Respirable (Fibre) Monitoring Project Profile
Job site/ location: Sandvik – Bayswater, WA
Client: Sandvik
Value of Works: ~$185,000
Commencement of Works: April 2010
Completion of Works: September 2010

Description of Works
The scope of works provided by SERS included a full risk assessment of the condition of the former asbestos clad roof at an operational workshop facility, dust samples for the presence of asbestos, respirable fibre monitoring and open seminars with the 200+ staff communicating the risk and status of asbestos within the facility as a whole to enable the facility to remain operational during remedial works. SERS was onsite monitoring and overseeing the works while the 4500m2 of asbestos cement roof sheeting was removed and the warehouse detailed out of operational hours.

Removal of the asbestos cement roof became a priority after a significantly damaging hail storm event in March 2010 which damaged the overall structural integrity of the roof and created an immediate concern of respirable asbestos exposure to workers. Firstly SERS was commissioned to make an assessment of the overall condition of the roof and subsequently aided site management in the planning of asbestos roof removal and replacement whilst keeping the facility operational at all times.

During roof removal respirable fibre monitoring was conducted with results available to the client and all staff on-site prior to the following shift. All works were undertaken out of normal business hours.

Outcome
The facility was able to re-roof their premises without significant loss of production. Management and staff at the facility were well informed and aware of the entire process allowing minimal impact to production cycles.