1

Plan for assessment process of asbestos removal.

1.1

Scope, timelines and budget for the project are negotiated with the client and asbestos removalist or supervisor.

1.2

Type of asbestos containing material (ACM), its location, friability and condition are identified by reference to the asbestos register and consultation with workplace personnel and client.

1.3

Legislation, regulations, code of practice and standards are researched and confirmed to inform the planning process, identify risk and ensure a compliant and independent assessment process.

1.4

Required reports are identified and undertaken in a timely manner and according to the requirements of the specific audience and the legislation, regulations, code of practice and standards.

1.5

Characteristics of and health impacts from exposure to ACM and the rationale for air-monitoring processes are researched and confirmed.

1.6

Accreditation framework and roles and responsibilities of personnel involved are identified and understood.

1.7

Processes used in the compliant removal of friable and non-friable asbestos using enclosures and leak testing, decontamination units, airline respirators and negative pressure equipment are identified and understood.

1.8

Work-site documentation is collected, reviewed and used to inform the planning process.

1.9

Areas within the work site where measurements are to be taken are defined.

1.10

Measuring equipment specific to the hazard and condition of the ACM, the environment, the activities being carried out and level of risk is selected.

1.11

Limits of own expertise and available equipment are recognised and expert advice and equipment sought as appropriate.

1.12

Equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), required to carry out the job is identified and sourced.

1.13

Planning is documented and confirmed with the client, asbestos removalist and supervisor.

2

Prepare to collect site measurements and other data.

2.1

Arrangements are made with work site to collect information and data, including advising those involved of requirements to facilitate the measurement and monitoring process.

2.2

Site visit is conducted and a visual inspection is completed according to legislation, regulations, code of practice and standards.

2.3

Effective air monitor locations for each asbestos removal task are identified and recorded.

2.4

Sampling process is defined according to the standards specified for membrane filter method for estimating airborne asbestos fibres and in consultation with relevant site personnel.

2.5

Sampling schedule and strategy are defined after site inspection and in consultation with asbestos removalist and work site manager or supervisor.

2.6

Air-monitoring program consisting of locations and schedule is developed and provided to asbestos removalist and supervisor.

2.7

Operability of monitoring equipment is checked according to manufacturer specifications, organisational procedures and professional standards.

3

Use measuring devices to collect site information and data.

3.1

Air-monitoring equipment is selected, calibration records are checked, equipment is calibrated and appropriate flow rate is determined according to accredited laboratory requirements and professional standards.

3.2

Equipment is used and maintained correctly to accurately collect data.

3.3

Workplace safety procedures are followed during the collection process.

3.4

Required volumes of samples are collected with minimum damage and disruption to the fabric, according to the membrane filter method, labelled and the filter holders replaced according to the sampling schedule and plan.

3.5

Information and data are collected and results recorded noting where samples were taken and ensuring compliance with chain of custody protocols.

3.6

Processes are put into place and checks made to ensure all data is collected under the control of a NATA or other accredited laboratory and according to industry standards and legislative requirements.

3.7

Equipment is dismantled, decontaminated and parts or equipment disposed of according to regulations, code of practice and workplace procedures.

3.8

Equipment is stored correctly or made ready for re-use.

3.9

Sampling equipment is serviced and maintained according to professional standards and manufacturer specifications.

4

Complete the monitoring process.

4.1

Filter is labelled and prepared for despatch to the laboratory, ensuring correct handling procedures for filters and chain of custody requirements.

4.2

Confirmation of the exact nature of fibres is sought where necessary.

4.3

Samples are retained and stored in labelled containers.

4.4

Site set-up, removal, breakdown and decontamination procedures are overseen according to legislative and code of practice requirements.

4.5

Documentation and processes to ensure the compliant transportation of samples are implemented.

5

Evaluate and document results of monitoring process according to accredited laboratory requirements.

5.1

Results received from the NATA or other accredited laboratory are interpreted and evaluated against the recognised standard.

5.2

Further calculations are performed as required on the technical data received from the NATA or other accredited laboratory.

5.3

Outcomes from the technical analysis are documented.

5.4

Concise, logical and accurate report is prepared that addresses regulatory requirements and is in the form required by audience.

5.5

Work site is visually inspected to ensure compliance with procedures prior to issuing a clearance certificate.

5.6

Clearance certificate is completed according to legislative, regulatory and code of practice requirements.

5.7

Recommendations are made regarding exposure and control monitoring processes.

5.8

Results and records are retained and stored in a readily retrievable format according to regulatory requirements and standards.