Occupational Hygiene Services
Managing Hazardous Materials with Caldera Environmental's Occupational Hygienists
Hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI) and mould pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. Effective management and remediation of these materials are crucial to ensure safe workplaces and successful site development. At Caldera Environmental, our team of Occupational Hygienists and Licensed Asbestos Assessors (LAA) are dedicated to providing comprehensive services to identify, assess and mitigate these hazards, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and protecting the well-being of workers and the community.
Asbestos Management
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its heat resistance and durability. However, asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, when inhaled. Our LAA at Caldera Environmental provide the following services:
Identification and Assessment: We conduct thorough surveys to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in buildings, soils and stuck to concrete and assess the extent of contamination. Recent projects providing these services have been undertaken in Sydney, Newcastle and the Gold Coast.
Removal and Disposal: Our team oversees and manages the safe removal and disposal of ACMs, following strict regulatory guidelines to minimise exposure risks to workers at the site, the surrounding environment (neighbours) and future site users.
Air Monitoring: We perform air quality monitoring to ensure that asbestos fibers are not present in the air during and after remediation activities.
Lead Paint Management
Lead-based paint, commonly used in buildings constructed before 1978, poses significant health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. Lead exposure can cause neurological damage, developmental delays, and other serious health issues. Our Certified Environmental Practitioners (CEnvP) offer the following lead paint management services:
Risk Assessments: We conduct detailed assessments to identify lead hazards in buildings and evaluate the potential risks to occupants.
Safe Removal: Our team uses specialised techniques to safely remove or encapsulate lead-based paint, ensuring that lead dust and debris are contained and properly disposed of.
Clearance Testing: After remediation, we perform clearance testing to confirm that lead levels are within safe limits.
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) Management
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic form of chromium that is used in various industrial processes, including electroplating, welding and the production of pigments and coatings. Exposure to Cr(VI) can cause lung cancer, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Our Occupational Hygienists provide the following services at sites such as defense bases and airports:
Exposure Assessments: We evaluate workplace environments to identify sources of Cr(VI) exposure and assess the levels of contamination.
Control Measures: Our team implements engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure risks.
Monitoring, Compliance and removal: We conduct regular monitoring to ensure that Cr(VI) removal processes undertaken within encapsulations or ‘bubbles’ are done so in a controlled and safe manner.
Mould Management
Mould is a type of fungus that can grow in damp and humid environments, causing respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems. Our Occupational Hygienists offer comprehensive mould management services, including:
Inspection and Assessment: We conduct thorough inspections to identify mould growth and assess the extent of contamination. Caldera Environmental staff have undertaken significant mould inspections following natural disaster flooding and storm events in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Northern Rivers of NSW.
Remediation: Our team uses safe and effective methods to remove mould and prevent its recurrence, including moisture control and ventilation improvements.
Air Quality Testing: We perform air quality testing to ensure that mould spores are not present in the air, protecting the health of building occupants.
Supporting Safe Site Development
By effectively managing hazardous materials, Caldera Environmental's Occupational Hygienists play a crucial role in reducing workplace risks and supporting safe site development. Our services ensure that contaminated sites are accurately assessed, remediated, and monitored, allowing for risk-free development and compliance with environmental regulations. Whether it's a residential, commercial, or industrial project, our team is committed to providing the highest level of expertise and support to ensure the safety and success of your development.
Managing hazardous materials is essential for protecting human health and the environment. At Caldera Environmental, our team of Occupational Hygienists is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with asbestos, lead paint, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI) and mould. By leveraging our expertise and adhering to regulatory standards, we help clients achieve safe and sustainable site development.
For more information about our hazardous materials management services and how we can assist with your environmental consulting needs, please visit our website or contact us directly.
