

HEPA-filtered negative-air units exhaust more air than enters the sealed work area, creating inward airflow at controlled openings. Unit capacity, filter loading, enclosure leakage, make-up-air location, and room geometry all affect performance. We monitor pressure and barrier condition throughout the shift and stop disturbance if control is lost.

Work stops in the affected area, the material is left undisturbed, and access is controlled. The survey and scope are checked, and representative sampling or consultant direction establishes the material status. If asbestos is confirmed, Harrowgate revises the operation classification and containment before removal. It is never mixed into ordinary demolition debris.

Waste is wetted as appropriate, sealed in labelled bags or wrapped containers, cleaned at the waste exit, secured against damage, and kept separate from general debris. It travels to a facility authorized to receive asbestos waste under Ontario requirements. Package counts, load information, and receiving records are retained with the project documentation.

The enclosure remains operating until removal is complete, all surfaces have been thoroughly cleaned, the area passes the specified visual inspection, and required air-clearance results are accepted. Barriers are then removed carefully inward so settled material is not released. The area is handed back only after the project’s clearance hold point is closed.