Asbestos
Clearance Inspections, Certificates and [NOHSC : 2002(2005)]
The NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 provides that an employer must ensure that asbestos work is carried out in accordance with NOHSC: 2002 (2005). Control and performance of certain aspects of the work must be undertaken by a Competent Person who is independent from the person responsible for the removal work.
What is a Clearance Inspection?
A Clearance Inspection is an examination of the area which has undergone an asbestos removal. It is undertaken prior to completion of asbestos work in that area. It is the principal component in determining the successful removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM). A clearance inspection is done prior to the resumption of normal work in the area by unprotected personnel and must be conducted by a “Competent Person”, independent from the person responsible for the removal work. Only a “Competent Person” can issue a Clearance Certificate.
When is a Clearance Inspection required and who must obtain a Clearance Inspection?
Before a clearance is granted for an asbestos work area to be re-occupied there must be a thorough clearance inspection.
The Client (that is the employer or site controller) should supply precise details of its asbestos removal requirements to the asbestos removalist and work specifi cations should address issues which include the arrangements for clearance inspections and air monitoring. A Competent Person can act on behalf of the Client to provide the required details to the removalist.
How should a Clearance Inspection be done?
A Competent Person must inspect the surface from which the ACM was removed at close range, they must go everywhere the asbestos removalist went, physically disturbing the surfaces and/or components, to reveal any visible debris. With the possible exception of obvious materials such as cement and paint, the Competent Person should not attempt to distinguish between materials thought to be asbestos material or non asbestos.
Who should undertake or determine the need for Air Monitoring when performing a Clearance Inspection?
All air monitoring requirements (such as location, rate, and frequency of sampling) should be determined by an independent Competent Person and performed in accordance with the NOHSC Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
Prior to commencement of works, part of the planning process should include the need for “clearance monitoring,” control monitoring results and experience will assist the Competent Person in determining the level and/or need of clearance monitoring.
What is NATA?
NATA is Australia’s Government-endorsed provider of accreditation for laboratories and similar testing facilities (www.nata.asn.au). To support its accreditation programs, NATA also operates proficiency testing programs for asbestos fi bre counting (the National Asbestos Program-NAP through Proficiency Testing Australia), and of which GETEX is a participant. The benefit of NATA accreditation & proficiency testing to you is one that enables you to select reliable testing and measurement services.
What can Getex do to help?
Act as a Competent Person in accordance with NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002 (2005) and OH&S Regulation 2001. GETEX is NATA Accredited for Airborne Asbestos Fibre Counting and Volume Measurement (which enable us to issue reports in fi bres/mL). Our accreditation Number is 15404. The staff at GETEX have many years of experience involving the monitoring and management of asbestos. GETEX are ready to recommend & implement cost-effective monitoring programs and clearance inspections in any part of Australia and overseas.
Further Articles of Interest:
Sydney Morning Herald
- "Next, a pink slip to vouch for an asbestos-free home"
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NSW Legislative Council
- SPECIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY (JAMES HARDIE RECORDS) BILL
