You are renovating a basement built in the early 1970s. You uncover insulation around hot water pipes that appears to be fibrous, off-white, and brittle. Before disturbing this material, what is your primary course of action according to Ontario OHSA, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 278/05 (Designated Substance — Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations)?

Question: You are renovating a basement built in the early 1970s. You uncover insulation around hot water pipes that appears to be fibrous, off-white, and brittle. Before disturbing this material, what is your primary course of action according to Ontario OHSA, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 278/05 (Designated Substance — Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations)?

Answer options:

• Assume it is non-asbestos and cut a sample for testing later if symptoms develop.
• Wet the material thoroughly to suppress dust, then carefully remove it. ✅ Treat the material as asbestos-containing material (ACM) until tested, cease work, and arrange for professional testing and a qualified abatement contractor.
• Ventilate the area well and continue with caution, minimizing disturbance.

Correct answer: Treat the material as asbestos-containing material (ACM) until tested, cease work, and arrange for professional testing and a qualified abatement contractor.

Explanation: Under Ontario OHSA Regulation 278/05, any suspect material in buildings constructed before 1980 that could be asbestos must be treated as ACM until proven otherwise by testing. Disturbing it before testing is a serious violation. Work must cease and qualified professionals engaged.