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Many demolition projects are complex and
difficult. These projects can often lead to time delays and cost
overruns for all parties, including the occupier, building company and
demolition contractor.
The types of problems encountered can usually be
handled by the experienced demolition contractors with little
additional risk involved. However, in a relatively small
proportion of projects the risks are much higher with
specialist and timely scientific advice and technical
management a wise precaution to reduce your risks.
High Risk Decontamination in Demolition Projects
In a relatively small sub-group of demolition projects, the
decontamination risks are more complex and unusual. They typically
occur in:
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Industrial or manufacturing sites, the
larger and longer they have been in use, the more
problematic.
-
Laboratories – for scientific research,
teaching, product development/testing, etc Typically found in
Universities, Schools, Private and Public Research Organisations.
Contributing Factors
Affecting Level of Complexity and Risk
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Age
and size of facility.
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Record keeping involving the documentation of
operations on the site.
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Diligence of management and personnel to good
OHS&E practices over the history of the site.
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Intended future use of the site/facility.
CETEC
– Experience and Knowledge Counts
Cetec’s scientifically trained consultants have the experience you
require in:
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Identification and management of the risks
of the range of hazardous materials used in your buildings, industry
and laboratories
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Laboratory design
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OH&S, environmental and regulatory
requirements
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The Built Environment
What CETEC can do for you
Cetec provides solutions for your complex chemical issues, including
radiation and decontamination.
Cetec can provide the total project contract for
all hazardous materials and removal prior to “clean” internal
demolition. This allows the building and demolition contractors
to concentrate on what they do best, without the time and cost delays
involved with identifying ‘unknown’ and potentially hazardous
materials during a major demolition.
For refurbishment or redesign project, Cetec also
provides answers on OH&S and/or laboratory design.
If required,
chemical inventory systems and sorting can be conducted, ready
for use and/or waste disposal.
Why Do These Problems
Happen?
In our experience, we often find the
documentation of hazardous materials inadequate and/or
inaccurate. The information may simply
not be available or accessible and the hazardous materials
review of the facility may be deficient.
As a consequence as the project
progresses, especially in the early stages, disruptions to the project
can arise because of inadequate knowledge of the hazardous
materials present. This can lead
to industrial and environmental disputes, budget overrun or time delay
in the project.
Even in the relatively
straightforward case of asbestos decontamination of a building, there
can be issues affecting project management such as:
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Not all asbestos
containing materials have been identified during the initial
inspection phase. In particular mastic, paint and vinyl floor tiles
are commonly overlooked;
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Some materials have
been erroneously documented as asbestos containing, usually through
presumption rather than confirmed by testing;
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The selected procedure
for asbestos removal is not the most cost and time efficient.
For older buildings,
industrial premises or specialist facilities there can be a
complex matrix of potential hazardous materials; e.g. asbestos,
chemicals, radioactivity and biohazards. In this case major
attention is required in the identification and decontamination
of the hazardous materials. A scientific OH&S approach is highly
recommended given the increasingly cautious industrial relations and
regulatory climate.
Cetec can offer this
tested scientific OH&S service to your business. To learn more about
how we can help you please call us to discuss your specific needs on
(03) 9544 9111.
Would
you like more details about our
Environmental Services?
For more Cetec articles about
Asbestos, Chemicals & Other Hazards.
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