Buildings or structures built prior to the mid-80s often contain potentially hazardous materials. Our team will conduct assessments to confirm the presence of hazardous materials by conducting a thorough inspection and/or sampling process, to identify typical hazardous materials such as:
We’ve conducted hazardous material assessments throughout western Canada in buildings constructed prior to the mid-’80s that may have materials identified as potentially hazardous to occupants and contractors.
We gather samples and investigate areas for asbestos, radon, and mold.
Asbestos is mostly found in boiler rooms and piping insulation, cement products, floor coverings, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos-containing building materials (ACBMs) contain microscopic fibers that are hazardous when airborne, usually from damage. If identified prior to renovations, a plan must be implemented to properly protect occupants and workers and to ensure the proper disposal of materials.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas – produced by the natural breakdown of uranium found in concrete, brick, stone, and soil. Exposure to high levels of radon can be hazardous to human health. Nichols has implemented radon testing programs, long and short-term, across western Canada.
Mold is often a result of poor ventilation, flooding, or building leaks such as damp basements, on bathroom surfaces, against exterior walls, or on window frames. Mold can present as a simple, short-term allergen, or can escalate to long-term respiratory disease. When mold is discovered, an abatement program should be undertaken by accredited contractors. Nichols will oversee mold abatement programs which should include engineered controls, proper methods, personal protective equipment, and waste handling/disposal procedures that protect occupants and contractors.
Accessing commercial/industrial indoor air quality (IAQ), Nichols uses air sample collections to identify potential hazards such as:
