Pinchin Indoor Air Quality Investigation Report Letter

Statement of Qualifications – Hazardous Materials
HMIS (Hazardous Materials Inventory System)
In response to the need to document the location, condition and type of hazardous materials used in the
structure and fabric of existing buildings, Pinchin Environmental developed the Hazardous Materials
Inventory System (HMIS). The system is comprised of two parts: data collection by experienced
surveyors; and data storage and manipulation via the HMIS web based software.
The Pinchin HMIS allows for the collection and tracking of information across large buildings and
portfolios. This program can assist the property owner or manager in the safe handling and control of the
hazardous materials, as required by most provincial regulations.
HMIS Online provides the ability for a large, geographically dispersed group of users to view, query and
sort information in a manner that cannot be matched by ordinary database or spreadsheet software
packages. In addition, HMIS generates priority lists that can be modified to suit local regulations and
client needs or preferences. Quantities collected by the surveyor allow for the development of
remediation budgets for a single component or all components across buildings or groups of buildings.
The online feature allows the user to simply click on any area of a building plan and view a list of the
hazardous materials in that area. Pinchin’s HMIS is designed to provide the client the opportunity to take
control of the reassessment requirements for hazardous materials and designated substances used in the
construction of their buildings.
Building owners and managers, safety managers, engineers and architects are responsible for navigating
through an increasingly complex set of environmental concerns. The strong combination of construction,
occupational hygiene and environmental expertise at Pinchin is ideally prepared to assist owners with
these issues.
Lead/Silica Identification and Control
Often commercial paints and coatings and can present a health problem during or after renovation. The
presence of lead and silica in mortar has also been shown to pose a hazard to masons in removing the
mortar in preparation in pointing, or those sand blasting brick, structural steel or other materials. Pinchin
surveys for lead in paint using X-ray fluorescence analyzers, giving immediate results. Pinchin provides
training in lead paint hazard and control, available either as 3-hour awareness sessions, or comprehensive
3-day abatement training sessions. Pinchin also prepares specifications and health and safety plans for
lead abatement projects and determines handling and disposal requirements.
Training Courses
Pinchin is well known for our training services provided to contractors, building owners, government
officials, consultants and building maintenance staff. These range from short awareness sessions or
maintenance training on our clients’ premises to 3-day open training courses. Over three hundred 2 or 3day
courses have been presented by Pinchin in either English or French over the last 25 years. Asbestos
maintenance training is routinely presented from each of our offices. Pinchin provides training in lead
paint hazard and control, mould and microbiology, WHMIS, Fall Arrest, available either as awareness
sessions, or comprehensive 3-day abatement training sessions.
© Pinchin Environmental Ltd. Page 23