ASBESTOS AWARENESS CROWN PROPERTY FORUM Victoria Esson Advisor - Health, Safety and Environment

Transcription

1 ASBESTOS AWARENESS CROWN PROPERTY FORUM 2017 Victoria Esson Advisor - Health, Safety and Environment

2 What is asbestos? Asbestos is a group of natural minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Arrived in NZ in the 1940 s but used heavily during the 1980 s. Examples of how widely it was used: - Cladding - Ceiling tiles - Soffits - Roofing - Engine brakes - Lagging - Spouting - Hairdryers - Locomotives - Wall board

3 Why is it a concern? When asbestos is disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air These can be inhaled and cause serious diseases Construction/ demolition industry is likely to have higher exposure rates than other industries due to the nature of work conducted. n.b. A human hair is times larger than blue or brown asbestos fibres

4 What are the health effects? Asbestosis Inflammation in the lungs, forming scar tissue Lung Cancer Cancerous tumours occurring mainly in the lungs Mesothelioma Cancer of the lining of the lungs Pleural Plaques Scar tissue on the outer lining of the lung, chest wall and diaphragm.

5 Identifying Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Residential

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12 Where we find ACM on LINZ RRZ sites Buildings (residential and commercial): Soffits, external cladding, roofing, ceilings, walls, lagging on fireplaces, vinyl.

13 Fence lines: Super 6/8 fences, base of fence lines

14 On Site: Residual asbestos from previous activities on site

15 Managing Asbestos on LINZ Land The Process 1. Asbestos survey conducted. 2. Engage asbestos removalist to remove all asbestos. 3. Asbestos contractor supplies a clearance certificate. 4. Third party contractor supplies a clearance certificate. 5. The clearance contractor starts works.

16 Categorising Risk Category Investigated Outcome Future Use Un-investigated No Yet to be investigated Full constraints, no use allowed Unrestricted Yes No asbestos identified and or asbestos levels are below background levels Controlled Yes Asbestos levels are above background levels but below recreational use criteria Restricted Yes Asbestos located on/in soil or in buildings which is in a deteriorating or broken state No constraints, full use allowed Constraints on ground breaking activities only Full constraints, no use allowed

17 Difficulties that can arise 1. Unknown/ Hidden asbestos Eg: Fence lines, buried underground, packers under houses, garages, fake ceilings, driveways

18 2. Structural Damage Eg: House is structurally insecure or the risk of rock fall is too high, preventing people from surveying or removing suspected asbestos

19 3. Fires Eg: fire in built structure, fire on built structure undergoing work, or fire on bare land with potential residual asbestos.

20 4. Public Eg: Public perception of risk vs the actual risk involved with asbestos

21 Basic Rules: What to do if you find it? Stop works immediately if you suspect ACM is onsite Notify appropriate staff and wait for further direction If you need to continue working, ensure you isolate the contaminated area off and stay well away Inform all effected parties Inform Worksafe NZ Get Independent advice

22 PCBU Requirements- The Regulations (Focus: 10-26) PCBU s in management or control of a workplace are required to reasonably know if there is a risk of exposure to respirable asbestos fibres. Asbestos/ ACM should be identified or treated as asbestos if inaccessible. Exception - if you have reasonable grounds to believe there isn't asbestos/ ACM. This is for buildings only, unless the PCBU has reasonable grounds to believe the soil may contain ACM. Employers need to ensure they educate new employees on how to identify asbestos

23 Regulations continued.. From April 2018, if asbestos or ACM has been identified or likely to occur, a PBCU in management or control of a workplace MUST have a written asbestos management plan. The plan must be kept up to-date and adjusted if anything in the workplace changes. Regulations for demolition and or refurbishment of a building are similar to those outlined above. For more information:

24 PCBU Requirements- Summary A PCBU in management or control of a workplace should have an asbestos survey conducted to identify the presence and location of asbestos or ACM within the building. OR Have reasonable grounds as to why you believe there is no asbestos or ACM in the building. If required, a PCBU in management or control of a workplace must complete a written asbestos management plan.

25 Approved Code of Practice for Management and Removal of Asbestos Asbestos management process

26 Risk on LINZ land The risk of asbestos exposure is relatively low for staff and contractors working on red zoned land. But, its important that when suspected asbestos is discovered, we manage it correctly.

27 Questions?