Asbestos is officially recognised as the “number one killer” in the New Zealand workplace, according to WorkSafe New Zealand and government guidelines require all property owners to undertake a registered asbestos survey.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE REQUIREMENTS?
Buildings altered, refurbished or built from 1940 until the mid-1980s are likely to contain ACMs. Therefore, all landlords and ‘Persons Conducting a Business or an Undertaking’ (PCBUs), as defined by the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015), have responsibilities. These include:
Checking for the presence or absence of asbestos on your property;
Assessment of the risks from asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), and identifying suitable ways to control them; and
Development of an asbestos management plan to set out strategies to manage asbestos in the workplace.
Those affected include commercial landlords, government departments and agencies, local councils, utility and service providers, schools and early childhood education services, charities and any private landowners or business.
WHAT IF A BUSINESS OR PROPERTY OWNER DOESN’T COMPLY?
If property owners (with commercial gain) don’t comply, WorkSafe NZ will have the authority to issue fines or prosecute.
How can 4sight consultants help?
Our team of recognised professionals have extensive experience in identifying asbestos and other hazardous substances, assessing risk, identifying management strategies, and providing awareness and health and safety training.
Our team are currently registered Asbestos Assessors and are qualified to manage all aspects of asbestos risks.
We pride ourselves on providing timely and cost-effective advice to our clients while maintaining regulatory and environmental integrity.
Our services include:
Testing, Surveying and Auditing (Management, demolition/refurbishment, pre-works assessments);
Project management, scoping and advice;
Developing Asbestos Registers;
Asbestos Management Plans;
Review of Asbestos Removal Control Plans;
Monitoring and clearance assessments associated with asbestos removal;
Soil investigations;
Asbestos Abatement and Management Methodologies;
Asbestos-related work oversight; and
Training around asbestos awareness and eliminating exposure to risks.
Get in touch with our Principal Land and Water Quality Consultant James Blackwell here for more information.