Deliverables
With more than 30 years experience the team at CETEC is highly experienced in the risk assessment and management of asbestos, particularly in the workplace and public facilities.
CETEC can provide the following services:
- Conduct asbestos audits / surveys
- Development of asbestos registers and management plans for regulatory compliance;
- Assessing asbestos and contaminated land;
- Scoping and method development for safe removal or maintenance of asbestos (including emergency work);
- Air monitoring and clearance inspection of removal works including Class A (friable asbestos)*;
- Provision of asbestos clearance certificate for NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and TAS
- Total project management and on-site supervision of asbestos removal projects;
- Training for building managers and occupants on asbestos risk management.
It should also be emphasised that asbestos is not the only building material hazard. A concurrent total Hazard Assessment should always be considered when asbestos is under review. This may include but is not limited to lead paint, synthetic mineral fibres, polychlorinated biphenyls and ozone depleting substances.
Background about Asbestos
Description
Historically speaking a wide range of materials have been used as building materials or as part of an industrial process that are now identified as hazardous to human health. Asbestos is one such material.
Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals the most common of which are:
- Chrysotile (white asbestos)
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
- Amosite (brown asbestos)
Application
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that poses a risk to health by inhalation if asbestos fibres become airborne. As a result a national ban on the use or re-use of asbestos containing materials has been in force since 2003.
Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively in Australian buildings and structures, plant and equipment and in ships, trains and motor vehicles during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and some uses, including some friction materials and gaskets, were only discontinued on 31 December 2003.
As a result there is a need to identify and manage asbestos risks in almost all but the newest of buildings and with the importance placed on national and state WHS/OHS legislation compliance an independent, professionally qualified and trained consultant who bases their control recommendations on appropriate identification and evaluation methods is essential.