30 | AR Plus T T Lindy Andrews Asbestos still poses a serious health risk In New Zealand homes, asbestos is most commonly found in textured – or popcorn – ceilings, as well as in the backing of vinyl and linoleum flooring, cladding and soffits. “If it is not properly and safely removed using Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), there is a real risk that it will get into your lungs.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Thirty-seven years after the Government banned asbestos in building materials it remains New Zealand’s foremost workplace killer, with around 220 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases. Amy McKeown, of Tauranga’s AR Plus, doesn’t pull any punches. “Asbestosis is a cruel, slow-burning disease. It slowly suffocates people.” Preferred suppliers to Ministry of Education, the company’s team of 13 Class A and Class B certified specialists are busy removing asbestos from commercial, industrial and residential buildings across the North Island. In New Zealand homes, asbestos is most commonly found in textured – or popcorn – ceilings, as well as in the backing of vinyl and linoleum flooring, cladding and soffits. In older buildings – and ships – it is found in everything from pipe lagging, and boiler rooms, to super 6 iron fencing/roofs, cladding, and even the rope seal on chimneys. “It was an amazing insulator,” Amy says. “You find it in old churches all around the organ pipes, because it also has great acoustic qualities. The main property of asbestos is its iron content. Once it’s inhaled, it starts to rust and spreads slowly through the lungs.” Left alone, asbestos is safe, but once it is disturbed tiny fibres are released into the air and easily inhaled. Amy urges building owners not to take chances. “If it is not properly and safely removed using Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), there is a real risk that it will get into your lungs.” Although asbestos building products were phased out in 1987, suppliers continued using up stock into the early 1990s. Free quotes for asbestos removal are available for commercial and residential properties across Tauranga and the Central North Island. Testing is simple and inexpensive. Building owners can take a sample themselves and drop it off at AR Plus, or the AR Plus team will do it for them. “If we come to your place – depending where you live – we can take samples without contaminating the home and take them to the lab for $160 plus GST.” Health and Safety legislation also prevents builders and renovators from removing Decramastic roof tiles; however, because it’s encased in the bitumen adhesive, the risk of exposure is extremely low. Because asbestos is not always easy to identify and the risks to people handling or living around it are so high, AR Plus also runs in-depth awareness courses. Amy’s husband Jarrod has been in the asbestos-removal business for 30 years, restoring ceilings by removing asbestos and finishing with plastering and painting. “When it became necessary to develop a complete health and safety system he came off the tools and went full-time into running the business. He has built a lot of good relationships over the years,” Amy explains. AR Plus counts Kainga Ora, Ministry of Education, Marra Construction, Arrowsmith Limited, Livingstone Builders, Sure Trade, Sure Trade Coastal, Cooper Young, and Penny Homes TCC among its extensive client base. Its plastering and painting division is the preferred supplier for Bay Rebuilds insurance work, Oncore Services, Penny Homes, Arrowsmith Limited, Marra Construction and many residential customers. Satori Technology are proud to work alongside AR Plus as their trusted Technology Partners. We o er open, honest, and timely solutions tailored to your needs. We believe in thinking di erently, taking a holistic approach that begins with understanding your business. By adopting a whole-business view, we deliver IT solutions that enhance profitability, add value to your services, and improve processes and productivity. Your Trusted Technology Partner P: 07 213 0982 support@satoritech.co.nz 117 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui 3116 Talk to our friendly team today. www.satoritechnology.co.nz Dedicated to providing our clients with reliable and stress-free audio visual hire solutions to ensure the smooth running of their events. 07 957 1846 | 029 251 8846 info@anyav.co.nz anyav.co.nz Hamilton Projectors,LED Screens, Conference Systems Sound Systems, Zoom meetings, Video Cameras Live Streaming, Lighting and more
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