Frequently asked questions

Many hazardous materials cannot be identified safely by appearance or smell. Age, previous use and installed materials provide clues but do not replace a suitable investigation. Sampling and laboratory analysis may be necessary where there is a concern.

Before work begins, the building and use history, available records and existing findings are reviewed. In older or industrial buildings, it must be established whether suspect materials may be present or there are reasonable grounds for concern. If the available information is insufficient for the risk assessment, a professional survey, sampling and laboratory analysis may be required.

Transport, material separation and orderly disposal can form part of the agreed scope. Routes, quantities and required records are clarified in advance.

That depends on the contamination, location of work zones, protection arrangements and building use. Continued use is possible only where work and occupied areas can be separated safely and project-specific requirements are met.

Duration depends on area, materials, investigation results, access, protection measures and disposal routes. A dependable programme can be given after the site visit and review of records.

Useful information includes the site address and type, description of the work, photographs, plans, areas and quantities, available hazardous-material or laboratory reports, access information and the required programme.

Asbestos work can be carried out only where the legal conditions, competence evidence and approvals required for the specific assignment are in place. The possible scope is clarified after the findings and project conditions have been reviewed.