In accordance with
Ontario Regulation 278/05, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) requires an Asbestos Management Program to maintain the safe operation of facilities.
The Asbestos Management Program includes an Asbestos Register binder at each Board-owned facility where asbestos-containing materials (ACM) have been identified. In addition, the Board will maintain an Asbestos Management Plan that details the procedure, expectations, roles and responsibilities regarding maintaining and updating the asbestos register, periodic inspections, providing notification to workers and building occupants, training and management of construction and maintenance activities.
The Asbestos Register binder includes the following:
- Asbestos Survey Plan (annotated drawing) for each building
- Asbestos Inventory for each building
- A copy of the
Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)
The detailed procedures set out in the Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) must be followed to reduce the health risk of asbestos exposure to staff, students and other occupants of the building. Contractors must complete the
Asbestos Acknowledgement form referenced in Appendix C of the AMP, and submit it to the project lead or Purchasing department.
Asbestos FAQs
What is asbestos?
There are several fibrous minerals commonly known as asbestos. These minerals can be used to make products strong, long lasting and fire-resistant. Prior to 1990, asbestos was mainly used for insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise. It was also used for fireproofing.
Why is there asbestos in my child’s school?
The manufacture, import, sale and use of products containing asbestos is prohibited in Canada. However, asbestos may still be found in older building materials, such as house siding; cement and plaster; floor and ceiling tiles; roofing products, such as tar paper, shingles and felt; surface treatments, such as paint, putty, drywall, caulking, sealants, spackling; industrial furnaces and heating systems; and insulation, including around hot water pipes and tanks.
How does the HDSB manage asbestos in schools?
In accordance with Ontario Regulation 278/05, the HDSB requires an Asbestos Management Program to maintain the safe operation of facilities.
The Asbestos Management Program includes an Asbestos Register binder at each Board-owned facility where asbestos-containing materials (ACM) have been identified. In addition, the Board will maintain an Asbestos Management Plan that details the procedure, expectations, roles and responsibilities regarding maintaining and updating the asbestos register, periodic inspections, providing notification to workers and building occupants, training and management of construction and maintenance activities.
What does the Asbestos Management Program do?
The Asbestos Management Program includes the following:
Maintaining and updating the Asbestos Register for all buildings, built prior to the mid-1980s, where asbestos-containing materials have been identified in the building
Periodic inspections of asbestos-containing materials (ACM)
Written notification to workers, occupiers and employers of the information in the Asbestos Register
Information and instruction
Management of construction projects and maintenance activities
How often are asbestos-containing materials inspected in HDSB facilities?
Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are inspected at least annually to determine their condition. These annual inspections are performed by the Compliance Supervisor. A qualified consultant will perform above-ceiling inspections in facilities where friable asbestos-containing materials are present above suspended ceilings.
Additional resource: Ontario Ministry of Labour - Asbestos FAQs:
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/faqs/asbestos.php
Please contact the
Facility Services department if you have any questions regarding any school information or the HDSB Asbestos Management Plan, at (905) 335-3665 ext. 3358