Engaging the Right Asbestos Assessor
In New Zealand, asbestos removal processes demand strict compliance with safety standards, requiring an independent asbestos assessor to verify and clear sites once removal work has been completed.
Under legislation, this assessor must be independent of the removal contractor, ensuring objective results for a safer working environment. However, some clients, seeking to reduce initial costs, may choose assessors based solely on price, often overlooking the critical role that thorough assessment plays in managing overall project costs and safety.
Risks of Engaging Inadequate Assessors
Incomplete Surveys and Limited Testing: Choosing an assessor based solely on low cost often results in surveys lacking thoroughness, with missed tests and inaccessible areas overlooked. These gaps can leave hazardous materials undetected, increasing contamination risks. Incomplete surveys also rely on assumptions, meaning presumed items must be treated as asbestos, leading to unnecessary, costly removals that drive up the project budget.
Potential Project Delays and Variation Costs: Inadequate surveys can lead to unexpected asbestos discoveries mid-project, causing costly pauses to re-establish containment and update plans. A thorough assessor minimises these risks, helping avoid expensive interruptions and re-establishment fees.
Failing Clearances and Impractical Demands: Inexperienced assessors may rigidly interpret regulations, leading to unnecessary clearance failures and costly demands. A reputable assessor balances compliance with practicality, focusing on real safety risks rather than generating repeat inspections or excessive clearance requirements.
Advantages of Engaging a Qualified and Experienced Asbestos Assessor
Hiring a reliable and well-qualified asbestos assessor provides numerous long-term benefits. These include:
Accurate and Thorough Reporting: A reputable assessor will conduct a detailed survey that identifies all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without unnecessary presumptions, reducing the volume of asbestos that must be removed and therefore the associated costs.
Reduced Risk of Project Disruptions: Comprehensive initial assessments ensure that all asbestos is identified and managed before work begins, minimising the need for costly project pauses or containment re-establishment.
Reasonable and Practical Clearance Requirements: An experienced assessor understands both regulatory requirements and practical site demands, clearing sites efficiently without imposing excessive measures or repeat inspections, allowing the project to stay on schedule and within budget.
Final Words
While choosing a cheaper asbestos assessor may seem like an initial cost-saving, it can ultimately lead to incomplete surveys, costly project variations, and even project delays. By investing in a competent, experienced, and thorough assessor from the outset, clients ensure not only regulatory compliance but also the safety and efficiency of the entire asbestos removal process.
While we cannot engage an asbestos assessor directly, we can share feedback and insights based on our extensive experience working with various assessors. This guidance can be invaluable in helping clients select an assessor who aligns with their specific needs.
Our expertise allows us to identify when significant high-risk items may have been overlooked in a survey, so we can alert clients to potential gaps that, if left unaddressed, could impact project safety, compliance, and costs. By choosing the right assessor, clients benefit from a comprehensive survey and reduced risks down the line.
