Understanding Designated Substance Surveys (DSS) & Asbestos Surveys
A Designated Substance Survey (DSS) – often referred to as an Asbestos Survey when asbestos is the primary concern – is a comprehensive site assessment that identifies the presence, location, and condition of designated hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, silica, and mercury, within a building or project area.
Under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), project owners are legally required to determine if these designated substances are present and provide a detailed list to prospective constructors before any contracts are finalized.
Whether you are a property owner, facility manager, or capital planner, you must schedule a DSS when you are:
- Preparing a project for tender
- Planning a major interior renovation or facility fit-out
- Scheduling partial or complete building demolition
- Acquiring or divesting commercial, industrial, or institutional property
- Updating facility capital plans and baseline hazard assessments
- Planning infrastructure upgrades, such as HVAC or roofing replacements
The Advantage of Early Action
Identifying designated substances early in your planning or pre-construction phase is the best way to prevent surprises. Waiting until a general contractor is already on-site drastically increases the risk of budget overruns. Engaging ECOH proactively protects your project in three key ways:
Accurate Budgeting
Eliminate the guesswork from your RFP process. By identifying designated substances early, you can seamlessly transition into the tendering phase, allowing contractors to provide accurate bids and realistic schedules.
Cost & Schedule Control
Unforeseen discoveries during construction lead to work stoppages, costly change orders, and delayed deadlines. A thorough pre-construction survey minimizes these surprises so your project stays on track.
Health, Safety & Liability
Protect the health and safety of site workers, building occupants, and your organization. Identifying hazards like asbestos, lead, and silica ensures proper handling procedures are established before a single wall is opened.
Clear, Actionable Data
ECOH delivers comprehensive, easy-to-understand reports that give your team the exact data needed to proceed confidently.
Our process provides you with:
- Detailed site inspections conducted by experienced environmental and occupational health professionals.
- Targeted bulk sampling and accredited laboratory analysis.
- Comprehensive reporting on the location, condition, and estimated quantity of identified designated substances.
- Practical, project-specific recommendations for management or safe abatement.
- Clear documentation formatted for immediate inclusion in your project tender packages.
Let’s Discuss Your Project Scope
Tell us a bit about your upcoming renovation, demolition, or planning needs. One of our environmental consultants will review your information and reach out promptly to discuss your site and next steps.
Related Hazardous Materials & Occupational Health Services
Abatement Project Design
Need to remove materials identified in your DSS? We provide abatement specifications, tendering assistance, and oversight.
