Commercial Asbestos Removal & Abatement in Toronto and the GTA
Demstos provides asbestos removal and abatement for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings across Toronto, the GTA and southern Ontario. Many buildings constructed before the 1990s still contain asbestos in pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, plaster, drywall joint compound, floor tiles and mastics. When renovation or demolition is going to disturb those materials, they need to be handled properly. With more than 16 years in the trade, our crews complete abatement work so your project can move forward safely.
Asbestos Abatement Under Ontario Regulation 278/05
In Ontario, asbestos work on construction projects and in buildings is governed by Ontario Regulation 278/05 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The regulation sorts asbestos work into three types based on risk, and each type comes with its own required precautions and procedures:
- Type 1 operations are lower-risk tasks, such as removing certain non-friable materials by hand without breaking them up. They still require specific precautions.
- Type 2 operations are moderate-risk tasks, such as removing ceiling tiles that contain asbestos or small amounts of friable material, including glove bag removal of pipe insulation. Work areas are enclosed or controlled and stricter protection applies.
- Type 3 operations are the highest-risk tasks, such as removing larger amounts of friable asbestos-containing material. They involve full enclosures, negative air pressure, decontamination facilities, and clearance air testing before the enclosure comes down.
Which type applies depends on the material, its condition, the amount and the removal method. We follow the procedures the regulation requires for each type of operation.
Start With the Survey
Before demolition or renovation work is tendered, the building owner must identify asbestos-containing materials that the work may disturb. That usually means a designated substance survey or asbestos survey by a qualified consultant. The survey tells everyone what is there, where it is and how much, which is what an accurate abatement scope and quote are built on. Many projects also have a consultant overseeing the abatement and doing air monitoring.
Our Asbestos Removal Services
- Pipe, duct, tank and boiler insulation removal
- Asbestos ceiling tile and plaster removal
- Vinyl floor tile and mastic removal
- Drywall joint compound and textured coating removal
- Abatement ahead of interior demolition and full strip-outs
- Waste packaging, labelling and disposal at approved facilities
One Contractor for Abatement and Demolition
On most commercial projects, asbestos removal is only the first step. Demstos also handles commercial and interior demolition, selective structural demolition and concrete cutting and coring. Keeping abatement and demolition with one contractor means one schedule, one point of contact and no gap between the abatement crew leaving and the demo crew arriving.
Working in Occupied Buildings
Abatement often happens inside offices, schools, plazas and industrial facilities that stay open. We plan isolation, access routes, and work hours with property management so tenants and staff stay safe and the building keeps operating.
Asbestos Removal FAQ
How do I know if my building has asbestos?
You can’t tell by looking. Material samples need to be taken and tested by a qualified consultant, normally as part of an asbestos or designated substance survey.
What is the difference between Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 asbestos work?
They are risk categories under Ontario Reg. 278/05. Type 1 is the lowest risk and Type 3 the highest, and each one requires stricter controls, from basic precautions up to full enclosures, negative air and clearance testing.
Can asbestos removal be done while the building is occupied?
Often yes, with proper isolation of the work area, controlled access and scheduling. The approach depends on the type of operation and the building layout.
Do you handle disposal?
Yes. Asbestos waste is packaged, labelled and transported for disposal at approved facilities as part of our scope.
Get an Asbestos Abatement Quote
Do you have a survey and need asbestos removed before renovation or demolition? Call 1-833-696-3808 or email info@demstos.com to book a site walk and get a free quote. Our office is at 146 Thirtieth Street, Suite 252, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3C4.