A Guide to Asbestos Regulations for Commercial Properties
In New Zealand, there are stringent regulations around asbestos, including who is responsible for identifying it in a particular property and what they have to do if they find it. Even though we stopped using asbestos in this country, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a problem.
That’s why asbestos management surveys were invented. They are a way for commercial property owners to access accredited professionals who know where to look for asbestos and what to do if it is found. In this blog post, we’re reviewing the regulations tied to asbestos in commercial properties and offering a solution to concerned property owners who want to do their duties.
The Dangers of Asbestos in Commercial Properties
Asbestos is a natural mineral fibre that was used prior to the 1990s to construct properties all over New Zealand. This material has natural properties that make it useful as insulation, fireproofing, roofing, and even soundproofing. Over the years, it was incorporated into a variety of different materials, which we now call asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs.
Unfortunately, asbestos is also very hazardous. If an ACM is damaged or disturbed, it can release asbestos fibres into the air. If people inhale these fibres, they might experience some serious health issues later in life, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Commercial properties throughout Auckland are still commonly found to have ACMs in the roofing, ceiling tiles, flooring, and even pipe insulation. People who work or operate in these buildings are at risk due to the presence of asbestos, but that risk is heightened when those materials are disturbed.
This is why it’s important for commercial property owners to be aware of whether or not asbestos is present in their properties.
Asbestos Regulations: Your Responsibilities as A PCBU
If a commercial building was built prior to 2000, there’s a chance that there are asbestos-containing materials in it. This means that, as these buildings age and materials deteriorate, the risk of occupants being exposed to asbestos grows.
In short, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) – more commonly, a commercial property owner – is responsible for identifying and managing asbestos on their property. This applies to commercial properties being used for a variety of different reasons, including but not limited to:
- Housing
- Communal residential spaces (hotels or residential halls)
- Communal non-residential spaces (schools, cinemas, and museums)
- Commercial spaces (restaurants, shops, offices, and libraries)
- Industrial spaces (factories, warehouses, aircraft hangars)
- Outbuildings (garages, sheds, and public bathrooms)
- Ancillary facilities (tunnels, jetties, fences, and retaining walls
Your Duties as A PCBU
If you are the owner or operator of a commercial property that falls under any of the above classifications, there are a few duties you must make sure you carry out. They are as follows:
- Identify asbestos in the building. First, you must figure out if there is any asbestos in your building using an asbestos management survey from a professional surveying team.
- Create an asbestos management plan. If asbestos is found, you must work with a professional to create a plan that lays out how the asbestos will either be contained or removed to keep everyone in the building safe.
- Conduct regular inspections. If necessary, ongoing inspections should be scheduled to make sure that any isolated asbestos remains intact and undisturbed.
- Safely remove asbestos. If the asbestos is deteriorating or in a high-risk area, it must be safely removed and disposed of by a professional team.
Skipping these duties can result in some serious penalties, and can also endanger both your life and the lives of anyone else who operates in the building. Luckily, there are services like asbestos sampling and surveys that make identifying and removing asbestos much less stressful than it sounds.
The Role of an Asbestos Management Survey
Companies like ours provide asbestos management surveys as a way for PCBUs like you to carry out your health and safety duties. This survey is essentially a tool for finding any asbestos that might be hidden on your property and then assessing its condition.
Professionals will thoroughly survey the property, taking into account the areas where asbestos is most commonly found, to create a rough picture of where asbestos might be.
From there, they’ll take samples to determine if the materials do actually contain asbestos or not.
If asbestos is found, the condition of the materials containing asbestos will be noted down. Your team will use all of this information to help you come up with a management plan, which is critical for taking your next steps safely.
These surveys are a lot like an annual check-up with your doctor. They’re preventative! They allow you to identify ACMs early and remove them before they become hazardous, protecting everyone in the building (including yourself).
In summary, New Zealand’s stringent regulations around asbestos management are necessary to keep commercial owners and operators safe. By partnering with a professional company that provides asbestos management surveys and subsequent removal plans, you can quickly and safely identify if there is any asbestos present in your commercial property and make a plan for what’s next.
Stay compliant and identify asbestos within your building with a professional asbestos management survey.
At Consultex Environmental, we’re proud to be your asbestos testing specialists. We have a team of IANZ-accredited testing technicians dedicated to providing fast, accurate results on all asbestos testing.
We also offer asbestos management surveys to help commercial property owners like you determine their next steps if asbestos is found. Get in touch with us to arrange your survey today.