ASBESTOS SURVEYS / AIR MONITORING / CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS
The Health & Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 bring a duty for people in control of a place of work to; identify asbestos in the workplace, and prepare an asbestos management plan that manages the risks from asbestos with an adequate documented management plan, and to regularly review the management plan. The person with management or control of a workplace will need to provide this information to those who occupy the premises or those who may carry out work that may disturb the asbestos.
WorkSafe New Zealand recommends that people in control of a place of work prepare an asbestos register by arranging for an asbestos survey of their workplace by a competent person. The asbestos register will assist those in control of a place of work and provide information for contractors undertaking minor maintenance of locations where ACMs are present.
Management Survey To locate and record the presence and extent of any suspect asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in the building or onsite that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation. Management surveys will often involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance. A management survey includes an assessment of the condition of the various ACMs and their ability to release fibres into the air if they are disturbed in any way. The survey process will usually involve sampling and analysis to confirm the presence or absence of ACMs.
Demolition, Refurbishment Survey These are undertaken prior to refurbishment or demolition works on buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000, and aim to identify asbestos materials that are likely to be disturbed and exposed should refurbishment or demolition works commence. They include intrusive or destructive actions into hidden cavities and voids and should only be completed in unoccupied areas. A non intrusive management survey may not be sufficient for a property in cases where significant works are likely to be carried out.
ASBestos management Plans
After a management survey has been carried out and upon completion of the register, an asbestos management plan may be complied. The purpose of the management plan is to provide a guide so the asbestos can be managed effectively and safely, to protect the occupants, general public and any workers who come into contact with it. Management plans may contain but are not limited to:
The identification of the asbestos or ACM (e.g. a reference or link to the asbestos register and location of signs and labels)
Decisions and reasons about management of asbestos such as safe work procedures and control measures.
Procedures for dealing with incidents or emergencies in relation to asbestos or ACM.
Workers carrying out work involving asbestos (e.g. consultation, information and training responsibilities).
We have NZ WorkSafe Certified Asbestos Assessors on Staff ready to inspect any class of removal job
Background and Leak Monitoring This occurs before and during asbestos removal to establish site condition and ensure asbestos fibres are not being released outside of removal area.
Re-assurance Monitoring This occurs in buildings and locations where asbestos is present but there has been no removal works carried out and the area or workplace remains occupied. Air monitoring in such areas can help to reassure occupants of the air quality.
Clearance monitoring & 4 stage Clearance Inspection The clearance inspection verifies that all asbestos materials, dust and debris have been removed, and that any airborne fibres are below the clearance air monitoring guidelines, and that the premises with regards to asbestos are safe for re-occupation. Following the final clearance inspection a clearance certificate is issued.