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 Surveys
What are Asbestos Surveys ?
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.
What exactly is Asbestos ?
Asbestos are mineral silicates belonging to amphibole and serpentine type mineral forming rocks that were mined and used in various buildings and structures due to their heat resistant, robust, flexible and water proofing properties. The are 6 types of asbestos based on their mineral structure. Chrysotile (White asbestos), Amosite (Brown Asbestos), Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos), Actinolite, Tremolite and Actinophyllite.
Asbestos was widely used in building materials, plant and equipment, motor vehicles etc before and during 1980s and asbestos products were totally banned in Australia in 2003 due to its cancer-causing risk. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres via inhalation causes illness including mesothelioma (lung cancer) and asbestosis.
When is an Asbestos Survey required ?
If your building is constructed prior to 2003, it is possible that asbestos containing materials may be present. Asbestos surveys are undertaken prior to demolition of buildings, and prior to any refurbishments in work place, residential and commercial buildings.
What is the outcome of an Asbestos Survey ?
A report is prepared at the end of the survey, which may be also presented in the form of an asbestos register. This register details the various surfaces analysed and records the materials, its area, extent of damage and type of asbestos.
A person with management or control of a workplace must ensure an asbestos register is prepared and kept at the workplace. The asbestos register must be maintained, to ensure the information in the register is up-to-date.
It is the duty of the person with management control to ensure that the employees and contractors working within the premises are safe from any asbestos related risks.
SafeWork States that the “Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as reasonable practicable, that all asbestos or ACM at the workplace is identified by a competent person or assume its presence”.
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group has undertaken countless surveys in various buildings, vessels, plant and machinery and can assist you with your surveys.
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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.