What are pre-demolition surveys?
Pre-demolition surveys are undertaken in a property before demolition works begin. The survey aims to identify the hazardous materials present in the building materials before commencement of demolition. Hazardous materials identified in the survey include asbestos, lead (in paints and lead dust), Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMF) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).
Who are required to undertake pre-demolition surveys?
Your local Councils may direct you to undertake a Hazardous Material Survey as a part of the Development Application (DA) whether you are constructing a new building or seeking approval for an extension of the existing building. Hazardous Material Surveys in this context refer to Pre-demolition Surveys.
You may alternatively get this survey completed before the submission of the DA so you are ahead of the game. Sometimes, you may encounter a situation where the previous hazardous materials survey report has shortcomings and not all hazardous materials in the building materials are identified in the report. We can provide you with another survey addressing the gaps.
We offer three types of surveys:
- Presumptive surveys
Consultants will identify locations of hazardous materials, their condition and management strategies. No samples are taken during the survey. This inspection will be suitable for existing buildings where the report can be used mainly to manage hazardous materials.
- Limited Sampling Surveys
Consultants will identify locations of hazardous materials, their condition and management strategies. Limited samples are taken during the survey. This inspection will be suitable for minor refurbishment works or renovation works or where the works are defined properly.
- Full access sampling surveys
Consultants will identify locations of hazardous materials, their condition and management strategies. Samples from all suspected hazmat locations are taken during the survey. This inspection will be suitable for a major renovation, refurbishment or demolition works.
Councils usually require the full access sampling-hazardous materials survey report, if you are seeking approval for demolition or major renovation under a DA.
How can we help you?
Consultants at K2 Enviro Solutions have a good knowledge and understanding of hazardous materials in building materials. Our consultants possess 10 years + experience in the industry. We have undertaken pre-demolition surveys in the Sydney region for many years.
What happens when you engage us?
- We inspect the building for the presence of hazardous materials;
- We note the condition of the materials, its current state and the risks involved;
- Collect samples for laboratory analysis; and
- Prepare a Hazardous Material Survey report (which encompasses a Hazardous Material Register)
Why is it important to undertake a comprehensive survey?
Hazardous Material Surveys include inspection of all accessible surfaces and collection of samples from surfaces that are not similar or of different nature. The number of samples collected from a survey will depend on the number of areas identified to contain hazardous materials, the size or area of the building, and accessibility to the areas. A good comprehensive survey will include inspection of all areas and collection of representative samples from each location suspected to contain hazardous materials.
What are the consequences of a poor-quality pre-demolition survey?
If the quality of a hazardous material survey is not up to standard, it may lead to the preparation of a poor-quality inspection report. The Consultant undertaking the survey should have a good understanding of hazardous materials and possess experience so that no stones are left unturned. If hazardous materials are not identified correctly, this may lead to cross-contamination of soils during demolition. For example, if asbestos or lead paints are not identified during the survey, it may be disturbed during demolition and may cross-contaminate the soils, thus leading to a bigger problem.
We offer competitive rates for hazardous material surveys in the Sydney region including eastern Sydney, western Sydney, northern beaches, south-west Sydney.
Call K2E on 1800 523 000 to book your pre-demolition hazardous material inspection today.
