Client Type: Property Management Firm
Location: Major institutional facility in Toronto
Services Provided: Asbestos Abatement Consulting, Inspections, and Air Testing
Project Overview
A property management client engaged T. Harris Environmental Management Inc. (THEM) to provide third-party consulting, inspection, and air monitoring services in support of Type III asbestos abatement work at a large institutional facility. The scope focused on the safe removal of asbestos-containing plaster associated with overhead lighting systems.
THEM’s role was to independently verify that abatement activities were completed in accordance with Ontario regulations (Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 278/08: Designated Substance – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations) and to confirm that airborne asbestos fibre concentrations were controlled throughout the process.
Client Context and Challenge
The project involved high-risk asbestos abatement within an active, high-traffic institutional environment. Due to the nature and scale of the ceiling-based removal area, the work required a fully sealed Type III containment with strict controls to protect workers, building occupants, and the public.
Key challenges included:
- Large-scale overhead abatement: The extent of plaster removal required robust enclosure design and continuous negative pressure control.
- Coordination dependencies: Abatement progress was dependent on the timely removal of lighting fixtures by the contractor, requiring additional coordination and follow-up.
- Operational sensitivity: The institutional setting demanded precise execution and minimal disruption to surrounding areas.
Scope of Services
THEM provided comprehensive third-party oversight services, including:
- Visual inspections of abatement activities and site conditions
- Verification of containment integrity, including polyethylene barriers, seals, warning signage, and decontamination facilities
- Confirmation of negative pressure systems, including multiple HEPA-filtered negative air units
- Ambient air sampling within the Type III enclosure using calibrated equipment and recognized analytical methods
- Review of contractor practices, including personal protective equipment and work procedures
All services were delivered in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Approach and Execution
THEM worked closely with the property management team and the abatement contractor to ensure clear expectations and timely communication. During initial inspections, incomplete fixture removal was identified, and THEM coordinated promptly to return once the site was ready for final verification.
Air monitoring was conducted using calibrated sampling pumps and established analytical methods to assess airborne fibre concentrations during abatement. Results were reviewed against both regulatory limits and THEM’s internal quality thresholds.
Clear, photo-supported documentation was provided to support transparency and decision-making throughout the project.
Outcomes and Value Delivered
THEM’s oversight confirmed that abatement activities were completed safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Key outcomes included:
- Regulatory compliance: Abatement procedures and containment systems met the requirements of Ontario asbestos and designated substances regulations.
- Verified exposure control: Airborne asbestos fibre concentrations were well below occupational exposure limits.
- Independent assurance: Third-party verification reduced risk and liability for the property management client.
- Efficient resolution: Prompt follow-up and reporting supported timely project completion.
The project concluded with a PASS rating for the containment and abatement work, providing confidence that the area could safely proceed to subsequent phases.
Why This Matters for Property and Asset Managers
High-risk asbestos abatement projects require more than contractor compliance alone. Independent oversight and air monitoring are critical to protecting occupants, workers, and organizations from regulatory, health, and reputational risk.
THEM’s experience supporting complex institutional abatement projects demonstrates the value of clear communication, technical rigor, and defensible documentation in achieving safe and compliant outcomes.