How Asbestos Moves in Soil and Water Systems
Asbestos contamination isn’t a static issue. Materials can move through soil and water systems and dramatically alter your site’s risk profile. Understanding how asbestos behaves in the environment and how to identify small changes is critical in developing a robust safety and compliance program. In this guide, we explain how asbestos moves through soil and […]
Quantifying Risk: Distinguishing Between Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos Containing Materials
When asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are identified on site, developers and managers must ask whether they are friable or non-friable. That distinction determines how the asbestos behaves, the risks it presents and how it should be managed. In other words, identifying the type of asbestos on site allows site managers to make informed and compliant […]
Why Asbestos Containing Materials are so Dangerous: Understanding the Health Risks
When asbestos is discovered on site, the primary concern is not the material itself, but rather it’s potential to release fibres into the air. This creates a significant health risk for site occupants and can leave your project exposed to intense regulatory scrutiny. Understanding the potential for fibre release is a core principle of asbestos […]
5 of the Most Dangerous Asbestos Containing Materials in WA
Although it may be banned today, our long history of asbestos use means it remains a common contaminant on sites across Western Australia. But that doesn’t mean all asbestos contamination is the same. Understanding different sources of asbestos contamination is critical in mitigating them. With an incorrect assessment, site managers expose themselves to continued health […]
Understanding WA Regulations for Asbestos Removal and Disposal
Asbestos contamination is a significant issue for Western Australian development projects, not just because of its health risks, but also its strict regulation. To combat contamination and safety concerns, the government has legislated clear requirements around the removal, classification and transport of asbestos in soil and building material. Understanding these regulations and how they affect […]
Why You Must Validate Asbestos Remediation and Removal Projects
Completing asbestos removal and remediation work is a significant step for projects across Western Australia. But it’s important to recognise that this process does not end once those activities are finished. To ensure a site is ready for its intended use and compliant with relevant legislation, site managers must conduct post-remediation verification. Should it be […]
5 Common Mistakes Made During Asbestos Remediation and How You Can Avoid Them
Asbestos remediation works are often completed in time and money constrained environments. Unfortunately, that often means planning and implementation are inadequate. Mistakes during remediation programs can lead to delays, regulatory issues and cost blowouts. Most importantly, you increases the risk of further contamination and fibre release. Understanding the most common mistakes and how to avoid […]
Comparing Asbestos Removal, Remediation and Encapsulation
When asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are identified on site, there is one question site managers must ask: how should they be managed? While the terms removal, remediation and encapsulation are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to three distinct approaches to addressing asbestos risks. Each method is suited to different types of asbestos, site conditions […]
Detecting Asbestos in Soil: Preliminary vs Detailed Investigations
No site is the same as the one next to it, so a blanket approach to asbestos assessments rarely gets the job done. At West Soil & Water, we conduct staged investigations that account for a site’s history, proposed use and contamination risks. Our consultants complete Preliminary Investigations to identify potential contamination and, where necessary, […]
Asbestos in Soil: 7 Key Indicators That Trigger the Need for Testing
Discovering asbestos during excavation, demolition or development can lead to work stoppages, safety risks and regulatory punishments. Working in Western Australia’s complex legal matrix, knowing asbestos’ early warning signs will allow you to investigate and manage risks before they escalate. In this article, we outline 7 triggers for asbestos investigations. For more information or to […]