Canada Asbestos Reporting Software

Yes! ispecX meets Canadian reporting requirements for Asbestos.

Sampling to determine if the concentration of airborne asbestos fibre inside an enclosure is below the limit referred to in COHSR section 10.19 to permit the dismantling of a containment system.

A hazard investigation of suspected ACM must be conducted before any work on the alleged ACM in accordance with COHSR section 10.4. A qualified person must conduct the hazard investigation. Please refer to the ESDC Labour Program document Guide to the Management of Hazardous Substances for more details on hazard investigations. A hazard investigation aims to determine if the suspected ACM contains asbestos. A qualified person must take representative bulk samples of suspected ACM following NIOSH Method 9002 or an equivalent sampling method. If the alleged ACM tested has a negative result for asbestos (contains less than 1% asbestos by weight), then no further asbestos precautions are required for that tested construction material. If the suspected ACM has a positive result for asbestos (contains 1% or more asbestos by weight), then an asbestos risk assessment must be conducted before any invasive work is done in that workplace area.

COHSR section 10.26.2 (d) states that the employer must:

Ensure that all friable asbestos-containing material present in the workplace is controlled by removal, enclosure or encapsulation or by any other effective manner to prevent exposure of employees to asbestos.

The bolding of certain words of COHSR section 10.26.2 (d) above is for emphasis. Although the above requirement for employers seems very broad, it has some limits. The phrase “present in the workplace” can be interpreted as accessible to employees performing their normal work. For example, friable ACM that is enclosed behind a surface such as a wall or ceiling would be in compliance with COHSR section 10.26.2 (d) as long as employees are not exposed to asbestos fibres, since it is already enclosed and not accessible to employees performing their normal work.

Thus, sprayed-on asbestos-containing fire proofing in good condition located above a drop ceiling does not need to be removed, further enclosed, or encapsulated. However, the employer must monitor the condition of ACM and monitor for the release of asbestos fibres into the workplace air by air sampling for asbestos in the vicinity of the ACM by a qualified person (see section 5.2 for further details on air monitoring).

The phrase “any other effective manner” also includes any method preventing employees from being exposed to asbestos. This may include maintaining the ACM in good condition, and frequent and regular visual inspections and air sampling in the vicinity of the ACM by a qualified person would be required to monitor the ACM integrity. As well, the employer must ensure that the integrity of the ACM is maintained by protecting it from physical damage and from other sources of damage, such as water damage. When the ACM integrity is less than a good condition, as determined by a qualified person, the employer must use another control method to prevent employees' exposure to asbestos.

COHSR 10.26.10 which states:

Within 24 hours after obtaining the clearance air sampling results, an employer shall:

• (a) Post a copy of the results in a conspicuous place at the workplace and
• (b) Make the results available to the policy committee, if any, the workplace committee, and the health and safety representative, and provide a copy of the results to the Minister.

• Asbestos management is critical to workplace health and safety. Conducting a survey ensures that all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are correctly identified, allowing for appropriate safety measures. 

  Without a survey, asbestos materials may remain undetected, increasing the risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to severe health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

  Canadian safety regulations, including the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR), require surveying any building constructed before the late 20th century for asbestos before significant renovations or demolition work begins. 

  The survey helps employers comply with these regulations and avoid legal penalties. More importantly, it protects workers, building occupants, and the general public from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

  An asbestos survey provides a plan for effective asbestos management. Depending on their condition, it ensures that hazardous materials are either safely maintained or removed. 

Lead XRF Paint Testing Software

ispecX allows easy communication integration with Sciaps XRF X-550 pb Lead gun.

Export data seamlessly into ispecX for a complete custom report. Add Data charts for easier report interpretation. Automatically merge XRF tests with ispecX cloud storage— there's no faster way to get from the field to custom reports.

MAC USERS:

Mac users feel free to contact us to learn how to import XRF results into an Apple Mac OS without the need for Windows Parraells 

 

1-38 Asbestos Assessment Report – Asbestos Survey and Sampling Requirements.

   (a)   The asbestos survey shall at a minimum identify and assess the exact locations and quantities of ACM, PACM, and suspect miscellaneous ACM. The asbestos investigator is responsible for the identification and assessment of all types of ACM, PACM, and suspect miscellaneous ACM within each area, as indicated by the proposed scope of work or job description(s) indicated in the DOB permit applications or plans.

   (b)   The asbestos investigator shall assume that some or all of the areas investigated contain ACM, and for each area that is not assumed to contain ACM, must collect bulk samples and submit for analysis in accordance with 15 RCNY §§ 1-36(c), 1-37(a) and 1-44(c) and EPA publications 560/5-85-024 and 560/5-85-030A, and 40 C.F.R. Part 763.80, 763.85, and 763.86.

      (1)   PACM Sampling Requirements. 

         (a)   Surfacing Material. Surfacing material includes but is not limited to fireproofing, acoustical plaster, finish plasters and skim coats of joints. Surfacing materials must be sampled as follows:

            i.   At least 3 samples from each homogeneous area that is 1,000 square feet (sf) or less.

            ii.   At least 5 samples from each homogeneous area that is greater than 1,000 sf but that is 5,000 sf or less.

            iii.   At least 7 samples from each homogeneous area that is greater than 5,000 sf.

         (b)   Thermal System Insulation (TSI). TSI includes, but is not limited to, equipment insulation, boiler, breeching, boiler rope, duct, or tank insulation, cement or mortar used for boilers and refractory brick, piping and fitting insulation including but not limited to wrapped paper, aircell, millboard, rope, cork, preformed plaster, job molded plaster and coverings over fibrous glass insulation. TSI must be sampled as follows:

            i.   At least 3 samples from each homogeneous area of TSI.

            ii.   At least one sample from each homogeneous area of patched TSI if the patched section is less than 6 linear feet or 6 square feet.

            iii.   In a manner sufficient to determine if the material is ACM, for packed fittings such as elbows, valves, tees, etc.

            iv.   Samples are not required where the asbestos investigator has determined that the TSI is fiberglass, foam glass, rubber, or other non-asbestos-containing building material.

         (c)   Suspect Miscellaneous Materials. Other suspect miscellaneous materials including, but not limited to, insulation board, vapor barriers, coatings, non-metallic or non-wood roof decking, felts, cementitious board (transite), pipe (transite), flashing, shingles, galbestos, dust and debris, floor tiles, cove base, floor leveler compound, ceiling tile, vermiculite insulation, gaskets, seals, sealants (including for condensate control), vibration isolators, laboratory tables and hoods, chalkboards, pipe penetration packing and other fire-stopping materials, millboard, electrical wire insulation, fire curtains, fire blankets, fire doors, brakes and clutches, mastics, adhesives, glues, caulks, sheet flooring (linoleum), wallpaper, drywall, plasterboard, spackling/ joint compound, textured paint, grout, glazing compound, and terrazzo. Suspect miscellaneous materials must be sampled as follows: At least 2 samples shall be taken, or samples shall be taken in a manner sufficient to determine if the material is ACM.

 

An Asbestos Investigator handles asbestos sampling and sends it out for testing. An inspector will take samples from areas that will be disturbed during the proposed work. A laboratory test will determine if there is asbestos present.

If there is no asbestos, the agency who performed the sampling and testing will file an ACP5. An ACP5 indicates that there is no asbestos present. As an architect I would then include the ACP5 in my application to the department of buildings to proceed with getting approvals and a permit.

 

Building/structure asbestos survey requirements.

The asbestos survey shall include a thorough inspection for and identification of all PACM, suspect miscellaneous ACM, or asbestos material throughout the building/structure or portion thereof to be demolished, renovated, remodeled, or to have repair work. The required inspection shall be performed by a certified asbestos inspector, and, at a minimum, shall include identification of PACM, suspect miscellaneous ACM or asbestos material by all of the following methods:

(1) the review of building/structure plans and records, if available, for references to asbestos, ACM, PACM, suspect miscellaneous ACM or asbestos material used in construction, renovation or repair; and

(2) a visual inspection for PACM and suspect miscellaneous ACM throughout the building/structure or portion thereof to be demolished, renovated, remodeled, or repaired. For the purpose of this Part, all PACM and suspect miscellaneous ACM visually assessed shall be treated and handled as ACM and shall be assumed to be ACM, unless bulk sampling is conducted as per this section, standard EPA and OSHA accepted methods, including multi- layered systems sampling protocols; the subsequent analyses are performed by a laboratory that meets the requirements of section 56-4.2 of this Part; and the analyses satisfies both ELAP and Federal requirements, including multi-layered sample analyses, to document non-asbestos containing material.

(f) Building/structure asbestos survey information.

(1) The asbestos survey shall, at a minimum, identify and assess with due diligence, the locations, quantities, friability and conditions of all types of installations at the affected portion of the building/structure relative to the ACM, suspect miscellaneous ACM, PACM or asbestos material contained therein. The following list is not inclusive of all types of ACMs, it only summarizes typical ACMs. The certified asbestos inspector is responsible for identification and assessment of all types ACM, PACM, suspect miscellaneous ACM and asbestos material within the affected portion of the building/structure:

(i) PACM

(a) Surfacing treatments:

(1) fireproofing;

(2) acoustical plaster;

(3) finish plasters; and

(4) skim coats of joint compound.

(b) Thermal system insulation:

(1) equipment insulation;

(2) boiler, breeching, duct, or tank insulation, cement or mortar used for boilers and refractory brick; and

(3) piping and fitting insulations including but not limited to, wrapped paper, aircell, millboard, rope, cork, preformed plaster, job molded plaster and coverings over fibrous glass insulation.

(ii) SUSPECT MISCELLANEOUS ACM

(a) Roofing and siding miscellaneous materials:

(1) insulation board;

(2) vapor barriers;

(3) coatings;

(4) non-metallic or non-wood roof decking;

(5) felts;

(6) cementitious board (transite);

(7) flashing;

(8) shingles; and

(9) galbestos.

(b) Other miscellaneous materials:

(1) dust and debris;

(2) floor tile;

(3) cove base;

(4) floor leveler compound;

(5) ceiling tile;

(6) vermiculite insulationl

(7) gaskets, seals, sealants (including for condensate control);

(8) vibration isolators;

(9) laboratory tables and hoods;

(10) chalkboards;

(11) pipe penetration packing or other firestopping materials;

(12) cementitious pipe (transite);

(13) cementitious board (transite);

(14) electrical wire insulation;

(15) fire curtains;

(16) fire blankets;

(17) fire doors;

(18) brakes and clutches;

(19) mastics, adhesives and glues;

(20) caulks;

(21) sheet flooring (linoleum);

(22) wallpaper;

(23) drywall;

(24) plasterboard;

(25) spackling/joint compound;

(26) textured paint;

(27) grout;

(28) glazing compound;

(29) terrazzo; and

(30) boiler rope.

(2) All ACM, PACM, suspect miscellaneous ACM, or asbestos material reported under paragraph (1) of this subdivision shall include the location of the materials, an estimate of the quantities, types, friability and condition of the identified materials to be treated and handled as ACM. For the purpose of this Part, all PACM and suspect miscellaneous ACM visually assessed shall be treated and handled as ACM and shall be assumed to be ACM, unless bulk sampling is conducted as per this section, standard EPA and OSHA accepted methods, including multi-layered systems sampling protocols; the subsequent analyses are performed by a laboratory that meets the requirements of section 56-4.2 of this Part; and the analyses satisfies both ELAP and Federal requirements, including multi-layered sample analyses, to document non-asbestos containing material.

(3) The building/structure asbestos survey shall also include the building/structure name, address, the building/structure owner's name and address, the name and address of the owner's agent, the name of the firm performing the asbestos survey and a copy of the firm's current asbestos handling license, the names of the certified inspector(s) performing the survey and a copy of the current asbestos handling certificate for each inspector utilized, the dates of the asbestos survey, a listing of homogeneous areas identifying which ones are ACM, all laboratory analyses reports for bulk samples collected, and copies of the appropriate certifications for the laboratory used for analysis of samples taken during the asbestos survey.

Asbestos Inspection Report Requirements State of Washington SWCAA.

Asbestos inspection reports shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(a) General Information.

(i) Date the inspection was performed;

(ii) AHERA accredited building inspector name and signature, certification number, date certification expires, and name and address of entity providing AHERA accredited building inspector certification;

(iii) Site address/location where the inspection was performed;

(iv) Description of the structure(s) / area(s) inspected (e.g., use, approximate age, and approximate outside dimensions);

(v) The purpose of the inspection (e.g., pre-demolition asbestos survey, renovation of 2nd floor, removal of acoustical ceiling texturing due to water damage), if known;

(vi) Detailed description of any limitations of the asbestos survey (e.g., inaccessible areas not inspected, survey limited to renovation area); (

vii) Identify and describe all homogeneous areas of suspect asbestos-containing materials, except where limitations of the asbestos survey identified prevented such identification and include whether each homogeneous material is surfacing material, thermal system insulation, or miscellaneous material;

(viii) Identify materials presumed to be asbestos-containing material; (ix) Exact location where each bulk asbestos sample was taken (e.g., schematic or other detailed description sufficient for any person to match the material(s) sampled and tested to the material(s) on-site);

(x) Complete copy of the laboratory report for bulk asbestos samples analyzed, which includes all of the following:

(A) Laboratory name, and address

(B) Bulk sample numbers;

(C) Bulk sample descriptions;

(D) Bulk sample results showing asbestos content; and

(E) Name of the person at the laboratory that performed the analysis.

(b) Information Regarding Asbestos-Containing Materials (including those presumed to contain asbestos).

(i) Describe the color of each asbestos-containing material;

(ii) Identify the location of each asbestos-containing material within a structure, on a structure, from a structure, or otherwise associated with the project (e.g. using schematics, detailed description, or both); SWCAA 476 3/22/2020 7

(iii) Provide the approximate quantity of each asbestos-containing material in square feet or linear feet and;

(iv) Describe the condition of each asbestos-containing material (good or damaged). If the asbestos-containing material is damaged, describe the general extent and type of damage (e.g., flaking, blistering, crumbling, water damage, or fire damage).