The NSW Asbestos Check team recently undertook Hazardous Materials Inspections to the Broken Hill area to assess the risk of building materials in houses containing asbestos (ACM), lead paint & dust , polychlorinated bi-phenols (PCBs), Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMF) and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Safe Environments are accredited by the National Association of testing Authorities (NATA) which is required in legislation for asbestos identification testing and the analysis of airborne fibres during asbestos air monitoring.
Broken Hill is located in the far west of NSW and is the founding home of mining giant BHP Billiton (Broken Hill Proprietary Company). The town being of mining background is also known for art as well, with the likes of Pro Hart and Jack Absalom which makes Broken Hills quite a interesting town to visit. The town name Broken Hills comes from what was originally a number of hills that have now been mined away.
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Broken Hill Council Asbestos Requirements
It is understood that the Broken Hill Council have Standard Development Application Conditions in relation to asbestos management. These include requirements to complay with workplace health and safety legislation as well Protection of the Environmental Operations Act 1997. Broken Hill Council may also require further requirements, depending on their assessment of the application and waste resulting from disturbing or removing asbestos will need to be managed. All asbestos cement sheeting is required under Broken Hill Council to be disposed of at the Waste Site. The Broken Hill Waste Site Supervisor can be contacted on 0409 712 776, to discuss disposal charges, arrangements & requirements elating to asbestos.
Before renovations or removal, contact Broken Hill Council to ensure you are fully aware of the requirements relating to asbestos.
The main concern however is that the loose asbestos that once was there and has been removed through the Loose Asbestos Insulation Removal Program, that there still may be residual asbestos within the wall cavities. Only asbestos testing can confirm the presence of Mr Fluffy still residing in the house. Once there is significant disturbance through partial demolition through refurbishment, it is likely that loose asbestos may be spread through the house.
Asbestos air monitoring is also required by the Workplace Health and Safety Legislation when friable asbestos is being removed due to the increased risk of fibres being released into the air. The air monitoring is required after removal as well for friable asbestos removal as part of a clearance inspection. After asbestos removal in Broken Hills, a clearance inspection is required by a competent person for bonded asbestos removal. For friable asbestos removal a licensed NSW asbestos assessor is required to undertake the inspection to ensure that the area is safe to return after the asbestos containing material (ACM) has been removed.
Need Asbestos Removal Services in the Broken Hill Area ?
If you’re looking for an asbestos removal company, NSW WorkCover provides a list of licensed asbestos removalists. WorkCover NSW can be contacted on 13 10 50. The team at Asbestos Check have NSW asbestos assessors on hand to provide an assessment of your particular situation. And being in Broken Hill every quarter, there is no additional travel cost compared to other Asbestos Consultancies and Safety Companies.
As well as asbestos testing, inspection and air monitoring services in the areas of Broken Hill, Mildura, Wilcannia, White Cliffs & Silver City; Safe Environments can assist real estate and commercial property owners by providing workplace health and safety property risk inspections, occupational noise assessments, dust monitoring such as lead, vibration testing indoor air quality (IAQ), lighting assessments and floor slip testing services. For mining health, safety and occupational hygiene services, Safe Environments can assist in undertaking silica and lead dust testing to assess against exposure standards with our Occupational Hygienists who are based in Sydney & Melbourne.
Please contact us to find out the next time that we will be in Broken Hill to keep your workplace or house a Safe Environment.
Author: Carl Strautins
Email: info@SafeEnvironments.com.au
Carl Strautins is a managing director of Safe Environments Pty Ltd a multi-specialist consultancy operating in the building, construction and property management industries. He provides the necessary guidance and risk minimisation strategies required by architects, construction companies and facility managers to ensure they mitigated their risk to property risk. He is engaged on a regular basis to provide expert opinion for disputes and legal proceedings. Click here to know more about him.
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