Designated Substances Survey
Designated Substances are a list of eleven (11) hazardous chemicals, as specified in Ontario Regulation 490/09, requiring enhanced controls for worker health and safety. They include Acrylonitrile, Arsenic, Asbestos, Benzene, Coke Oven Emissions, Ethylene Oxide, Isocyanides, Lead, Mercury, Silica and Vinyl Chloride.
We routinely perform designated substances surveys (DSS). Section 30(1) of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) Revised Statutes of Ontario 1990, as amended, requires a building owner to determine if there are any designated substances present at a project site before construction or demolition activities.
During construction projects, we are often called upon to perform a DSS following large fires or impact damages and to provide oversight on abatement projects. Additionally, we inspect for hazardous materials that may be disturbed or removed during the abatement stage of work.
With each DSS, we ensure that omissions and mistakes commonly made by others in the field—but should not be—are addressed. In addition, our experience, tools, and methodology make our assessments comprehensive and representative of the conditions we observe on-site.
Why Should Owners Provide A List Of Designated Substances?
An owner is liable to the constructor and every contractor and subcontractor for loss or damages if a list was not provided or designated substances were not identified.
- An owner can be fined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- The Ministry of Labour can issue a “stop work” order, or the contractor may refuse to complete the work. This can cause delays and cost money;
- Employers can put controls in place to protect workers.
How Is A Designated Substance Survey (DSS) performed?
A Designated Substance Survey (DSS) is performed by a competent person or consultant and includes:
- A walkthrough of the facility to identify materials suspected of containing designated substances
- Locations of suspect materials
- Collecting samples of suspect materials to be analyzed by a lab
- Noting the type and condition of suspect materials
