Niagara College Canada

Several minerals are known as asbestos.* Prior to 1990, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, floor tiles and ductwork because it is durable and fire resistant.

Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause cancer and other diseases.* However, if asbestos and asbestos containing materials are contained, undisturbed and handled properly, they do not pose a risk to health and safety.

No. When left intact and undisturbed, and handled properly, asbestos containing materials do not pose a risk to health and safety.

Niagara College is updating its asbestos inventory and management plan, which is required by law. To do this, the College has engaged the expertise of Pinchin Ltd., one of Canada’s largest environmental, engineering and health and safety firms, and experts in asbestos containing materials.

The contractor will be conducting bulk sampling of various building materials throughout the Welland Campus, including flooring, walls, ceilings and pipe insulation. The contractor’s standard operating procedures for this type of testing include the use of hand tools to collect small samples, which are immediately placed in sealed packaging.

No. The testing methods employed by the contractor are designed to limit the disturbance of these materials and ensure samples are sealed and contained, minimizing any risk to health and safety.

If you are concerned about being present while testing is underway in your area, please speak to your supervisor to make appropriate arrangements.

Niagara College has engaged a highly experienced environmental consulting firm to ensure that this important work is done safely and without risk to students and staff. Niagara College is following all guidelines and requirements in the handling, inventory and management of asbestos containing materials. The College is also developing training to ensure the continued safety of staff, and we will continue to share information regarding this work at the Welland Campus