Celebrating
30+ Years
- Est. 1995
Once widely used in construction because of its fire-resistant properties, the naturally occurring mineral fibre Asbestos is no longer a welcome feature in residential or commercial spaces because of the severe health problems it causes, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Because of these dangerous aspects, removing or managing Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) requires a specialised and meticulous approach that prioritises health and safety (H&S) first and foremost.
At AR Plus, we understand the seriousness of asbestos exposure and the critical role H&S procedures play in asbestos removal projects. You won’t find a more committed team to providing a safe work environment for our team, the environment, and the greater community. This ensures that the property in question is remediated with minimal risk.
Our blog will uncover the importance of a comprehensive H&S plan for the asbestos removal process and how specialists like us approach these complex projects with the utmost care.
Because asbestos fibres are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, a comprehensive H&S plan is essential before any work is undertaken. If disturbed during renovation, demolition, or routine maintenance, these fibres can become airborne and easily inhaled. Devastating health issues can happen with even minimal exposure, especially for the young, aged, or immune-compromised. A thorough H&S plan lays the foundation to reduce these risks and protect everyone involved in the asbestos removal project.
A comprehensive H&S plan outlines the procedures and protocols for the entire asbestos removal project. This can include the following:
A comprehensive site inspection is undertaken to identify the presence of asbestos or ACMs. An Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) is created that involves a detailed report of the extent of the removal process, team requirements, and the necessary control measures to be set in place before, during, and after the asbestos removal project.
The ARCP outlines the step-by-step process for the removal and will highlight the containment procedure, air pressure systems, decontamination protocols, and the correct handling and disposal of asbestos. Special attention will be paid to the unique steps to be taken to protect and safely remove and manage asbestos.
This assessment considers factors like:
By thoroughly evaluating potential risks, we can proactively address them and prioritise the safety of everyone involved.
H&S plans to pay careful attention to the air monitoring procedures during the removal process, which is necessary for record-keeping for future reference.
Asbestos removal is a necessary service that protects the health of the community. To provide another blanket of protection and our obligations to always maintain strict H&S protocols is further highlighted by the following:
At AR Plus, we follow New Zealand’s safety rules for managing asbestos and comply with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 and the Approved Code of Practice (Worksafe NZ). Adherence to these regulations means we identify asbestos materials, create a plan to manage the removal process, and keep everyone safe by minimising asbestos exposure.
We maintain further compliance by conducting regular audits. These audits are conducted internally by our dedicated staff and through external experts such as OHS Consulting and Telarc. These combined audits give us a well-rounded perspective on our commitment to asbestos removal regulations.
Dedicated to your safety with our team of fully trained asbestos removalists, AR Plus holds Class A and Class B asbestos removal licenses from WorkSafe, ensuring we are qualified to handle any asbestos situation. In addition, our Telarc registrations ISO 45001:2018 and AS/NZS 4801:2001 further establish the commitment to health and safety best practices.
Every job comes with a 5-year guarantee and mandatory clearance certification from an I.A.N.Z.-registered assessor.
We don’t think there should be a “one-size-fits-all” strategy for asbestos removal and are aware that each project is different and may present risks. For this reason, AR Plus creates site-specific H&S strategies that are adapted to your unique needs.
Thanks to our thorough H&S plans, careful risk assessments, and unwavering dedication to worker safety, you can be sure that your project will be finished safely and effectively.
Let us put your health and safety first!
"*" indicates required fields