Asbestos and Deconstruction Services : Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Removal: Ensuring Safety from Start to Finish; Deconstruction and Asbestos Removal for Homeowners: Essential Steps to Protect Your Health and Property

Asbestos and Deconstruction Services are offered by Safety 1st Removals Ltd. John Kerr Director of www.safety1stremovals.co.nz says that his Company are unique as we can offer both Specialised services where normally Companies Specialise in one or the other.

Asbestos Removal Services we offer at Safety 1st Removals Ltd can vary. John Kerr states we can come on site and undertake a thorough Survey to see if you have any Asbestos Contaminated Material on Site. We identify them by having the experience to look know where to look at for what type of products and then we will gather samples and take them to a lab to confirm whether they are or they are not. Normally this process can take 2-3 days. We provide you with a report.

Once we have Identified all the Asbestos Contaminated Material we will then be able to give you an estimate of how much it will be to remove and what the process will be to satisfy the requirements of the Asbestos Regulations. In Residential Settings you are mainly talking about Textured Ceilings or Popcorn Ceilings, Asbestos Vinyl. You could also have Asbestos Cladding,Soffits, Fences, and many other products that may have had asbestos contained within them. There are strict procedures that have to be followed when we look at Removing Asbestos and they can be broken into 2 groups. Non Friable (Class B) and Class A Friable these all depend on what happens to the Asbestos Material at time of Removal.

So if at time of Removal you are going to release the Asbestos Fibres into the Environment (Scraping Asbestos Textured Ceilings) then this is Class A Work. If you keep the Fibres intact during Removal(Cladding) then this is considered Class B. Safety 1st Removals Ltd can do both Class A and Class B Work so are able to offer advice when you Contact us.

Deconstruction Services are also offered by Safety 1st Removals Ltd and you may as what is Deconstruction?

John Kerr Director of Safety 1st Removals Ltd states that we have deliberately offered Deconstruction as one of our Services because it offers a chance to save what waste we are putting currently into Papatuanuku (Mother Earth). So Deconstruction is basically the opposite of Construction where you Methodically take apart the house or structure hoping to repurpose most of the material that made up the house.

Safety 1st Removals Ltd believes in saving Papatuanuku from anymore destruction we are causing her by delivering more waste into realms and also harming Ranginui(Sky Father) by the gases omitting from these waste dumps.

Safety 1st Removals believes that through omitting construction waste and reusing a lot of the material we can reduce the global effects on Papatuanuku and Ranginui and by good Practices and good intentions we can start to turn the Clock back on Global Warming.

Safe Work Procedure for Removing Asbestos Before Deconstruction

When it comes to removing asbestos before deconstruction, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment is paramount. Asbestos removal is a meticulous process that requires adherence to strict guidelines to minimize health risks. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the safe work procedure for asbestos removal, covering everything from site setup to pack down.

1. Pre-Removal Planning

Before any work begins, it's crucial to plan thoroughly. Conduct a site assessment to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Develop an Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) that outlines the methods for safe removal, equipment needed, and personnel responsibilities. Notify all relevant authorities and stakeholders about the upcoming work.

2. Site Setup

• Establish a Controlled Area: Clearly mark and isolate the asbestos removal site using barriers and warning signs to prevent unauthorized access. Ensure that only trained and certified personnel enter the area.
• Decontamination Units: Set up decontamination units at entry and exit points. These should include facilities for changing clothes, showers, and secure storage for contaminated gear.
• Negative Air Pressure Units: Install negative air pressure units with HEPA filters to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping the controlled area.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure all workers have access to appropriate PPE, including respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection.

3. Asbestos Removal Process

• Wet Removal Method: Use water or a wetting agent to dampen asbestos materials before removal. This helps to suppress dust and prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
• Careful Handling: Remove asbestos materials gently to avoid breaking them, which can release fibers. Use hand tools rather than power tools to minimize disturbance.
• Double-Bagging Waste: Place asbestos waste in labeled, double-sealed plastic bags or containers for secure disposal. Clearly label all waste to ensure proper handling and disposal.

4. Site Cleaning and Decontamination

• Thorough Cleaning: After removal, clean the site thoroughly using wet cleaning methods or specialized vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters. Ensure that all surfaces are free of asbestos dust.
• Decontamination of Personnel: All personnel must pass through decontamination units before leaving the site. Ensure that all PPE is removed and disposed of properly.

5. Site Inspection and Clearance

• Visual Inspection: Conduct a visual inspection to ensure all asbestos materials have been removed. Any remaining debris must be cleaned up before clearance testing.
• Air Monitoring: Conduct air monitoring to measure asbestos fiber levels. Ensure they are below the acceptable limits before declaring the site safe.
• Clearance Certification: Obtain a clearance certificate from a licensed asbestos assessor before allowing demolition or further construction work to proceed.

6. Site Pack Down

• Remove Barriers and Equipment: Carefully dismantle all barriers, decontamination units, and equipment. Ensure that all items are decontaminated before removal.
• Waste Disposal: Transport asbestos waste to a licensed disposal facility. Ensure all documentation is completed for compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of the asbestos removal process, including the ARCP, monitoring results, and clearance certificates for future reference.

Conclusion

Ensuring a safe work environment during asbestos removal is critical to protecting workers and the public. By following these procedures, you can minimize health risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Remember, only trained professionals should handle asbestos removal tasks, and it's essential to keep safety at the forefront of every step.

Deconstruction and Asbestos Removal for Homeowners: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to deconstruct or renovate an older home, dealing with asbestos might be one of your biggest challenges. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used in New Zealand homes built before the 1990s, from roofing and walls to flooring and insulation. Improper handling of these materials can release hazardous fibers, posing serious health risks. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure safe asbestos removal during home deconstruction.

Why Asbestos Is a Concern in Deconstruction

Asbestos, known for its fire resistance and durability, was commonly used in construction materials. However, when asbestos is disturbed, such as during deconstruction or demolition, its fibers can become airborne. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Deconstruction without proper asbestos removal can expose you, your family, and workers to these harmful fibers. It’s critical to approach any deconstruction involving potential asbestos with a structured, safe, and legally compliant plan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deconstruction and Asbestos Removal

Step 1: Get an Asbestos Survey Before Deconstruction Begins

Why You Need a Survey Before starting any deconstruction work, a licensed asbestos surveyor must conduct an asbestos survey. This survey identifies all asbestos-containing materials in your home and determines whether they are friable (easily crumbled and airborne) or non-friable.

Types of Asbestos Surveys:

• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: Required for renovations or demolitions, this survey is thorough and identifies ACMs that might be disturbed during work.

Cost of an Asbestos Survey: In New Zealand, asbestos surveys generally cost between $400 and $800, depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the survey.

Important Tip: Hiring a licensed professional ensures a thorough inspection and accurate identification of asbestos.

Step 2: Develop a Deconstruction Plan with Safety in Mind

Planning Is Key Once the asbestos survey is complete, you can begin planning the deconstruction process. Work closely with asbestos professionals to ensure all ACMs are addressed before any physical work begins. The goal is to create a plan that prevents disturbing asbestos until it has been properly removed.

What to Include in Your Deconstruction Plan:

• A detailed schedule of asbestos removal before general deconstruction.
• Safety zones and restricted areas for asbestos handling.
• Clear steps for proper waste disposal and containment of ACMs.

Key Tip: Trying to rush or skip the asbestos removal phase can lead to serious health hazards and costly legal issues.

Step 3: Hire Licensed Asbestos Removal Professionals

Why Licensed Removal Matters Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, only licensed asbestos removalists can legally handle and remove friable asbestos or large amounts of non-friable asbestos. Licensed professionals are trained in safe asbestos removal methods and are equipped with specialized tools and protective gear.

Cost of Asbestos Removal: Professional asbestos removal can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the extent and type of asbestos in the home. This cost includes containment, removal, and disposal.

What to Look for in a Removalist:

• Check they are licensed and certified by WorkSafe NZ.
• Ensure they have experience in residential deconstruction projects.
• Ask for reviews or recommendations to ensure high-quality work.

Step 4: Asbestos Removal and Containment Process

Safe Removal and Disposal During asbestos removal, licensed professionals follow strict protocols to contain asbestos fibers and prevent contamination. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Containment Setup: The work area is sealed off with plastic sheeting, and negative pressure units are often used to prevent fibers from escaping.
2. Wet Removal Method: Asbestos materials are wetted to minimize dust and fiber release. This ensures fibers do not become airborne as the material is removed.
3. Double-Bagging and Labeling: All asbestos waste is double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic and labeled as hazardous waste.
4. Transportation to a Licensed Disposal Site: Asbestos waste is taken to a licensed landfill that can legally handle and bury asbestos-containing materials.