Working Space | Asbestos
Do you understand your asbestos obligations? The Health & Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations came into effect in April 2016. “Three years on and many businesses and building owners still have a way to go when it comes to meeting their obligations,” says Rikki Jones, president for the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA). Asbestos was commonly used in building products from the 1940s onwards, and as a result, many New Zealand schools and facilities built before 1 January 2000 are likely to contain some form of asbestos materials. Exposure to asbestos dust can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory disorders and cancer.
Asbestos that is in good condition and undisturbed doesn’t pose a significant health and safety risk. However, there is a risk of asbestos fibres being released and disturbed during refurbishment and routine maintenance tasks. It is therefore important that everyone working in and on such buildings understands the potential risks and how to safely manage these. The asbestos regulations require that all Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), such as schools, ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all asbestos in their buildings and facilities is identified and that any risks that may lead to exposure are minimised or managed.
ASBESTOS SAMPLING, ANALYSIS, AIR MONITORING AND AWARENESS TRAINING THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND Environmental and Industrial Analysis Group (EIAG) are committed to supplying quality analytical results and consultation services professionally with true value to clients throughout New Zealand. This level of quality is achieved through the adoption of a Laboratory Quality Management System that meets the requirement of ISO 17025 and IANZ ‘General Criteria for Accreditation’ and reflects the competence of the laboratory to existing clients, potential clients and independent authorities. EIAG have a professional and methodical approach when undertaking your air quality assessments, surveys, inspections, and project management. Christchurch (Head Office): 8 Opawa Road, Waltham, Christchurch Wellington Office: Unit 9, 69 Kaiwharawhara Road, Wadestown, Wellington
Call: +64 3 377 4314
Email: admin@eiag.co.nz
www.eiag.co.nz
Fibresafe
– the asbestos experts Asbestos is something that we all have the potential to come into contact with, and although it is common knowledge that asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can be a hazard to health, not all ACMs pose the same risk. Donald Napier of Fibresafe NZ Ltd says “We see our role as being here to provide help and support, assess risk and advise people.
THE EXPERTS IN ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT Asbestos Consultation Asbestos Management Plans Asbestos Management Surveys Asbestos Refurb & Demo Surveys Licensed Asbestos Assessors Asbestos Sampling of Soils Air Quality Testing 0800 333 212 WWW.FIBRESAFE.CO.NZ info@fibresafe.co.nz 34 | Term 3, 2019 www.principalstoday.co.nz
“Education facilities are notorious for containing a wide variety of ACMs however, there is no need to be anxious; the best approach is to become more aware of the risks around you, and not to bury your head in the sand,” Donald says. “We like to focus on changing people’s understanding and attitude towards asbestos, ensuring those in positions of responsibility can make informed decisions. We offer testing, surveys, detection and analysis, soil and air sampling and environmental consulting, including working with our clients to produce effective asbestos management plans.” Now is the right time for businesses and Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to take a positive approach to the management of ACMs. Asbestos is all around us, but dealing with the problem needn’t be an intimidating or daunting process. The Fibresafe NZ team are friendly, approachable, have a wealth of experience, and operate nationwide.
They are highly trained and qualified to an international standard and independently accredited, being the first in New Zealand to gain the accreditation through International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) to undertake the company’s range of asbestos services. Whether you need just a sample or two for a yes or no answer, or if you need a survey to locate asbestos materials for management, refurbishment or demolition purposes, get in touch. If effective asbestos management and compliance with health and safety legislation is your goal, Fibresafe NZ can help you out.