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Hazardous Materials Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines OVI General Contracting's approach to handling hazardous materials, including but not limited to mold, asbestos, lead-based paint, and other potentially harmful substances encountered during construction and renovation projects.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all OVI General Contracting employees, subcontractors, and any personnel working on OVI GC job sites.

3. Mold and Fungal Contamination Policy

Important

OVI General Contracting (OVI GC) is not a qualified mold remediation specialist. The following procedures must be strictly adhered to when mold or suspected mold is encountered:

  1. Upon discovery of mold or suspected mold, all work in the affected area must cease immediately.
  2. The site supervisor must be notified immediately.
  3. A qualified testing specialist must be brought in to assess the situation, conduct necessary tests, and isolate the area if needed.

  4. OVI GC may perform limited remediation only under the following conditions:

    • A consultation has been conducted by a qualified professional
    • The property owner has signed a formal release of liability waiver
    • The property owner assumes all liability for the limited remediation

  5. For limited remediation:

    Safety First

    • OVI GC employees and subcontractors must follow all applicable safety precautions and guidelines as prescribed by the qualified professional
    • It is the responsibility of each employee or subcontractor to ensure they are following all applicable safety guidelines
    • Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times during the limited remediation process

  6. The scope of limited remediation may include:

    • Cleaning or removing affected materials to eliminate visible growth
    • Applying antimicrobial agents to inhibit microorganism growth on easily accessible and visibly affected components
    • Any other specific tasks recommended by the qualified professional and agreed upon by the property owner

  7. OVI GC employees and subcontractors must understand and communicate to the property owner that:

    Limitations of Limited Remediation

    • Limited remediation does not guarantee the complete removal of all mold or fungal contamination
    • There may still be mold present in some areas after the limited clean-up process
    • The limited clean-up is not a guarantee against future mold growth

  8. Any remediation work beyond the scope of the limited remediation must be performed by certified mold remediation specialists.

  9. OVI GC will maintain detailed records of all limited remediation work performed, including:

    • The qualified professional's assessment and recommendations
    • Signed liability waivers from property owners
    • Details of the remediation work performed
    • Safety measures implemented during the remediation process

4. Other Hazardous Materials

Similar procedures apply to other hazardous materials, including but not limited to:

Fibrous mineral used in construction materials, known to cause serious health issues when inhaled.

Paint containing lead, commonly found in older buildings, can be toxic if ingested or inhaled.

Various chemical substances that may be harmful to human health or the environment.

Organic substances that pose a threat to human health, such as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.

For these materials:

  1. Work must stop immediately upon discovery or suspicion of hazardous materials.
  2. The site supervisor must be notified.
  3. A qualified specialist in the specific hazardous material must be brought in for testing and assessment.
  4. Proper containment and remediation procedures, as prescribed by the specialist, must be followed.

5. Employee and Subcontractor Responsibilities

All OVI GC employees and subcontractors are required to:

  • Complete hazardous materials awareness training annually.
  • Report any suspected hazardous materials immediately.
  • Never attempt to remove or remediate hazardous materials without proper authorization and training.
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for their specific tasks.

6. Liability and Compliance

a. Any company personnel or subcontractors who violate this policy by performing unauthorized hazardous material remediation will hold OVI General Contracting harmless for any health, medical, or other injuries resulting from such actions.

b. OVI GC will maintain documentation of all hazardous material encounters, testing results, and remediation efforts for each project.

c. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

7. Client Communication

a. Clients will be immediately notified of any hazardous material discoveries on their property.

b. A written notice, similar to the "Moisture Intrusion Notice Potential Fungal Contamination" document, will be provided to clients when applicable.

c. Clients will be advised of the necessary steps for proper remediation and any potential impacts on project timelines and costs.