Asbestos is a toxic substance that was formerly used in construction and building. Nowadays, it is prohibited, yet most of the old structures, as well as locations, contain asbestos in the ground or beneath floors.
Asbestos should be securely removed when these places are renovated or redeveloped. It keeps individuals and the environment safe against severe health consequences.
Here, we discuss the steps in asbestos site cleanup, how the asbestos site treatment process takes place, and the distinctiveness of soil asbestos remediation in VIC. As a property owner, builder, or developer, knowledge of these steps would help you stay safe in line with the law.
Cost Factors of Asbestos Site Cleanup
Asbestos decontamination of a contaminated location may be very expensive, but the overall cost may vary due to some core determinants. The knowledge of the same can guide your planning of the budget.
- Extent of the Area of Injury
Smaller ones also require less work, equipment, and time, so it should typically be logical to expand to a larger area. When the contamination is more extensive in depth or in an expansive area, it can soon be expensive.
- The kind and quantity of asbestos
There are different costs in terms of asbestos existing in bonded form (less dangerous) or friable form (high risk). Those hazardous materials that are more risky must be controlled more strictly, and this justifies the price.
- Access and Site Terms
Heavy machinery can be challenging to operate in the case of hard-to-access sites or sites with narrow spaces. This may affect the pace of work and increase labour expenses.
- Requirements of testing and reporting
This increases the cost through laboratory testing, air monitoring, and relevant government reports. The actions need to be safe and legal.
- Disposal Fees
Asbestos waste should be taken to licensed sites, and it is subject to a tipping fee. The final expense also includes transportation and safe packaging.
Step-by-Step Guide: Site Remediation Process Asbestos
Safe and successful asbestos remediation is a well-defined procedure that is regulated by local rules. The following are the standard steps for contaminated site asbestos removal and cleaning up an asbestos site:
- Preliminary Site Assessment
This forms the initial step of cleaning up asbestos. Professionals investigate the history of the site with the aim of ensuring that asbestos may be present. They look up the previous records of buildings, previous uses of land, and site maps. This enables them to determine where there are chances to hide asbestos before any practical work starts on the site.
- Inspection & Sampling
Should postulation of asbestos occur, then licensed consultants will examine the region. They take the soil samples at the surface and the deeper levels. They also search for pieces of breaking asbestos and even examine the quality of the air. Such samples are sent to a laboratory. This is written in a detailed report known as a Site Contamination Report (SCR) or Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI).
- Risk Assessment
A full risk assessment is performed after sampling is carried out. It examines the extent of asbestos, the depth thereof, and the propagation thereof. Expertise also looks at who may be at risk, be it the workers, residents, or the generality. They also check how the land will be used in the future in order to plan safe, effective remediation.
- Remediation Action Plan (RAP)
The particulars of how the site will be cleaned are defined in the Remediation Action Plan. It comprises the means of asbestos removal, safety equipment needed, disposal of wastes, and required legal clearance. It establishes time frames and safety checkups as well. In Victoria, RAP should be accepted by EPA Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, and only then can work be started on-site.
- Soil Remediators Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removed from the soil is reached by trained contractors who have a safe method of eradicating it. They can mine it out by hand or machinery. Fibres are prevented from spreading in the air with the help of water. The garbage is packaged and carried to authorised landfills. In case it is not feasible to remove it, they may cover it with asbestos where it is in position with methods of capping.
Ending Note
Working on a site in which asbestos is involved is not a matter to be trifled with. It must be handled by professionals and planned and followed with by-the-book safety procedures. Soil testing and asbestos waste removal, as well as all the other steps involved in the site remediation of asbestos, are meant to safeguard both the workers, neighbours, and future occupants of the land.
When you have asbestos issues, do not wait any longer. All one needs is a phone call to professional help. Contact Asbestos Victoria now to work with a reputable, secure, and compliant asbestos site remediation contractor in VIC.