Asbestos Incident Response Protocol (user-end)
In case of an incident involving asbestos, follow these steps. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution:Â
- Protect yourself first, e.g., leave the immediate area and go to a safe location.
- Protect others, e.g., keep everyone out of the area.
- Contain the issue if you can, e.g., close the door.
- Report the situation to the Facilities Call Centre: 514-398-4555
Facilities Centre Call will provide first-line support by 1) asking you key questions to assess the situation, 2) determining the appropriate response level, and 3) giving you first-level instructions.
Examples of incidents involving asbestos are:
- Water infiltration, damage, floodsÂ
- Issues with ceiling tiles (collapsed, damaged, cracked, wet, missing)Â
- Visible damages or openings within ceilings and walls not present beforeÂ
- Presence of debris or degraded construction materials (including abnormal presence of dust)Â
- Discovery or disturbance of suspected asbestos-containing materialsÂ
- Any construction or maintenance activity that may not be following asbestos-related procedures, such as:Â
- Worker without proper personal protective equipment in asbestos zone
- Individual with personal protective equipment works or circulates outside the asbestos zone
- Asbestos enclosure compromised (polyethelene plastic detached or torn)
- Package labeled "asbestos" or yellow waste bag is found
Back-end process
The full Asbestos Incident Response Protocol details all the steps FMAS units need to take in case of an asbestos incident report.Â