Introduction
Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. In New Zealand, many buildings constructed before the 2000s still contain asbestos, making safe removal practices crucial.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, its health risk became evident in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a gradual ban on its use in many countries, including New Zealand.
This blog aims to educate readers on the processes and importance of safe asbestos removal, helping property owners and workers understand the necessary steps to protect their health and comply with regulations.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals that are composed of thin, fibrous crystals. The most common types are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). In New Zealand, asbestos has two classifications, Class A friable and Class B non-friable. It has been commonly used in roofing materials, cladding, insulation, wall cladding, pipe lagging, and vinyl floor tiles due to its durability and heat-resistant properties.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos
Long-Term Exposure: Any exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lung or abdominal lining). Symptoms of these diseases often do not appear until many years after exposure, laying dormant until too much damage has been done.
Legal Framework: In New Zealand, the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 outline strict guidelines for the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos. These regulations are enforced by WorkSafe New Zealand to ensure public and worker safety.
Identifying Asbestos in Buildings
The next step is to identify if you have asbestos in your building. This can be done in a few different ways.
Asbestos Surveys:
There are two main types of asbestos surveys:
- Management Survey: Aimed at managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during the normal occupation and use of a building.
- Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: Required before any refurbishment or demolition work to identify all ACMs in the building.
Common Indicators:
Asbestos-containing materials are often found in older buildings. Some of the indicators for this are corrugated roofing, old insulation materials, and certain types of floor tiles/vinyls and ceiling panels and exterior cladding.
Professional Assessment:
Hiring licensed asbestos assessors who can accurately identify and assess the presence of asbestos in your property is the key to getting ahead of the problem. They will conduct thorough inspections and provide detailed reports on the condition and location of ACMs. Conducting a thorough risk assessment is the first step in asbestos removal. This involves identifying the types and quantities of asbestos, assessing the condition of the ACMs, and determining the risk to workers and occupants.
Preparing for Asbestos Removal
Now that you have confirmed the presence of asbestos in your building, we move on to the next step – preparing for the removal of asbestos.
Obtaining Permits:
Before starting any asbestos removal work, you must engage a licensed asbestos removalist who must obtain the necessary permits and notify WorkSafe New Zealand. This ensures that all removal activities comply with legal requirements.
Creating a Plan:
The licensed asbestos removalist must draw up a detailed asbestos removal plan, ARCP, including a work method statement that outlines the procedures for safe removal, handling, and disposal of asbestos. The plan should also include emergency procedures and decontamination processes, as well as enclosures and decontamination unit/s.
The Asbestos Removal Process
Encapsulation:
In some cases, encapsulation is used as an alternative to removal. This involves sealing the asbestos-containing material with a special coating to prevent the release of fibres. Encapsulation is often used when the ACMs are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed.
Disposal of Asbestos Waste
Packaging and Labelling:
Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in heavy-duty clear plastic bags or wrapped in clear plastic sheeting. Each bag or package should be clearly labelled with asbestos warning labels to indicate the hazardous nature of the contents.
Transporting:
Asbestos waste must be transported in sealed containers to prevent the release of fibres. The transport vehicle should be labelled and registered for carrying hazardous waste.
Disposal Sites:
Asbestos waste should be taken to approved disposal facilities that are equipped to handle hazardous materials. In New Zealand, these facilities follow strict protocols to ensure the safe and secure disposal of asbestos waste.
Post-Removal Procedures
Decontamination:
Once the asbestos removal is complete, the work area and all equipment used must be thoroughly decontaminated. This involves cleaning surfaces with specialised vacuums and wiping down all equipment to remove any remaining asbestos fibres.
Air Monitoring:
Air tests are conducted by an independent asbestos assessor to ensure that the asbestos fibres in the air are below acceptable levels. This is essential to verify that the area is safe for reoccupation.
Clearance Certificates:
After successful decontamination and air monitoring, a licensed assessor will issue a clearance certificate. This certificate confirms that the area is free from asbestos and safe for occupancy.
Challenges and Considerations
Public Awareness:
Increasing public awareness about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of proper handling is crucial. Many people still underestimate the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Cost Factors:
The cost of asbestos removal can vary widely depending on the extent of the contamination, the type of asbestos, and the complexity of the removal process. Factors such as the size of the area, accessibility, and the need for specialised equipment also influence the cost.
Future Outlook:
Advances in technology and stricter regulations are driving improvements in asbestos management. New methods for detection and removal are being developed, making the process safer and more efficient. The goal is to eventually eliminate the risks associated with asbestos exposure completely.
Conclusion
Asbestos removal is a critical process that requires careful planning, professional assessment, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Understanding the risks, identifying asbestos, and following proper removal and disposal procedures are essential to protecting public health.
If you suspect asbestos on your property, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact a licensed asbestos removal professional, like Contaminated Site Solutions, to ensure the job is done safely and in compliance with New Zealand regulations. For more information, visit the New Zealand Ministry of Health website or WorkSafe NZ. These resources provide comprehensive guidelines and support for dealing with asbestos. You can also get in touch with us for any other queries you might have.