EQUIPMENT DECOMMISSIONING

Whether you are upgrading a commercial manufacturing plant or modernizing an agricultural facility, equipment decommissioning is a high-stakes process. It requires more than just heavy machinery; it demands meticulous planning, strict adherence to provincial regulations, and a flawless safety record.

We recently completed a major dual-sector decommissioning project three days ahead of schedule, resulting in zero unplanned downtime for our client. More importantly, we achieved this with no near misses and zero injuries.

Here is the exact step-by-step process we use to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient results.

Phase 1: Comprehensive Site Assessment & Engineering Review

Before a single tool is lifted, we conduct a rigorous site audit. Commercial properties and agricultural farms have vastly different structural and environmental needs, and we tailor our engineering review to match.

Commercial Properties: We assess the structural load paths and building integrity, strictly adhering to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) Division C, Section 1.2.2.3, which mandates a Professional Engineer’s general review for the demolition or decommissioning of complex structures to prevent accidental collapse.
Agricultural Farms: Farm buildings face unique environmental and biosecurity challenges. We evaluate the facility against OBC Part 2 (Farm Buildings) and MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-11 to ensure that removing heavy assets (such as automated feeding systems, milking parlours, or silo infrastructure) does not compromise the structural or fire-safety integrity of Group G agricultural occupancies.

Phase 2: Permitting, Compliance, and Utility Isolation

Navigating Ontario's regulatory landscape is our responsibility, not yours. We handle all documentation to ensure the project moves forward without legal or municipal delays.

Permit Acquisition: We secure all necessary municipal demolition and alteration permits, as well as utility disconnect sign-offs.
Hazardous Energy Control: We implement absolute energy isolation. By legally capping off gas, water, and electrical lines, we neutralize the environment before dismantling begins.

Phase 3: Strict Safety Protocols & Hazard Mitigation

Safety is not just a buzzword; it is the foundation of our zero-injury track record. We operate under a strict "Zero Harm" policy that governs every maneuver on site.

Regulatory Alignment: Our safety protocols strictly follow the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), specifically O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects). This regulation governs the safe erection, alteration, and dismantling of heavy systems.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): We utilize uncompromising LOTO procedures to ensure no machinery can be accidentally re-energized during the tear-down.
Environmental Protection: For farms handling hazardous materials (like below-floor manure storage gases) or commercial sites with chemical lines, we deploy specialized containment protocols to prevent leaks, dust contamination, and environmental hazards.

Phase 4: Systematic Dismantling and Removal

We do not "demolish" your equipment; we systematically decommission and dismantle it. This surgical approach protects your surrounding property and allows your operations to continue seamlessly.

Fluid & Material Evacuation: All hydraulic fluids, coolants, and residual agricultural waste are safely drained and transported off-site.
Reverse Engineering: We dismantle equipment piece-by-piece in the reverse order of its installation. This allows for safe extraction through tight commercial corridors or active barn environments without disrupting your daily workflow.

Phase 5: Waste Management & Asset Recovery

We maximize the value of your outgoing equipment while minimizing environmental impact.

Scrap & Recycling: Metals, wiring, and concrete are sorted and diverted from landfills to certified recycling facilities.
Asset Salvage: If your equipment retains resale value or requires relocation, we carefully rig, skid, and shrink-wrap the assets for safe transport.

Phase 6: Site Restoration & Final Sign-Off

Our job isn't done until your space is ready for its next chapter.

Site Grading & Clearing: We remove all debris, cap foundational bolts, and restore the footprint to a clean, hazard-free state.
Client Handover: We conduct a final walkthrough with you, providing all engineering sign-offs, waste disposal manifests, and compliance certificates.

Our Commitment to Excellence in Action

In our most recent large-scale decommissioning project, the client was highly concerned about production halts. By strictly enforcing the OHSA and OBC standards outlined above, and by maintaining seamless communication between our engineers and the client's facility managers, we executed the entire removal process while the rest of their property remained fully operational.

The Result: * Safety: 0 injuries, 0 near misses.

Timeline: Completed 3 days ahead of schedule.
Impact: 0 unplanned downtime for the client.

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