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Asbestos Survey Sydney

Our team of professionals conducts asbestos and other hazardous material surveys as required by Australian regulations. An Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) or Hazardous Materials Survey (also known as audit, inspection, or assessment) is the initial step in identifying and controlling the risk of exposure to:

  • Asbestos
  • Lead Paint
  • Synthetic Mineral Fibre (SMF)
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

If you are a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who manages or controls a workplace; undertaking refurbishment or demolition works on a building, structure, or plant then you are required under the NSW Work Health & Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017 to have an asbestos survey conducted to determine the presence and condition of asbestos in the workplace.

In the case of demolition or refurbishment works you must review your existing asbestos register or if no register exists have a survey conducted. All areas that will be affected by the proposed works need to be accessed and inspected including floors, walls, ceiling and cavities for the presence of ACMs.

Hazmat is well positioned to support our clients to comply with and benefit from the WHS regulations. Our technical team is well versed in undertaking ACM and Hazardous Materials Surveys, developing registers for workplace and providing advice on the management of ACM and Asbestos Management Plans (AMP).  All of our consultants are licensed Asbestos Assessors in accordance with the WHS regulations.

Our team have undertaken many audits at a wide range of facilities. Our experience includes:

  • Commercial premises
  • Power stations
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Factories
  • Residential premises.

Hazardous Materials Survey Newcastle Sydney

Surveys provide the identification and assessment of ACMs and other hazardous materials including lead paint, SMF or PCBs at your workplace or residence.  The survey report will contain:

  • Survey methodology
  • Risk assessment guidelines
  • Survey and sampling results
  • A detailed list of recommendations
  • A compliant Asbestos or Hazardous Materials Register
  • Photographs for identification
  • Laboratory reports showing results of asbestos testing
  • General information about hazardous materials.

 

Asbestos Survey Report Sydney

During a survey, the following details of items inspected are documented on your Hazardous Materials Register:

  • Location;
  • Extent;
  • Type of material;
  • Condition;
  • Accessibility;
  • Friability;
  • Risk assessment;
  • Recommendations.

As part of the inspection process, samples of suspect material are taken and tested to determine the presence of asbestos.

The Register helps provide the location of any asbestos and other hazardous materials to workers, contractors and visitors to your site. Identifying the location of ACM helps prevent damage and risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

The survey report will also provide guidance on the appropriate methods for dealing with hazardous materials during removal or remedial works, so that they can be completed safely and without risk. In-situ management and labelling of ACMs can also be undertaken where the material is in good stable condition.

Asbestos Legislative Requirements in Sydney

The NSW Work Health & Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017 specifies that a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) with management or control of a workplace must manage the risks associated with asbestos in the workplace.

This requires that the presence and location of asbestos be identified, a risk assessment be undertaken and a register of asbestos materials be prepared and maintained for any premises containing asbestos.  In addition, Australian Standard AS2601-2001 – The Demolition of Structures, which is referenced in the NSW WH&S Regulation 2017 specifies the requirement for a hazardous materials survey to be undertaken prior to demolition.

Furthermore, the NSW Work Health & Safety Act 2011 requires that all premises containing asbestos have an Asbestos Survey Management Plan.

A landlord and tenant are both PCBUs where leased premises are a workplace. Likewise a building owner, principal contractor and each subcontractor on a building site are all PCBUs.

Residential properties are not required to have an asbestos register unless the premises is also a workplace.

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