76 | Dealing with the asbestos problem Chris Saunders and the Hazmat crew - the company works throughout the Wellington region as far north as Levin. Hazmat T T Virginia Wright “My overarching goal is to make more people aware of asbestos and its inherent dangers....” CONTRACTING Chris Saunders is the owner-operator of Lower Hutt-based Hazmat, an asbestos-testing, surveying and removal company. Established six years ago, the company quickly progressed from asbestos testing to getting first their B-class removal accreditation, which is limited to items like roofs and claddings, then their A-class accreditation, which allows you to do all types of asbestos removal. Typical residential features with A-class asbestos include vinyl with papery backing and textured ceilings. The removal of either involves having to control the air. “Basically, you set up a tent to create a sealed environment and run it at a particular air pressure so it’s a lot more complicated than a B-class job, which is more about the correct protective gear and disposal,” explains Chris. With a current staff of 11, they work throughout the Wellington region as far north as Levin, and with the prevalence of asbestos in New Zealand’s building stock, much of which was built through the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s when asbestos was widely used, there is plenty of work to go on with. I t is considered so hazardous that it is illegal to remove asbestos yourself, the only exception being if it is non-friable, which is typically what’s found in fibre-cement cladding, and then only if it measures less than 10sqm. ‘It’s a known carcinogen. Loose asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer, so if you’re a DIY person or even a tradesperson who’s not experienced you could end up breathing the fibres into your lung tissue if you don’t follow the right procedures with the right equipment,” says Chris. He is concerned enough about the dangers of asbestos that he has created a series of podcasts, including one explaining the procedures to follow in order to safely remove it. “My overarching goal is to make more people aware of asbestos and its inherent dangers, and in this modern age putting out a lot of free information is also a good way to advertise what Hazmat does,” says Chris. He is personally involved in all the jobs they do, and while many companies just carry out testing or removal, Hazmat does testing, surveying and removal. “We’re experienced in all aspects of asbestos and we’re an efficient onestop-shop, which makes it easier for clients,” he explains. A little-known legal requirement for building owners, landlords and PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking), specified under the Health and Safety Act, is that they have a duty to map out, or survey, anything that is asbestos in their building if other people are in it. That way, no tradespeople will be caught unawares if, for example, they drill into a ceiling to put a new light in. “It’s a legal obligation to know that asbestos is there, it’s all about safety so someone can treat it correctly or avoid the job, but they’re not just going to disturb it and then have other people or themselves breathing the dust in or taking it home on their clothes to their family,” explains Chris. The legislation is clear that you have to know about it and manage it, and while it doesn’t specify that you have to remove it, if you decide that is what you would rather have done, and you are in the wider Wellington region, then Hazmat can sort it out for you from start to finish. Are you planning a demo or renovation project? We work on a variety of jobs from high-end fit-outs to full site demolition. We assist you throughout the process, from the initial asbestos survey, sampling, and asbestos management, to the final removal clearance report. With a focus on quality surveying, communication, and our knowledge of the New Zealand asbestos industry, we are the company for your next project. Steve Elden-Gray 027 477 8673 steve@traceasbestos.co.nz 04 568 4140 info@beaconsafety.co.nz Latest asbestos equipment and consumable supplies – always raising the bar Face Fit testing using the quantitative method for optimal safety Unbeatable hire equipment prices Direct manufacturer – quality and expertise guaranteed with Beacon Safety
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