Client Type: Manufacturing Company
Location: Active industrial facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Services Provided: Asbestos Reassessments
Project Overview
A manufacturing client engaged T. Harris Environmental Management Inc. (THEM) to deliver a multi-year asbestos reassessment program at an active industrial facility. The objective was to identify, document, and monitor asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) across multiple operational areas in support of ongoing regulatory compliance and safe facility operations.
The program combined initial bulk sampling surveys with annual reassessments, creating a reliable and continuously updated asbestos inventory.
Client Context and Challenge
The facility includes multiple interconnected buildings with varied construction histories and legacy materials. Maintaining compliance with Ontario asbestos regulations (Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 278/05) required accurate documentation of ACMs while ensuring that assessments did not interfere with ongoing manufacturing operations.
Key challenges included:
- Complex industrial environment: Surveys were conducted across multiple operational zones with different flooring systems, wall assemblies, and mechanical installations.
- Aging materials in active areas: Legacy flooring and plaster systems were present in occupied workspaces, increasing the importance of accurate risk classification.
- Operational continuity: All work needed to be completed without disrupting production or exposing workers to additional hazards.
- Material variability: Similar materials in different areas did not always present consistent asbestos content, requiring careful interpretation of historical and current data.
Scope of Services
THEM delivered a structured asbestos management program that included:
- Preliminary bulk sampling of suspect materials to confirm asbestos content
- Annual visual reassessments of known ACMs
- Classification of materials based on friability and condition
- Assignment of priority levels to guide monitoring, maintenance, and abatement planning
- Maintenance of a comprehensive asbestos inventory, including quantities, locations, and material conditions
- Updated drawings and summary tables to support internal compliance and contractor awareness
All services were completed in accordance with Ontario Regulation 278/05 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Approach and Execution
THEM applied a phased, non-intrusive approach that balanced regulatory rigor with operational realities. Initial bulk sampling established a defensible baseline, while subsequent reassessments relied on visual evaluation and informed professional judgment.
Surveys were coordinated around operational downtimes where possible and informed by historical survey data. This approach reduced unnecessary disruption while ensuring that any changes in material condition were promptly identified and documented.
Consistent reporting standards were maintained across all years, allowing the client to track trends, plan maintenance activities, and respond efficiently to internal audits or external inspections.
Outcomes and Value Delivered
The asbestos reassessment program provided the client with a long-term compliance framework and practical risk management tools. Key outcomes included:
- Regulatory compliance: Up-to-date documentation supported compliance with Ontario asbestos regulations.
- Worker safety: Clear identification and prioritization of ACMs reduced the risk of accidental disturbance.
- Proactive planning: A continuously updated inventory supported informed decision-making for maintenance and future renovations.
- Minimal operational impact: Surveys were completed without disrupting manufacturing activities.
The client’s continued engagement of THEM over multiple years reflects confidence in the accuracy, consistency, and practicality of the program.
Why This Matters for Manufacturing Facilities
Manufacturing environments often contain legacy building materials that must be managed alongside ongoing production. Effective asbestos management requires technical expertise, consistency, and an understanding of operational constraints.
THEM’s experience supporting active industrial facilities demonstrates how compliance-driven reassessment programs can protect workers, support audits, and reduce long-term risk without compromising productivity.