Issue 18, February 2006

Australian Standard AS2601 (2001) The Demolition of Structures sets out the requirements and provides guidelines for the planning and procedures for the demolition of a structure. Whether demolition involves the whole structure or is part of refurbishment, the first step before actual demolition commences is the initial investigation of the structure and site including the development of a work plan.

The initial investigation includes consideration of the materials of construction and in particular, the location, nature and extent of any hazardous materials present. However, Cetec’s experience indicates that the documentation of hazardous materials prior to demolition has not always been done to a high standard of accuracy. As a consequence as the project progresses, especially in the early stages, disruptions to the project may 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:

• Not all asbestos containing materials have been identified during the initial inspection phase. In particular mastic, paint and vinyl floor tiles are commonly overlooked;
   
• Some materials have been erroneously documented as asbestos containing, usually through presumption rather than confirmed by testing;
   
• 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. The involvement of an organization with a scientific OH&S approach is highly recommended given the increasingly cautious industrial relations and regulatory climate.

Cetec is highly experienced in dealing with all the risks posed by hazardous materials and encourages their early and ongoing expert management as a support to the traditional project and construction engineering project team.
 

	Environmentally Sustainable Construction
	Office Noise
	Contamination in the Pharmaceutical Industry
	Automated Design Checking Against Building Codes