Protocols Used
We work in accordance with two protocols:
1. CSST
Any work which might release asbestos particles must be performed following preventive measures.
Since 1990, the Regulation respecting the quality of the work environment requires that these actions be carried out in accordance with the Safety Code for the Construction Industry. The code defines three categories of work: high, moderate, or low risk. The following records indicate precautions to be taken according to the level of risk associated with the decontamination work.
HIGH RISK
Examples
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The cleaning of a ventilation system located in a building flocked with asbestos;
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The removal of asbestos flocked on the ceilings of an office building;
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The demolishing of a building whose walls and ceilings contain asbestos.
How to protect yourself
What to wear:
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A powered air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters (high efficiency);
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Disposable or reusable protective garments.
How to secure a workspace
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Install two distinctive locker rooms: one for work clothes and another for street clothes;
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Install a shower room in between the two locker rooms;
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Install a sealed enclosure equipped with an exhaust ventilation system in order to isolate the work area and the locker room reserved for work clothes;
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Protect the building’s ventilation system;
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Maintain a negative pressure of 1 to 4 Pascals in the enclosure;
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Water the materials;
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When the specialist departs the work area, follow the appropriate decontamination procedures;
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Dispose of asbestos waste in sealed containers;
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Proceed to the dismantling of the enclosure at the completion of the work, while ensuring that the fiber concentration is inferior to 0.01 fibers per cm3 of air.
MODERATE RISK
Examples
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The repairing of a small section of a chrysotile asbestos insulated pipe;
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Cable entry in false ceilings flocked with asbestos;
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The removal of a large section of chrysotile asbestos pipe insulation with a glove bag.
How to protect yourself
What to wear:
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A cartridge respirator with HEPA filters;
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Disposable or reusable protective garments.
How to secure a workspace
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Delimit a working area;
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If an opening is made into a false ceiling, proceed to the installation of an enclosure made of materials impervious to asbestos;
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Protect the building’s ventilation system;
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Water the materials;
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Dispose of asbestos waste in sealed containers;
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Prior to departure, proceed to the cleaning and to the removal of protective garments;
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Proceed to the handling of disposable garment with equivalent care;
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In the case of disposing of a large section of asbestos pipe insulation, proceed to the isolation of the dust emission zone, and preferably use a glove bag in order to access the pipe.
LOW RISK
Examples
The sawing or the cutting of a cement pipe containing chrysotile asbestos (using tools equipped with a HEPA filter suction device).
How to protect yourself
What to wear:
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A reusable cartridge half mask respirator with HEPA filter, or a disposable mask.
How to secure a workspace:
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Dispose of asbestos waste in sealed containers;
2. Protocol ACC82
9.0 Guidelines for treating mold related issues
9.1 General
The following mold remediation guidelines have been developed to help the construction industry to effectively remove mold, while ensuring the safety of the workers and of the building’s occupants.
In choosing appropriate sanitation measures, it is important to consider the extent of, and the location of mold formation, as well as finding out if the occupants suffer from allergies. These three factors are interdependent and must therefore be considered as a whole when selecting the appropriate sanitation measures.
Universal Precautions and Controlled Conditions are the two major principles underlying the remediation of mold.
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Universal Precautions presume that there are risks of exposure, unless proven otherwise. It is therefore recommended to use a mask respirator, gloves and safety glasses.
Note: Birds and bats feces are pathogens: particular precautions must therefore be taken.
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Controlled Conditions imply the isolation of the affected area to prevent mold spreading into other building areas, and inside the ventilation system.
Here are some aspects to consider in order to eradicate contamination issues:
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The identification of the cause;
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The use of effective and verified protocols;
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The development of, or the use of an established remediation method (a standard procedure involving the use of protective equipment; of specific training; of containment method; of repair; of adequate cleaning and disposal procedures; of equipment usage and decontamination; as well as the isolation of the air-handling system).
ACC82: Mold guidelines for the Canadian construction industry
Proper hygiene practices:
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Sanitary work procedures safeguarding against the spread of dust and debris;
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The use of detergents and chemicals that are approved for the specified use;
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The establishment of criteria for documentation, task completion and quality assurance;
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The selection of a contact person and the development of a communication strategy.
Each remediation project has its own unique challenges that may require deviations from these guidelines. Changes to these guidelines should only be performed by qualified personnel experienced in microbial investigations and remediation.
