What safety requirements apply to commercial post-construction cleaning crews in Ontario?

Workplace safety in Ontario falls under the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, and the exact rules that apply depend on the site and the work being done. For the specifics, the Ontario Ministry of Labour is the authority to check with. As a building owner or project manager, the practical job is knowing what to ask a cleaning company before its crew arrives.

What to Ask a Commercial Cleaning Crew About Safety

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 confirm with them, so ask whether they have WSIB coverage or a clearance certificate. Post-construction cleaning is real physical work — crews handle chemical products, use equipment, work on ladders, and deal with fine dust — so get that answer in writing.

Ask about chemical handling. Post-construction cleaning can involve degreasers, solvents, grout haze removers and disinfectants. Ask whether workers have WHMIS training, whether every container is properly labelled, and whether Safety Data Sheets are on site for the products in use.

Ask about protective equipment. Fine construction dust can be hazardous to breathe, so ask what respiratory protection the crew uses during dusty work and how they control dust in the first place — for example, HEPA vacuums instead of dry sweeping. Eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves and sturdy footwear are common on construction sites. If anyone will be working at height, ask how they handle fall protection.

Be cautious with older buildings. Old materials can contain asbestos, and old paint can contain lead. Suspected asbestos is a job for an abatement contractor, not a cleaning crew; have it tested before cleanup begins. Ask the cleaning company what they do if they come across a material they are unsure about.

Electrical safety is another point to raise. Wet cleaning, pressure washers or steam cleaners near electrical panels, exposed wiring or unfinished electrical work can be dangerous, so ask how the crew coordinates with the electrician and other trades before cleaning those areas.

Before work begins, ask for proof of liability insurance and what it covers, the WSIB answer above, information on WHMIS training, and a short description of how they will work safely on your site. You can find commercial cleaning contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com.

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

• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Dump n Dash Hauling
• J and C Building Cleaning
• Transitions Renovations