New regulations for asbestos

In November, 2007, a second series of amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act relating to the management of asbestos came into effect in Ontario. A significant change as of November 1, 2007 is that an asbestos management program must now include both types of asbestos, friable and non-friable (friable refers to asbestos that can be crumbled). The regulations pertain to both commercial and residential buildings, and require that an ongoing record be kept of all information listed in the regulations. As of November 1st, the scope of asbestos management has been exanded- building owners need to have detailed information about the location of non-friable asbestos, and anyone occupying the building (tenant, employee) is to be notified if non-friable asbestos is located within their area.

The amendments are lengthy, but you can find a summary of the requirements on the webpage for an environmental consulting firm: http://www.pinchin.com/hazmat/hazmat-news/pen24/pen24asbestos278.pdf. Or, you can view the full text on the provincial e-laws website.