Do commercial cleaning companies in Ottawa need special certifications for construction sites?

There is no single certification that a commercial cleaning company needs to show you before working on a construction site, but there are several documents and practices worth asking about before you hire one. Knowing what to ask helps you compare companies on more than price and avoid surprises once the work starts.

What to Ask For Before You Hire

Start with WSIB. People who own or run a construction business, with or without employees, must have WSIB coverage, with some exceptions. Whether a particular cleaning company falls into that group is something to sort out with them directly, so ask whether they have WSIB coverage or a clearance certificate. Post-construction cleaning involves real hazards — ladders, chemical products, equipment, and construction dust — so it is reasonable to want this answered in writing before work begins.

Ask about chemical safety. Cleaning crews use solvents, strippers and other products on construction sites, so ask whether their workers have WHMIS training, whether containers are properly labelled, and whether Safety Data Sheets are available on site for the products they bring.

Ask for proof of liability insurance and what it covers. Insurance matters because accidental damage to new finishes, fixtures, or glass can be expensive. If a general contractor or property manager is involved, check whether they have their own insurance requirements for anyone working on site.

Some industry bodies offer training and certification in areas like hard-surface care, carpet cleaning and odour control. These are not required, but they can be a useful sign that a company invests in training. Ask what training their crew has and how it applies to your project.

Be careful with hazardous materials. Suspected asbestos is a job for an abatement contractor, not a cleaning crew; have it tested before cleanup begins. Old paint can contain lead, and construction dust can be hazardous to breathe, so ask how the company controls dust and protects its workers.

If the building is older or has heritage features, ask whether the crew has worked on similar buildings, since aggressive pressure washing or harsh chemicals can damage old masonry or woodwork.

When evaluating commercial cleaning contractors, ask for these documents and answers before signing any contract. The Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com lists cleaning contractors in the Ottawa area where you can start comparing options and requesting these documents.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Cleanstruction
• JC Carpentry
• The Next Reno
• Dreamwood Construction & Renovations
• ARTEXPRO Tile & Finishes