Conducting Asbestos Surveys
These guidelines are for PCBUs conducting asbestos surveys, workers carrying out asbestos surveys and PCBUs that need to identify asbestos in a workplace.
SUMMARY
KEY POINTS
1. Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 there are a number of situations where the presence of asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) in a workplace must be identified.
2. One means of identifying asbestos and ACM is to have a survey carried out by an asbestos surveyor.
3. An asbestos surveyor needs to have sufficient training, qualifications, knowledge, experience and ability to sample and identify asbestos, have sufficient knowledge of the tasks required and the risks the work will involve, demonstrate independence and use a quality management system.
INTRODUCTION
Background
Large amounts of ACM were used for a wide range of construction purposes in new and refurbished buildings until 2000. This means there are many buildings in New Zealand that contain asbestos or ACM. If the ACM is in good condition, and unlikely to be disturbed, it may not present a significant risk. However, if the ACM is in poor condition, disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released into the air. If breathed in, these fibres can cause serious lung diseases, including cancers.
Workers who disturb the fabric of buildings during maintenance, refurbishment, repair, installation and related activities are exposed to asbestos every time they unknowingly work on ACM, or carry out work without assessing and managing the risks
The purpose of identifying asbestos in buildings is to prevent, or if this is not reasonably practicable, minimise exposure for workers and other people on the premises. To achieve this, PCBUs need information about whether asbestos is, or is likely to be, present in the buildings. This will help the PCBU assess the risks it presents and work out how to manage those risks.
Who should read this guidance?
• asbestos surveyors – people (self-employed PCBUs, employer PCBUs and workers) who conduct asbestos surveys
• others, including architects, designers, building surveyors and people doing refurbishment, demolition and work involving asbestos
• client PCBUs – people who commission asbestos surveys.
Asbestos surveyors
These guidelines set out how to survey premises for asbestos and ACM. They specify the methodology to use when carrying out surveys, and how to report and present the results. They also give advice on how to recognise and sample suspected ACM.
Other people
These guidelines will be useful for building professionals such as architects, designers, building surveyors, and particularly demolition workers and asbestos removalists.
For example, architects and building surveyors can advise on the need for an asbestos survey before refurbishment and demolition projects start. Architects and building surveyors should also understand the various types of surveys and be able to review completed surveys.
Contractors need to interpret asbestos surveys so they can plan and carry out refurbishment or demolition safely.
These guidelines do not cover airborne sampling or surveying asbestos-contaminated land. More information on these topics is available in the approved code of practice Management and Removal of Asbestos.
PCBUs who commission asbestos surveys
These guidelines may help client PCBUs to:
- decide what type of survey is appropriate
- assess surveyor competencies
- know what the asbestos surveyor should provide
- know what they should provide to the asbestos surveyor.
These guidelines also identify issues which can reduce the survey’s effectiveness and have serious implications for managing asbestos.
They also explain what the client PCBU should check to make sure the survey report is valid and accurate.
Navigating Asbestos Surveys: A Guide for Auckland Homeowners
For homeowners in Auckland, understanding and managing the risks associated with asbestos is crucial for ensuring a safe living environment. An asbestos survey is the first step in identifying any potential hazards within your home. With the assistance of specialized services like Safety 1st Projects Ltd for project management and Safety 1st Removals Ltd for asbestos removal, homeowners can navigate this process with confidence. Here’s what you need to know about conducting an asbestos survey in your Auckland home.
Understanding the Importance of an Asbestos Survey
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials up until the late 20th century. If your home was constructed or renovated before this time, it might contain asbestos. An asbestos survey is essential to detect the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your property. Identifying these materials before starting any renovation projects can prevent the release of harmful asbestos fibers.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
There are typically two main types of asbestos surveys: a Management Survey and a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey. The Management Survey aims to locate as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy. The Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is more intrusive and is needed before any construction or demolition work is carried out. It is designed to locate all the asbestos in the structure to prevent its disturbance during work.
What Should Be Conducted in an Asbestos Survey?
- Initial Inspection: A certified asbestos inspector from a reputable company like Safety 1st Projects Ltd will perform an initial inspection to identify potential asbestos materials.
- Sample Collection: The inspector will take samples of suspected asbestos materials safely and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
- Assessment of Risk: Once the laboratory confirms the presence of asbestos, the extent and condition of the ACMs are assessed to understand the potential risk.
- Report Generation: A detailed report is provided, outlining the findings, the location, and condition of ACMs, and recommendations for management or removal.
- Management Plan: If asbestos is found, a management plan will be created, detailing how to handle and control the asbestos risk.
The Role of Safety 1st Projects Ltd and Safety 1st Removals Ltd
Safety 1st Projects Ltd can manage the entire survey process, ensuring that all aspects are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with local regulations. They can also provide project management services if removal or remediation is necessary.
Safety 1st Removals Ltd specializes in the safe removal of asbestos. If the survey indicates that asbestos removal is required, they can handle the abatement process, ensuring that all asbestos is safely removed and disposed of, and that the area is decontaminated thoroughly.
Cost Considerations
The cost of an asbestos survey in Auckland can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property, as well as the type of survey required. Typically, homeowners might expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand New Zealand dollars. While this may seem like a significant investment, the cost of not addressing asbestos can be far greater in terms of health risks and potential legal liabilities.
Conclusion
An asbestos survey is an essential step for Auckland homeowners to ensure their property is safe and compliant with local health and safety regulations. By engaging with experienced professionals like Safety 1st Projects Ltd for project management and Safety 1st Removals Ltd for asbestos removal, homeowners can confidently manage the risks associated with asbestos. Remember, when it comes to asbestos, safety and expertise should always come first.