Which rules apply to coating a floor in an Orleans daycare?

A floor job at an Orleans daycare is likely a workplace construction project under Ontario law, and it also runs into the building permit rules and any licensing your centre has. We did not research child care licensing, so ask whoever licenses or inspects your centre whether a floor project needs notice before it starts.

Rules that apply directly

The Occupational Health and Safety Act and R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851 (Industrial Establishments) apply because a daycare is a place of work. Floor coating is also likely construction work under the OHSA, meaning the daycare, as the owner of the project, must comply with OHSA s.30(1): before work begins, determine whether any designated substances are present and prepare a list. Under O. Reg. 490/09, asbestos, crystalline silica and isocyanates are designated substances. If the existing floor has old vinyl tile or black mastic, have it tested for asbestos before any grinding takes place. The contractor must receive that list before a binding contract is signed.

The WSIB clearance requirement applies without exception for a business. Under WSIB policy 14-02-19, the daycare must obtain a clearance certificate before the contractor starts and keep it in effect throughout the work. Starting without one is an offence, and the daycare may become liable for the contractor's WSIB obligations.

Under the 2024 Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24), barrier-free walking surfaces in a path of travel must be stable, firm and slip-resistant. If the floor is in a barrier-free path of travel, the finished surface has to meet that description. The City of Ottawa lists "New flooring" and "Painting and decorating" among projects that do not need a building permit, but the page does not say whether that covers commercial buildings: confirm with the City before booking the work.

For the Construction Act, the daycare should expect proper invoices, a 10 per cent holdback, and payment within 28 days of a proper invoice.

Before the contractor applies anything, ask for the safety data sheet for every product going on the floor. The OHSA requires the employer to make SDSs available to workers who may be exposed. Section 2 of each SDS covers hazards; Section 9 covers flash point, which matters if the space has pilot lights or other ignition sources. Some solvent-based primers may be flammable liquids under the Ontario Fire Code: no open flames or sparking equipment near those products.

One question worth putting to a contractor before signing: can you show me the safety data sheets for every product you plan to use, and walk me through how you will phase the work so children and staff are not in the building while coatings are curing?