ASBESTOS

As asbestos is classified as a carcinogen, the regulations governing its safe assessment, management and removal are particularly stringent. It is therefore vital that building owners, managers and occupiers ensure that all asbestos related works are undertaken in a safe, professional and timely manner by qualified and experienced personnel. Our team will liaise with you to establish your needs and responsibilities and keep you informed of all findings during the works.

- NATA accredited Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Management Plans
- NATA accredited asbestos sampling & identification
- NATA accredited air monitoring & clearances
- Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys
- Asbestos Registers, audits, risk assessments and management plans
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

 

OTHER SERVICES

Sampling, analysis and management advice can be given on the following contaminants

Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMF)
SMF is a generic term used to collectively describe a number of amorphous (non-crystalline) fibrous materials including glass fibre, mineral wool (Rockwool and Slagwool) and ceramic fibre. Generally referred to as SMF, these materials are also known as ‘Man-Made Mineral Fibres’ (MMMF).

SMF products are used extensively in commercial and residential buildings for thermal and acoustic insulation, and as a reinforcing agent in cement, plaster and plastic materials. In some specialised instances, SMF materials have also been used as alternatives to asbestos, especially where high temperature insulation properties are required. While not a major health hazard the removal and disposal of SMF must be in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Lead Paint
Lead paint is classified as a hazardous substance and is considered a possible and likely carcinogen. It has been shown that the dust generated from dry sanding or abrasive blast cleaning of paints with a lead content can produce exposure levels that exceed those that define a ‘lead task’ in NOHSC 1012. Although production of lead paint had been banned in Australia, paint may still be present in older structures.

We can offer lead paint testing where paint samples are collected from the premises and sent for analysis. This service can be offered on it's own or in the process of our Hazardous Materials Survey and Management Plans. Please discuss this with our team if this is something you would like included in our service. Removal of lead paint and surface preparation prior to re painting must be in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
PCB is the common name for polychlorinated biphenyls. PCBs range in appearance from colourless, oily liquids to more viscous and increasingly darker liquids, to yellow then black resins, depending on the chlorine content of the PCB.

PCBs are chemically stable synthetic compounds that do not degrade appreciably over time or with exposure to high temperatures. The major use of PCBs was as an insulating fluid inside transformers and capacitors. Capacitors containing PCBs were installed in various types of equipment including domestic appliances, motors and fluorescent light fittings during the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

These applications generally do not present an immediate risk to human health or the environment as the equipment is sealed and contains relatively small amounts of PCB. The equipment can continue to be used safely provided that the capacitors do not leak. Disposal of PCBs must be in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
ODS are used for heat transfer in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, absorbing or releasing heat according to vapour pressure. Release of these substances to the atmosphere has the ability to cause long term atmospheric pollution that can lead to ozone depletion, global warming, petrochemical smog and acid rain. Disposal of ODS must be in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Underground Storage Tanks (UST)
Prior to the introduction of natural gas in the ACT in the 1980s commercial premises generally utilised heating systems where boilers were fuelled by diesel or heating oils which were stored in USTs. USTs may leak with age, and all must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant regulations. Soil contaminated by fuel leaks must also be disposed of and the area validated.

 

Our highly skilled and qualified Hazardous Materials team are able to assist with other surveys and services. Contact us to see how we can assist.