Canterbury Earthquake - Asbestos FAQs
How do you know if a building contains asbestos?
All accredited demolition contractors have been trained to be able to identify asbestos during the demolition itself. In the case of the Christchurch CBD CERA engaged a specialist consultant who undertook a survey of all buildings that may require demolition. This survey identified buildings that may contain asbestos and the information is available to the property owners. Where potential for asbestos has been identified methodologies are employed to manage this risk.
Is the asbestos removed from buildings prior to or during their demolition?
Where safe to do so all asbestos is removed from any building prior to or during the demolition process. If it is unsafe to remove the asbestos during the demolition process, and if the demolition material contains asbestos, all the contaminated debris is treated as if it is contaminated (with asbestos). It is disposed of directly and appropriately to Kate Valley landfill.
Adequate controls for the suppression of dust must be in place at all times when asbestos is being removed.
What happens if a contractor is unsure if a material is asbestos?
If there is any doubt about a material, a sample is taken and sent off for testing to determine if it contains asbestos.
How is asbestos disposed of?
All asbestos contaminated material is taken to Kate Valley Landfill, where it is immediately and carefully buried. No asbestos contaminated material is allowed to be taken to either the Burwood Resource Recovery Park or to the Lyttelton Port Reclamation.
Who undertakes the removal of the asbestos?
The removal of certain types of asbestos requires licensed asbestos removal contractors. All contractors have to follow the Department of Labour’s New Zealand Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos. If a demolition contractor does not hold the necessary licences then a specialist asbestos removal contractor is engaged.
How is asbestos transported?
Any asbestos contaminated material is transported in plastic lined and covered bins direct to Kate Valley landfill for disposal. None of this material is taken to either the Burwood Resource Recovery Park or to the Lyttelton Port Reclamation.
What testing is undertaken to show there is no asbestos in the air around the Burwood Resource Recovery Park?
Periodic ambient air testing is undertaken around the Burwood Resource Recovery Park by the operators of the park. All tests to date have not detected any asbestos.
