Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Audits & Registers

 

 

Greencap is now part of WSP

WSP Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management

General recognition of health risks associated with asbestos has required that PCBU’s and Persons in control of a workplace (e.g. building owners, property managers, tenants) be aware of the location and condition of asbestos containing materials in their buildings and workplace. There are stringent legal requirements to effectively manage asbestos exposure risks in the workplace, largely requiring property owner/occupiers to:

• Determine, so far as is practical, whether asbestos is present in the workplace

• To assess the risks posed by the materials identified

• Implement control actions necessary to manage asbestos related risks, and communicate any asbestos risks to employees including contractors

Hazardous building materials include (but are not limited to):

• Asbestos

• Synthetic Mineral Fibre (SMF)

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)

• Lead containing paints

• Lead containing dust

• Ozone Depleting Substances

• Stored Hazardous Materials (Chemicals)

• Nominated Biological Hazards

• Above and below ground storage tanks

The purpose of the audit/register being completed will determine which of the above materials are included within the scope.

Prior to any demolition or refurbishment works starting, the register must be reviewed to see if it is fit for purpose. A more intrusive or destructive asbestos audit can identify asbestos materials that may be disturbed during demolition or refurbishment works.

In the event that a building is intended to be demolished or refurbished, an occupier must ensure, so far as is practical, that asbestos, which may become disturbed as a result of demolition or refurbishment works, is removed prior to the commencement of those works.

Greencap provide asbestos and hazardous risk assessment audits to:

• Determine, so far as is practical, whether asbestos materials are present in the workplace by inspecting representative areas of the site and reviewing relevant records (e.g. previous asbestos materials registers, asbestos abatement reports)

• Assess the risks posed by the materials identified

• Recommend control actions necessary to manage the risks associated with the identified asbestos materials

• Prepare a report detailing our key findings and recommendations and establish an Asbestos Materials Register listing identified, or suspected, locations of asbestos materials at the site

• Map locations of asbestos materials

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule a Asbestos Risk Assessment Audit?

You should schedule an asbestos risk assessment audit as soon as possible after you become aware that the workplace contains, or may contain, asbestos materials, or to provide assurance that your workplace does not contain asbestos.

When do I need a Hazardous Materials Audit?

In addition to asbestos, you should establish whether other hazardous materials such as hazardous chemicals, ozone-depleting substances, man-made hazardous fibres (e.g. fibreglass), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs – may be present in old style fluorescent light fittings or industrial size transformers), are present in your workplace.

Why is a Hazardous Materials Audit important?

You should be aware of their presence to ensure your employees are informed and safe and ensure you are aware of your OH&S and environmental obligations.

What are the long-term health implications of asbestos?

After a lag period of about 30 years, exposure may result in the lung conditions asbestosis and lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

When should an asbestos and hazardous risk management assessment audit take place in a project timeline?

A risk management audit should occur prior to the commencement of any project works such as demolition or construction. This will reduce the opportunity for  unexpected finds of asbestos and other materials once works will commence. This, in turn, will reduce the chance of asbestos exposure to workers and potential project delays.