Dealing with hazardous materials (hazmat) isn’t something anyone wants to think about, but it’s a real concern in many New Zealand homes and workplaces. Hazards like asbestos, chemical spills, and improper waste disposal can cause serious harm if not handled properly. This guide will break down the most common hazmat risks, how to avoid them, and why calling in the experts is often your best bet when it comes to hazmat management.
What Is Hazmat Management?
Hazmat management is about recognising, handling, and safely removing hazardous materials to protect people and the environment. Hazardous materials, often shortened to hazmat, can include asbestos in older buildings, industrial chemicals, and contaminated waste.
Eliminating these materials is a specialised task and can’t typically done by property owners. Instead, this undertaking is outsourced to professional waste management companies that comply with New Zealand’s strict safety standards.
Key Hazmat Management Steps
Hazmat Identification
Professional hazmat management begins with identifying potentially hazardous materials. Asbestos, for example, was widely used in construction before the year 2000 and, to this day, can still be found in roofs, insulation, and cladding.
A professional asbestos risk assessment can pinpoint where asbestos is present and determine whether it needs removal. Similarly, materials like lead-based paint or chemical waste will also require expert attention.
Safe Handling and Storage
After hazardous materials are identified and pinpointed, they need to be handled and stored safely. For example:
- Asbestos-containing materials shouldn’t be disturbed to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
- Chemicals must be stored in sealed, clearly labelled containers in areas that minimise spill risks.
- Waste materials need to be kept away from water sources to prevent contamination.
Following Safety Standards
New Zealand has strict hazmat safety standards that guide how hazardous materials should be managed. These rules are in place to protect people working with hazmat while preventing environmental damage.
Disposal of Hazardous Materials
Proper disposal is one of the most critical parts of hazmat management. For asbestos, this means using specialised containment and transport methods to ensure fibres do not escape during removal or disposal.
Why Is Hazmat Management Important?
Laws are in place to ensure that the proper hazmat removal and disposal procedures are adhered to because if poorly handled, hazmat can lead to:
- Serious health problems, like respiratory issues or cancer.
- Pollution of soil, water, and air.
- Costly fines or legal penalties for non-compliance.
Trained hazmat professionals can ensure that your property is free of hazards and managed in line with New Zealand’s regulations.
How Does Hazmat Management Work?
- Finding Hazards: Professionals check for things like asbestos in roofs, cladding, or insulation.
- Storing Safely: Hazardous materials need to be stored securely, with labels that make it clear what they are.
- Following Rules: Laws and safety standards guide how these materials are handled and disposed of.
- Safe Disposal: Experts use approved methods to eliminate hazardous waste without harming the environment.
Common Hazmat Risks in New Zealand
Some people might not know that they’re being exposed to hazmat risks every day. Here are some of the most common hazmat risks in NZ:
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was once common in building materials. If your house was built before 2000, there’s a good chance it has asbestos in the roof, walls, or flooring.
- Health Risks: Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.
- Solution: Call a licensed team for safe asbestos removal to get rid of it without risk.
Chemical Spills
Chemical spills can happen anywhere—at home, on a farm, or at a factory. Spills are dangerous to people, pets, and the environment if not cleaned up quickly and correctly.
- Health Risks: Burns, breathing problems, or poisoning are common effects.
- Solution: Proper storage and having a spill response plan can make all the difference.
Improper Waste Disposal
Dumping hazardous materials, like asbestos or industrial chemicals, is a big no-no. Not only is it illegal, but it can also cause long-term damage to the environment.
- Risks: Contaminated water and soil can harm wildlife, crops, and people.
- Solution: Use certified hazardous materials removal services to handle disposal.
Radon Gas
Radon is an invisible and odourless natural gas that is hard to detect. It can seep into homes, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Health Risks: Long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer.
- Solution: Test for radon and improve ventilation if needed.
Why Remove Asbestos?
Asbestos is a hidden danger. It can’t be seen or smelled but is deadly when disturbed. A small amount is enough to cause serious health problems later in life.
How Can You Spot Hazards?
Here are some clues to watch for:
- Old Materials: Homes built before 2000 may have asbestos or lead paint.
- Damage: Cracks, peeling paint, or broken insulation could mean trouble.
- Strange Smells: Chemical-like odours might signal hazardous substances.
When in doubt, call a professional for an inspection.
What Should You Do Next?
- Don’t Touch It: Leave hazardous materials undisturbed.
- Call the Experts: Professionals know how to handle the situation safely.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Adhering to New Zealand hazmat safety standards is key to protecting everyone involved.
Why Hiring Professionals is a Smart Move
Dealing with hazardous materials on your own isn’t just risky—it’s also against the law in some cases. Here’s why you should leave it to the pros:
- Safety First: Experts use the right gear and techniques to minimise risk.
- Legal Compliance: They’ll make sure all work meets construction safety compliance rules.
- Efficient and Effective: Certified teams handle everything, from inspections to disposal.
- Protects the Environment: Proper disposal prevents pollution.
Keeping Your Property Safe
You don’t need to panic about hazardous materials, but you do need to act. Regular checks, proper handling, and professional removal keep you, your family, and your workers safe.
Quick Tips for Hazmat Safety:
- Get older buildings inspected for asbestos.
- Store chemicals in labelled, secure containers.
- Never dump hazardous materials—always use certified disposal services.
- Follow all health and safety regulations in New Zealand.
Ready to Make Your Space Safer?
At Reliable Contracting Group, we’re here to help with all your hazmat management needs. Our services cover everything from asbestos remediation services to waste disposal. We’ve got you covered.
Our team is based in Auckland, and we serve residential and commercial clients. We are certified, experienced, and committed to safety. Contact Reliable Contracting Group today to learn more. Let us take the stress out of managing hazardous materials so you can focus on what matters most.
