Asbestos

Asbestos

Asbestos exposure is a serious health issue that is under-reported and often un-recognised in New Zealand. If your building was constructed prior to 1990 it is highly likely to contain asbestos in some form. Asbestos is the single biggest cause of deaths from work-related disease. We believe that every person is entitled to live in a safe environment free from harmful chemicals, compounds and organisms.

At Trafalgar Painting Company Limited we are committed to restoring your home or workplace to a safe and acceptable standard. We provide health & safety protocols above industry standards and current legal requirements. Our testing and removal processes are consistent, professional and methodical.

With all staff trained in asbestos testing and removal, we undertake work throughout the top of the South Island.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral which was popular in building materials. Although it isn’t uncommon to find it in your home, if it is well maintained and not disturbed, it generally will not cause any problems. If your home or business site was built before 1990 the chances of materials containing asbestos in your home are high.

Asbestos removal is a serious task and should only be handled by a licensed removal company with experienced staff. When asbestos becomes friable (breaks down or becomes crumbly), the loose fibres can be inhaled. Inhalation of asbestos fibres leads to serious health concerns and can be potentially fatal to you and your family.

If you begin to see signs of wear and tear in an area of your home containing asbestos, then the chance of loose fibres increases along with the risk to you. Activities such as sanding, cutting or drilling can also release loose fibres.

Trafalgar Painting Company Ltd have years of experience dealing with the removal of asbestos from ceilings, windows and door panels, sprayed coatings, pipe insulation, floor tiles, vinyl and any other area that incorporates the material.

Asbestos isn’t a DIY job and requires professional assistance, filtration equipment and disposal to eliminate the possibility of the fibres being released.

Asbestos Testing Process

By law preliminary air testing must be carried out by a licensed assessor who will test for precise cleanliness of the site, these tests are sent away to an accredited laboratory. When cleared, the assessor will issue a Certificate of Clearance which allows reoccupation of the site. Then, it’s on to the asbestos survey. The survey process includes:

-Survey planning, initial site visit and scope. This process is important and is always completed.

-A physical inspection and assessment of the site, buildings and/or surrounding areas of concern as specified by the client.

-Small samples of material, dust wipes and/or soil samples are taken to determine if they contain asbestos and sent to an accredited laboratory.

-A report is then written detailing the condition of the materials found and listing remedial recommendations.

-An asbestos register is created listing all asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) found in the area surveyed.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is a specialist division with all participating employees trained and guided by a certified supervisor holding a Certificate of Competence.

All employees partake in individual and regular respirator fitness testing, hearing test and spirometry monitoring. WorkSafe NZ are notified before any physical work takes place, and site management documents are prepared to monitor the entire process.

The areas being treated are fully enclosed and sealed air-tight with vapor tests initiated to guarantee there are no air leaks. The only way in and out of the affected area is through a decontamination chamber. We can remove asbestos from height, confined spaces, and heritage sites.

Maintaining Asbestos Products in a Safe Condition

We endeavour to keep ACM’s in the safest condition possible.

Disposal of asbestos waste is pre-organised and a dangerous goods manifest is issued by your local council before travelling. The waste is then moved to an approved hazardous waste landfill.

We ensure complete site clean-up and decontamination and our equipment is regularly serviced for fitness of purpose and electrical safety.