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Item 8.4 - Attachment 1 |
Draft Asbestos Policy |
Draft Asbestos Policy
Policy Number
Table of
Contents
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Aim
and Objectives
1.3 Definitions
1.4 Development
Process
1.5 Development
that does not require consent
1.6 Asbestos
Waste Disposal Facilities
1.7 Response
to Requests/Complaints (Public Place)
1.8 Response
to Requests/Complaints (Private property)
1.9 Training
Needs ‘Council Staff’
1.10 Resources
1.11 Administration
1.1Introduction
This
policydocument
sets out Parramatta City Council’s policy and procedures for the management of
asbestos.
Asbestos
is a naturally occurring mineral which has been mined and then processed (using a variety of mixersd
andwith a
binders) for use
in a variety of waysand
shaped for its specific use. It was used extensively in the
construction industry in due to
Its unique properties includingof tensile strength, stability at high
temperature, resistance to chemicals and corrosion and its insulating
properties.
Under NSW
legislation, material that contains asbestos is referred to as either ‘friable’
or
‘bonded’ and .
Definitions of these two forms are described
more extensively later inprovided
in the ‘definitions” section of this policy.
Asbestos can be found in many buildings that were
constructed prior to the mid
1980s, its uses were many and varied and included
but were not limited to the following:
Materials that are referred to as ‘Bbonded asbestos’ include:
material
· asbestos cement pipes (used such asfor
electrical, water, drainage and fire
protection purposes)lue
pipes.
· electrical
metering boards.
· flat
(fibro), corrugated or compressed asbestos cement sheeting used in roof and
wall cladding
Materials that are referred to as ‘Ffriable asbestos’ include material:
· Sprayed limpet
· Millboard
· boiler
lagging
Asbestos
inappropriately buried
Asbestos is commonly referred to as fibro because it’s
extensive use in housing construction.
Any
asbestos cement product is subject
to;:
· Weathering.
· Hail
severely damaged.
by hail,
· Ddamaged
by heat/fire or other mechanical action.
,
· Damage fromor
illegal water blasting if it is
a friable asbestos.
The presence
of asbestos (which may also be referred to as fibro) does
not constitute a danger if it is in good condition and is not
disturbed. However it is hazardous when disturbed during
demolition, renovation or mishap, as the fibres may be released into the air
and remain suspended for a considerable time allowing for their inhalation.
These fibres may remain in the human body for years before causing diseases
such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Materials
that are suspected of containing asbestos should be inspected and tested by
suitably qualified and experienced people before they are disturbed. It is not
possible to establish if a material contains asbestos by simpley inspection alone looking
at it. Doubtful material should be treated as containing asbestos.
Some materials are clearly labelled as containing asbestos.
1.2 Aim and Objective
The aim of
this policy is to set a frame work
to:
· C• control
and regulate the removal or repair of asbestos in the development process.;
· • pProvide
information and educational material on the handling of asbestos.
; and
• rRespond to inquiries and complaints
regarding theits
use or misuse of asbestos.
The
objectives of this policy are to:
· • Encourage
the safe handling and removal of asbestosmaterials containing asbestos.
materials; and
· • Provide
consistent Council procedures for asbestos handling and removal.
Area to which policy applies
This policy
applies to all land located
with the local government area of within
the Parramatta City Council.Area,
1.3 Definitions
For the
purpose of this policy, the following definitions will apply:
Approved
hours means– the permissible hours of
construction work specified in any approval or development consent authorising building worksgranted by Council..
Asbestos means– any generic
term for a number of fibrous silicate minerals and is comprised of. There are two major groups being of
asbestos:
· • The serpentine group contains chrysotile,
commonly known as white asbestos;
· • The
amphibole group contains amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos)
as well as some other less common types, which are tremolite, actinolite and
anthophyllite.
Bonded
asbestos means – Aany material containing asbestos in a
bonded matrix (and includes products that. It may consist of Portland cement or
various resin/binders) and it cannot be crushed by hand.
Construction
site means– Aany land or building where work or
preparation for building (including the remediation of contaminated land),
demolition, erection, and/or excavation is being carried out and also includes
any work associated with vehicle delivery and pick up from the site.
Council – means Parramatta City Council.
Demolition means– Tthe
complete or partial dismantling of a structure.
Development – Hhas
the meaning given to that termascribed
to it in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Friable
asbestos means – Aany
material containing asbestos which is in the form of a powder, or can be
crushed by hand when dry.
Fibro – Also known as fibro cement.
PPE means all items of protective clothing or other protective equipment that comply with all laws and
requirements relating to the safe handling of asbestos– Personal Protective Equipment.
NATA
accredited laboratory means a
laboratory that has been accredited by the-
National Association of Testing Authorities
- NATA
accreditation provides a means of
determining, formally recognising and promoting the competence of facilities to perform specific types of
testing, inspection, calibration, and other related activities.
1.4 Development
Process
Council has prepared Specific conditions for
inclusion in approvals or consents intended to apply to
developments where it is
known or reasonably suspected that asbestos is present have been developed.
The aim of
these conditions of consent is to minimise asbestos
exposure in the environment by requiring asbestos safe work practices and
controls and disposal procedures be
observed during development activities. An example
of the relevant conditions appears below:
In addition
to compliance with the development consent conditions, applicants shall notify
their neighbours prior to the removal of any asbestos. The applicant or their
agent must, in writing, notify all adjoining properties and those directly
opposite the development. Notification details to include the date(s) and
time(s) of the asbestos removal, the name of the licensed removalist together
with a contact person for the site, telephone, facsimile and email address.
Note:
Notwithstanding
if the development requires consent or not, demolition works and disposal of
asbestos must only be undertaken by contractors who hold a current WorkCover “Demolition Licence” and a current
WorkCover “Class 2 (Restricted) Asbestos Licence unless the amount is less than
the minimum allowed by the NSW WorkCover Authority.
1.5 Development
that does not require consent
Some development in the local government area controlled by Council does not require a consent or approval be
obtained before conducting the relevant development. This exemption from the requirement to obtain a
consent or approval appears in the following:The following planning controls apply to
development that does not require consent within the Parramatta City Area:
· Parramatta
Development Control Plan 2005.
,
· State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt
and Complying Development Codes) 2008.
To ensure that he
following requirements establish a consistent approach is followed throughout the local government area controlled by across the Council area.
Tthe
following requirements must be
satisfied or complied with, before a complying development can be carried out
or the demolition of any material that contains asbestos:
· The work is
to be carried out by the holder of a NSW WorkCover Asbestos or “Demolition
Licence” and a current WorkCover “Class 2 (Restricted) Asbestos licence.
· Demolition
is to be carried out in accordance with the applicable provisions of Australian
Standard AS2601 1991 - The Demolition of Structures).
·Demolition
works are restricted to Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.00am to 6.00pm.
No demolition works are to be undertaken on Saturdays, Sundays or
· Public Holidays.
· Standard commercially manufactured signs containing
the words ‘DANGER ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN
PROGRESS’ measuring not less than 400mmx300mm are to be erected in
prominent visible positions on the site.
·Standard commercially manufactured signs containing
the words
·
‘DANGER ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN PROGRESS’ measuring not less than
400mmx300mm
are to be erected in prominent visible positions on the site.
· No asbestos laden skips or
bins are to be left in any public place without the approval of Council.
· No asbestos
products are to be water blasted or reused on the site (i.e. packing pieces,
spacers, formwork or fill).
· Prior to the
exportation of all waste from the site the material should be classified to
determine where the waste may be legally taken. The Protection of the
Environment Operations Act 1997 provides for the commission of an offence for
both the waste owner and the transporter, if the waste is taken to a place that
cannot lawfully be used as a waste facility.
· The
proponent of demolition or renovation
works involving asbestos material should obtain:
(i) (i) an asbestos clearance certificate
prepared by a NATA accredited occupational hygienist; and
(i)
(ii)
a signed statement verifying that demolition work and the recycling of asbestos
materials was undertaken in accordance the NSW Workcover document Your guide to
working with Asbestos www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
· Whether
or notNotwithstanding
if the development requires
consent is
requiredor not,
demolition works and disposal of asbestos must only be undertaken by
contractors who hold a current WorkCover Asbestos or “Demolition Licence” and a
current WorkCover “Class 2 (Restricted) Asbestos Licence unless the amount is
less than the minimum allowed by the NSW WorkCover Authority.
1.6 Asbestos
Waste Disposal Facilities
The removal
of asbestos waste is permitted, subject to development consent conditions
governing times, seven days per week.
Waste
facilities (including hours of operation) that will accept asbestos are;
· Belrose
Waste & Recycling Centre
Address:
Phone:
1300 651 116
Hours
of Operation:
Monday
to Friday: 6am to 5pm
Saturday
and Sunday: 8am to 5pm
· Jacks
Gully Waste & Recycling Centre
Address:
Phone:
1300 651 116
Hours
of Operation:
Monday:
to Friday: 6am to 4pm
Saturday
& Sunday: 8am to 4pm
· Eastern
Creek Waste & Recycling Centre
Address:
Phone:
1300 651 116
Hours
of Operation:
Monday
to Friday: 7am to 4pm
Saturday:
8am to 5pm
Sunday:
8am to 5pm
· Lucas
Heights Waste & Recycling Centre,
Address:
New
Phone:
1300 651 116
Hours
of Operation:
Monday
to Friday: 6am to 4pm
Saturday:
8am to 5pm
Sunday:
8am to 5pm
1.7 Response
to Requests/Complaints (
Where
Council is in receipt of an enquiry or /complaint concerning
asbestos or Council staff
becomestaff
becomes aware of an asbestos
being dumped in the street or other
public place the following will be Council’s
procedure will be
followedfor
dealing with such complaints.:
1 . Enquiry/complaint to be entered on
Council’s service request system.
2. Council
officers receiving a complaint or becoming aware of an asbestos dump are to
advise their team leader immediately.
3. Team
Leader or their nominees are to investigate and:
•
Quantify;
•
Photograph;
•
Identify the owner of the material or the party responsible for the incident or
dumping, if possible.
4. Staff must wear appropriate
PPE when investigating enquiries/complaints regarding asbestos.
5 .Team Leader to request Cleansing Team
to secure public area to prevent public access with priority given to asbestos
dumped in a sensitive area such as a park or near a school or the environmental
conditions (i.e. wind and or rain).
6. Team
Leader or nominee to contact NSW EPA to apply for Environmental Trust Funds to
fund the costs of removing orphan waste (dumped asbestos) where the person
responsible cannot be identified. Approval must be granted prior to the removal
of any asbestos material by Council.
7 . The Team Leader or nominee shall advise
the PCC Cleansing Team to have asbestos removed by a licensed asbestos
removalist and disposed of at a waste centre that accepts asbestos. Council
will require a receipt to confirm the asbestos was disposed of lawfully.
; and
8 . Team Leader or nominee to undertake
enforcement action against the responsible party if they can be identified.
9 8. Complainant and residents to be
advised of outcome.
1.8 Response
to Requests/Complaints (Private property)
Where
Council is in receipt of a complaint or /enquiry regarding asbestos on private
property the following procedure
will be followedCouncil’s procedure for dealing with such complaints.:
1 . Complaint to be entered on Council’s
service request system.
;
2 . Complaint to be forwarded to the
Team Leader Environment and Development Control or a senior health officer in
that officer’s absence -– immediately.;
3 . Request/Complaint to be investigated
by Environmental Health Surveyor immediately.
4 . Health surveyor to, in consultation
with the Department of Conservation and
Environment
and/or the NSW WorkCover Authority, make a determination if the material
contains asbestos and if there is a risk to human health or the environment if
required.
Staff
are to wear the appropriate PPE when investigating enquiries/complaints regarding
asbestos. (See section 6 NOHSC 2002).
5 . If there is a risk to human health
or the environment, a short term notice may be served on the owner of the
premises under Section 124 of the
Local
Government Act 1993 or a Clean – up notice may be served under Section 91 of
the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
Council
will ensure the asbestos is collected by a licensed asbestos removalist and
disposed of only at a waste centre that accepts asbestos (as listed in Part 4
of this policy). Council will require a receipt to confirm the asbestos was
disposed of lawfully.
6 . Information to be gathered for
regulatory response, should include but not be limited to photographs, quantify
m2, type (flat, corrugated), weather conditions (rain, wind etc) property
owner’s details.
7 .
If the building owner cannot be contacted and the asbestos is friable contact
the NSW Fire Brigade (Hazmat) (9318-4822) to secure area and commence
regulatory procedures to prevent any environmental or health damage.
8 .
Complainant and residents to be advised of outcome.
1.9 Training
Needs ‘Council Staff’
Council
regularly conductstraining
strategy for staff. For
Council staff in the areas of such as
Building Trades People,
Building
Surveyors, Environmental Health Surveyors, Rangers and Waste collectors. t.
The training should include but not be
limited to the following:
· • Where staff are likely to come into
contact with asbestos;
· • Health hazards associated with
asbestos; and
· • Legal responsibility (Health and Environment)
for ensuring their health and the health of others.
The rRelevant
Council staff are to be provided with
the appropriate PPE when investigating asbestos enquiries, and receive training
in the care and use of such equipment.
1.10 Resources
Title
Where to find it Author/Source
Occupational
Health and Safety
Act 2000
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
NSW Government
Occupational
Health and Safety
Regulation
2001
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
NSW Government
Your guide
to working with
asbestos
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
WorkCover NSW
Living with
Fibro www.workcover.nsw.gov.au WorkCover NSW
Asbestos
‘Guidelines for licensed
asbestos
removal contractors
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
National Occupational Health
& Safety
Commission
Guide to the
Control of
Asbestos
Hazards in Buildings
and
Structures [NOHSC
:3002(1998)]
www.nohsc.gov.au
National Occupational Health
& Safety
Commission
Fibro &
Asbestos ‘A renovators
and
homeowners guide’
www.nsw.gov.au/fibro/brochure.asp
NSW Government
Fibro and
Asbestos ‘Frequently
asked questions
for renovators
and
homeowners’
www.nsw.gov.au/fibro/faqs.asp
NSW Government
Australian
Standard AS 2601
– 2001
‘The
Demolition of Structures’
www.standards.org.au
Standards Australia
Safely
disposing of asbestos
from your
home
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Department of Environment
and
Conservation (NSW)
1.11 Administration
This
pPolicy
will be reviewed every three years or when legislative changes affect the
policy.
Review
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Version |
Date
Adopted |
Date
superseded |
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Owner
Manager
Regulatory Services