When working with asbestos, there’s no room for shortcuts. The health risks are serious, the regulations are strict, and liability exposure can be costly. For restoration professionals and facility managers across Ontario, it’s not just about removing hazardous materials. It’s about doing it right, without shutting everything else down.

Why Asbestos Is Still a Present-Day Problem

Before the 1990s, asbestos was a common component in insulation, ceiling tiles, pipe wraps and other building materials. Today, many older structures across Ontario still contain the dangerous component. While safe when left alone, danger arises when these materials are disturbed, releasing fibres into the air.

Without proper asbestos containment, those fibres can linger in the environment, putting workers and building occupants at risk. As these fibres are microscopic and odourless, only trained professionals using approved techniques can properly identify and contain the threat.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, exposure to asbestos can lead to chronic and life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis; all of which can take years to develop, but are irreversible once diagnosed.

The Risk of “Good Enough” Contractors

If your project involves demolition, fire restoration, or retrofitting older buildings, there’s a chance you’ll encounter asbestos; unfortunately, not all contractors are equipped to deal with it.

Certified asbestos remediation involves much more than PPE and a few warning signs. Ontario’s asbestos regulations require:

• Full site assessment and risk classification
• Engineered asbestos containment systems with negative air pressure
• Specialized removal techniques to prevent fibre release
• Hazardous waste handling and disposal
• Independent third-party air clearance testing

We’ve seen projects where an unqualified team missed critical steps in the process — leading to rework, exposure, and unexpected delays. If you’re managing a fire-damaged high-rise or upgrading industrial infrastructure, those delays come at a real cost: project stalls, insurance issues, or worse, health concerns for your crew.

What Wickens Does Differently

At Wickens, we approach asbestos abatement with a dual focus: protecting people and protecting progress. We understand that in your world, timelines matter just as much as safety — and both are non-negotiable.

Our certified crews handle every step, including:

• Risk assessment and regulatory coordination
• Engineering controls and containment installation
• Type 3 abatement procedures with certified workers (2253W) and supervisors (253S)
• Removal and disposal compliant with Ontario Regulation 278/05
• Post-remediation verification and documentation

Watch our team at work, preparing a site for asbestos removal:

More importantly, we coordinate with other trades on-site — whether that’s restoration teams, facility engineers, or project managers — to ensure our work doesn’t derail theirs.

In occupied buildings, sensitive industrial zones, or emergency fire recovery jobs, our team is trained to operate with minimal disruption and total discretion. Safety is never sacrificed, and neither is momentum.

Real Risk Requires Real Planning

The risk you face with asbestos mitigation isn’t just fibres, but mismanagement as well. Rushed or poorly scoped work can delay a project, create legal exposure, or jeopardize safety. That’s why every project we undertake begins with a plan built on clarity and control.

Our team starts with an on-site inspection to identify the type and condition of asbestos-containing materials.

From there, we develop a tailored work procedure based on the building’s structure, use, and occupancy. This includes designing engineered asbestos containment zones that effectively isolate the hazard without impacting surrounding operations or workflows.

Finally, we align our work schedule with yours — coordinating directly with general contractors, insurance adjusters, or facilities teams — so there are no surprises, no shutdowns, and no scope creep.

For industrial and commercial environments that can’t risk unnecessary downtime, our planning process isn’t just a precaution — it’s a strategic advantage.

Serving the Professionals – and Why That Matters

Wickens is trusted by professionals who manage complex, high-stakes projects — from post-fire remediation in high-rises to proactive maintenance in regulated industrial facilities. These aren’t jobs where you can afford delays or missteps, and that’s exactly why clients choose us.

Restoration contractors count on us to handle high-risk materials without slowing down the broader recovery effort. Facility managers bring us in because we understand the protocols and safety standards that govern live environments. And industrial clients — especially those in manufacturing or utilities — rely on us to contain risk without disrupting production.

In every case, we show up with more than just certified people and compliant processes. We show up with an understanding of how to work around your team, not in the way of it. Our job is to remove the hazard — not create new ones by disrupting your schedule, your budget, or your workflow.

A Safer Path Forward

Asbestos mitigation isn’t just a compliance issue. It’s a reputational one. A single misstep can halt a project, expose people to serious health risks, or trigger regulatory investigations. That’s why experience, communication, and precision matter as much as technical capability.

At Wickens, we don’t just remove asbestos. We remove the uncertainty that comes with it.

Need support on an asbestos-related project?

Whether you’re managing fire restoration, commercial retrofits, or industrial maintenance, we can help. Request a site assessment today and get a plan that keeps your people safe — and your project on track.

Mould infestations in industrial and commercial buildings pose significant health risks and can severely disrupt operations. Whether it’s a food processing plant, a manufacturing facility, or a warehouse, uncontrolled mould growth can compromise air quality, contaminate products, and create unsafe working conditions. Mould thrives in industrial and commercial environments where moisture is prevalent due to factors like leaks, high humidity, or inadequate ventilation. In such settings, mould growth can compromise equipment integrity and product quality, leading to operational disruptions and financial losses. For instance, mould contamination in HVAC systems can spread spores throughout the building, affecting indoor air quality and posing health hazards to occupants, such as irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory problems.

Addressing mould issues promptly in these environments is crucial to maintain a safe workplace and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Traditional cleaning methods often exacerbate the problem by introducing additional moisture, which fosters further mould growth. In contrast, dry ice blasting effectively eliminates mould spores at their source, leaves surfaces completely dry, and completes remediation tasks up to 80% faster than conventional techniques.

Limitations of Traditional Mould Removal Methods

Conventional mould remediation techniques often fall short in effectively addressing the problem:

• Chemical Treatments: These can leave behind harmful residues and introduce toxins into the environment, posing additional health risks.
• Sanding and Scraping: This manual approach can release mould spores into the air, leading to further contamination.
• Pressure Washing: While it removes surface mould, it introduces moisture, which can promote future mould growth.

These methods often require extensive cleanup and may not prevent recurrence, making them less effective in the long term.

Advantages of Dry Ice Blasting for Mould Remediation

After proper containment has been established, dry ice blasting is a highly effective method for industrial and commercial mould removal, offering significant advantages over traditional techniques:

1. Complete Mould Removal – High-velocity dry ice pellets freeze and dislodge mould spores, eliminating them without damaging surfaces.
2. Moisture-Free Cleaning – Dry ice sublimates on impact, leaving surfaces completely dry and preventing regrowth.
3. Minimal Downtime – The process is up to 80% faster than conventional methods, reducing operational disruptions.
4. Non-Abrasive & Chemical-Free – Cleans without harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, making it safe for sensitive materials.
5. No Secondary Waste – Dry ice sublimates on contact, eliminating the need for additional cleanup or waste disposal.

This method not only improves cleaning efficiency but also ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, making it the preferred choice for industries requiring a thorough and non-intrusive mould remediation solution.

Review our full brochure here.

Why Choose Wickens for Your Mould Remediation Needs

Wickens stands out as a leader in mould remediation services due to:

• Comprehensive Solutions: Offering end-to-end services from initial assessment to post-remediation verification.
• Expert Technicians: A team of experienced professionals trained in the latest dry ice blasting techniques.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in effectively removing mould across various industrial and commercial facilities.
• Customized Approaches: Tailored remediation plans to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring optimal results.

Take the Next Step

Don’t let mould compromise the safety and efficiency of your facility. Contact Wickens today to schedule a consultation and discover how our dry ice blasting services can provide a swift, safe, and thorough solution to your mould problems.