Asbestos surveys include intrusive (sampling and analysis) and non-intrusive methods of analysis of building materials to determine if the building materials contain any asbestos products. The surveys include careful examination of various building materials by a competent person and recording of the findings.
Asbestos Air Monitoring
What is Air Monitoring for Asbestos ?
Air monitoring involves sampling airborne asbestos fibres to assist in assessing exposure to asbestos and the effectiveness of implemented control measures. It must be conducted in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Dust, 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
When is air monitoring Required ?
Air monitoring requirements is required during the following scope of works:
- Friable asbestos removal (Class A removal works)– Air monitoring is mandatory for all friable asbestos removal. This includes prior to dismantling an enclosure and for the purposes of the clearance inspection.
- More than 10 m2 of non-friable asbestos removal – Air monitoring is not required but may be considered to be carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor or competent person to ensure compliance with the duty to eliminate or minimise exposure to airborne asbestos and to ensure the exposure standard is not exceeded.
- Public Location – Air monitoring should be considered where the asbestos removal work is being undertaken in or next to a public location.
Who must undertake air monitoring?
A person who commissions asbestos removal work that requires a Class A licence must ensure that an independent licensed asbestos assessor undertakes air monitoring of the asbestos removal area at the workplace. In relation to asbestos removal work requiring a licence:
- Friable asbestos removal – An independent licensed asbestos assessor must be engaged to carry out air monitoring when it is required.
- Non-friable asbestos removal (more than 10 m2) – An independent licensed asbestos assessor or competent person must be engaged to carry out air monitoring when it is required.
What are the types of Air Monitoring ?
Exposure Air Monitoring:
Exposure monitoring measures the levels of respirable fibres in the breathing zone of the worker while work is being undertaken.
Control Air Monitoring:
Control monitoring ensures that an enclosure or other controls used during asbestos removal are effective at preventing fibres from being found outside the work area.
Clearance Air Monitoring:
Clearance air monitoring ensures that the work area is free of asbestos fibres prior to being certified for reoccupation. If enclosure is installed, it must not be dismantled until a satisfactory visual inspection has been completed and air monitoring results are below the detection limits.
Our Services
Asbestos Registers
It is a document that lists all identified asbestos in a workplace. SafeWork States that the “Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, an asbestos register is prepared and kept at the workplace. It must be readily available to workers, their health and safety representatives and other persons.
Asbestos Clearance Inspections
Following any asbestos work carried out, there are requirements to ensure the work area, tools and workers are decontaminated and asbestos waste is disposed of properly. In addition to this, for licensed removal work a clearance inspection will be required before the work area can be reoccupied for ordinary use.
Asbestos Air Monitoring
Air monitoring involves sampling airborne asbestos fibres to assist in assessing exposure to asbestos and the effectiveness of implemented control measures. It must be conducted in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Dust, 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
Asbestos Management Plans
Asbestos containing materials identified in the workplace will be managed. SafeWork States that the “A person with management or control of a workplace must ensure a written asbestos management plan is prepared for the workplace if asbestos or ACM has been identified or assumed present, or is likely to be present from time to time at the workplace.
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos containing materials identified in the workplace will be managed. SafeWork States that the “A person with management or control of a workplace must ensure a written asbestos management plan is prepared for the workplace if asbestos or ACM has been identified or assumed present, or is likely to be present from time to time at the workplace.
Asbestos Inspection
Air monitoring involves sampling airborne asbestos fibres to assist in assessing exposure to asbestos and the effectiveness of implemented control measures. It must be conducted in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Dust, 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
Asbestos in Soil
Uncontrolled asbestos materials in soils may cause human health risk and environmental risk. Asbestos in soils can attract regulatory intervention from local councils, the EPA and SafeWork. Asbestos is often found in soils due to unintentional accidental damage from demolition works or deliberate illegal storage or dumping or littering.