Hazardous Building Materials may be found on existing sites and new sites that pose a significant risk to the health of the occupants. Hazardous materials include:
Existing School Sites. Where works are proposed on an existing school site, a Hazardous Materials inspection and report should be conducted. In most cases such reports have been undertaken.
New School Sites. Where a new school is to be developed a Hazardous materials study is to be conducted.
Australian Standard 2601 Demolition of Structures requires that the structures and all parts of the site should be examined in order to determine the presence of hazardous materials before commencement of any renovation or demolition.
Inspection should be conducted by organisations with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation complying with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO.IEC 17020 for the inspection of hazardous materials (HazMat) including asbestos.
Hazardous Materials inspection reports should be produced in accordance with the requirements of the various Safe Work Australia “Codes of Practice” for the management and control of hazardous substances.
Where hazardous materials are found a Hazardous Materials Management Plan should be prepared:
Note that DoE have management plans for some types of hazardous materials.
The most common hazardous substances identified on school sites are:
Schools built before 1970 are likely to contain some lead based paint. The usage of lead based paint has decreased and if the building was constructed after 1970 it can be generally assumed that the paint will not pose a problem.
Lead Hazards
Lead particles are released when old paint containing lead is damaged or peels and collects as dust flakes in ceiling, wall and floor voids. If dust is generated it must be contained and / or removed.
If runoff contains lead particles it must be contained. Lead is extremely hazardous being a cumulative poison and even small levels in the body can have severe effects. The stripping of lead-based paint and the disposal of contaminated waste must be carried out with all care.
WHS Risk Assessment
Under the NSW WHS act and regulation requirements, there is a requirement for those managing a school site to ensure that a safe environment is maintained for students, staff and visitors.
As with all potentially hazardous materials and substances where the hazard or risk are identified, an assessment is to be undertaken of the potential risk to those who may come in contact with the hazardous substance (i.e. lead based paint).
The risk assessment is to determine the approach to be followed in the management of the risk and could include options of:
Paint Removal
All work is to be undertaken as set out in the Australian Standards.
Emergency remedial work should be undertaken when required to secure the material surface, when staff, students and visitors are not present.
Rectification work is to be undertaken outside of school hours or during holiday periods, when the area is not in use.
NSW Department of Education have developed an Asbestos Management Plan to give detailed direction on the management of Asbestos that may be found on a school site.
DoE also maintain an Asbestos Register which provides details of school sites where asbestos has been identified.
http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/supplying-to-us/asbestos-register
Where asbestos has been identified or discovered, the relevant authorities are to be informed and procedures implemented for the assessment and management of the Asbestos in line with the DoE Asbestos management procedures.
Refer to the DoE Asbestos register and Asbestos Management Plan.
http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/supplying-to-us/asbestos-register
Hazardous waste is disposed of safely so that human beings and the environment are protected from the harmful effects of the waste.
All waste is disposed of in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements for the type of waste.