Hazardous Materials Surveys in Perth

Asbestos is the most prevalent hazard in older Australian buildings and is the primary focus of every hazmat survey. We identify and document all suspected asbestos-containing materials across the site, from fibre cement cladding, textured ceiling coatings and vinyl floor tiles through to pipe lagging, duct insulation and fire door linings. Sampling is conducted under chain of custody where visual confirmation is not sufficient to include or exclude a material from the documented register.

Lead paint was used extensively on interior and exterior surfaces of buildings constructed before 1970 and remained common through the late 1970s across WA. Demolition, sanding and strip-out work generates lead-contaminated dust that presents a significant inhalation and ingestion exposure risk to workers and can spread beyond the immediate work area. All suspect painted surfaces are assessed and, where sampling is needed, a paint chip sample or XRF reading is taken and documented in the hazardous materials register.

Glass wool, slag wool and rock wool insulation installed in roof cavities, wall cavities and around ductwork before the mid-1990s can release fine inhalable fibres during demolition or strip-out activity. These materials are identified and included in the hazard register so that appropriate controls can be specified and applied during the works, and disposal can be managed correctly and cost-effectively.

PCBs were used in electrical transformers, capacitors and some older fluorescent light ballasts installed before 1986. They are a controlled hazardous substance under environmental legislation and require specialist disposal by an appropriately licensed operator. Their presence in the building must be identified and their controlled removal managed before demolition of the affected electrical infrastructure proceeds.

Older refrigeration systems, air conditioning equipment and fire suppression systems may contain ozone-depleting substances including R22 refrigerant and Halon, both of which require controlled recovery by licensed operators before the equipment is disturbed, dismantled or demolished. These are identified during the survey and flagged for specialist handling prior to the demolition or strip-out.

Older fluorescent light tubes, thermometers, barometers, some thermostats and certain scientific or medical instruments can contain mercury. These items are identified during the survey and flagged for specialist collection and disposal before demolition proceeds, as mercury is a controlled substance that cannot be disposed of as ordinary general waste and requires specific handling.

Bituminous waterproofing compounds, roof coatings and certain asphalt floor finishes used before the 2003 ban can contain asbestos fibres. These products are encountered during demolition and strip-out work on older commercial and industrial premises and are assessed and documented as part of a comprehensive hazardous materials survey.