Asbestos, Lead & Hazardous Materials Surveys
Hazmat Assessments
Our Focus
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides hazmat assessments to identify and document hazardous materials in buildings and structures across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and the Mid-North Coast.
Our assessments cover asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), lead-in-paint, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), synthetic mineral fibres (SMFs), and other regulated substances. Whether you’re preparing for demolition, managing a development site, or meeting a regulatory or insurer requirement, our team provides clear, compliant reporting that gives you what you need to proceed safely.
Regulatory Context
Hazmat assessments are required under multiple NSW frameworks:
- NSW WHS Regulation 2017 requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to identify asbestos in the workplace, maintain an asbestos register, and manage associated risks.
- AS 2601-2001 – The Demolition of Structures (referenced in the NSW WHS Regulation) requires a hazardous materials survey prior to demolition or major refurbishment.
- SafeWork NSW guidelines recommend hazmat surveys before any renovation work on buildings constructed before 2004.
What We Assess
Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction until its total ban in 2003. Any building or structure built or renovated before 2004 may contain asbestos in roofing, wall sheeting, eaves, floor tiles, pipe lagging, textured coatings, and more.
Our asbestos hazmat surveys include:
- Visual inspection of all accessible building materials
- Bulk sampling of suspected ACMs
- Laboratory analysis to confirm presence and fibre type
- A written report identifying location, condition, extent, and friability of ACMs
- Recommendations for management or removal in line with WHS regulations
Lead-in-Paint
Lead was used in paints and surface coatings until the 1970s. Lead-in-paint surveys identify the presence and condition of lead-based coatings to inform safe work procedures and disposal requirements.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs were used in electrical equipment, sealants, and coatings. Our assessments identify PCB-containing materials and inform compliant disposal planning.
Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMFs)
SMFs including fibreglass batts, ceramic fibre products, and mineral wool are assessed for condition and risk of fibre release during demolition or renovation.
Who Needs a Hazmat Assessment?
- Builders and demolition contractors preparing for works on pre-2004 buildings
- Developers and project managers requiring regulatory compliance documentation
- Commercial and industrial property owners managing ongoing asbestos registers
- Residential property owners planning major renovation or demolition
- Legal and conveyancing professionals requiring due diligence reporting
Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hazmat assessment?
A hazmat assessment identifies hazardous materials in a building or structure before demolition, renovation, or development. It covers asbestos, lead-in-paint, PCBs, SMFs, and other regulated substances.
Is a hazmat assessment required before demolition?
Yes. AS 2601-2001, referenced in the NSW WHS Regulation 2017, requires a hazardous materials survey before demolition or major refurbishment of any structure that may contain hazardous materials.
Do you issue asbestos clearance certificates?
No. Clearance certificates must be issued by a Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA) after removal is complete. Hunter Geotechnical Services provides the pre-removal identification and assessment phase.
What buildings are likely to contain asbestos?
Any building constructed or renovated before 2004 may contain ACMs. Buildings built before 1990 have the highest likelihood, particularly in roofing, wall sheeting, eaves, wet area linings, and floor tiles.
Where do you operate?
We operate across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, the Mid-North Coast, and broader NSW.
Contact Us Today About Hazmat Assessments
Contact Hunter Geotechnical Services to discuss a hazmat assessment for your site. We operate across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and the Mid-North Coast. Call us or complete the form.
Partner with us on your next project
Contact our specialised team for more information about our services.