Property Owners: Understanding Asbestos and Its Risks
Understanding Asbestos and Its Risks
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once commonly used in construction materials like insulation, roofing, and flooring. While it has useful properties such as being heat-resistant, asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed. When materials containing asbestos are damaged, tiny fibres can be released into the air. Breathing in these fibres can lead to serious health problems, including:
Asbestosis: A long-term lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue.
Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
Lung Cancer: Increased risk for those who have been exposed to asbestos.
Because of these dangers, New Zealand has strict laws for handling and removing asbestos to keep workers and the public safe.
Laws for Asbestos Removal in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) is the main law governing asbestos management. This law explains the responsibilities of property owners, employers, and workers regarding health and safety. The Asbestos Regulations 2016, part of the HSWA, set specific rules for managing asbestos at work.
Key Regulations and Guidelines
Identifying Asbestos:
Property owners need to check if their buildings have asbestos, especially if they were built before the late 1990s when asbestos use was reduced.
Management Plans:
If asbestos is found, a written management plan must be created. This plan details where the asbestos is located, its condition, and how to safely manage any risks.
Risk Assessments:
Property owners must evaluate the risks posed by asbestos. This includes checking the condition of the materials and how likely they are to be disturbed.
Training and Competency:
Workers who remove asbestos need proper training to understand the risks and how to work safely. This applies to both workers and their supervisors.
Asbestos Removal:
Only licensed professionals can remove asbestos. There are two types of licenses:
Class A: For removing all types of asbestos, including the dangerous friable asbestos (which can easily release fibres).
Class B: For removing non-friable asbestos (which is solid and unlikely to release fibres unless disturbed).
Notification Requirements:
Property owners must inform WorkSafe New Zealand before certain asbestos removal activities, especially if it involves Class A removal or significant amounts of Class B removal.
Air Monitoring:
During removal, air quality might need to be checked to see if asbestos fibres are in the air, especially for larger projects.
Disposal of Asbestos:
Asbestos waste must be taken to licensed landfills that accept hazardous waste. Proper disposal is essential to avoid harming the environment.
Responsibilities of Property Owners
Property owners have several important responsibilities regarding asbestos:
Conducting Surveys: Engage professionals to check for asbestos in your buildings.
Developing Management Plans: If asbestos is found, create plans to manage the risks.
Hiring Licensed Professionals: Always use licensed asbestos removalists to comply with regulations and ensure safety.
Ensuring Worker Safety: Make sure workers involved in removal are trained and prepared to handle asbestos safely.
The Importance of Compliance
Following asbestos removal laws is not just a legal requirement but also vital for protecting the health of workers and the community. Ignoring these rules can lead to heavy fines and legal issues, as well as health risks for workers and residents. This could result in long-term health problems and increased liability for property owners.
Final Words
Asbestos regulations in New Zealand are designed to protect everyone’s health and ensure safe handling of asbestos materials. Property owners must be proactive in identifying, assessing, and managing asbestos to comply with laws and keep people safe. Understanding these regulations and working with licensed professionals can help manage asbestos risks and create safer environments.
If you think your property might contain asbestos, act quickly. Conducting a thorough assessment and creating a solid management plan can prevent health risks and ensure compliance with New Zealand’s strict laws.
If you suspect your property has asbestos, contact us for help with management or removal.
