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  QUESTION: Specifications for removal of lead dust from a building site, 16 Oct 2005, New South Wales Australia

We are preparing specifications for the removal of lead dust from a building site.
We have a contamination report but still need to describe removal methods.
thanks

EMAIL TWO From: "Conacher Architects" Sunday, October 16, 2005
Subject: Re: Specs for removal of lead dust from a building site

Elizabeth

Thanks for this.

It's ceiling dust and I will specify the qualifications of the workers.

However I still need to specify all the methods for competitive tendering of the whole project.

I hope you can send me something.

Andrew

ANSWER: 17 Oct 2005

Dear Andrew,

the answer really depends on the hazards identified for the dust and how the dust is currently contained. Are you talking about paint dust on the ground, dust on rafters, or cavity dust as in ceiling, wall or underfloor cavity dust or dust from a particular process such as metal grinding, smelting etc? There is some information on methods for cleaning up lead paint dust in AS4361 on lead paint management but these standards correctly point out that you are better to avoid creating paint dust than to think that you will be able to adequately clean it up.

If it is ceiling dust, we recommend you hire a member of the Australian Dust Removalists Association to do the work because they work according to the ADRA Code of Practice. See www.adra.com.au

Regards
Yours Sincerely
Elizabeth O'Brien

EMAIL TWO: Monday, October 17, 2005

Dear Andrew,

When I approached Standards Australia to write a standard on the issue of ceiling dust (eg under what circumstances it should be removed and how to do it), they refused to do so (presumably they decided the standard would not sell enough copies) so the best and only document which approaches a specification is the ADRA Code of Practice. (see www.adra.com.au/cop.html). I have also made a presentation to WorkCover Authority NSW (see www.lead.org.au/bblp/Ceiling-Dust/index.htm) and following that presentation, have written to the Minister for Industrial Relations (see attached letter to Mr Della Bosca) requesting that WorkCover, ADRA, The LEAD Group and other relevant stakeholders should write {and web-publish} a Standard and Code of Practice on Building Cavity Dust Removal. To date I know of no action having been taken in response to my proposals.

You may also be interested in the attached WorkCover report which they have refused to web-publish because it was not written for the public. I would be very interested in receiving a copy of your specs if it turns out that you have to write one.

Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours Sincerely
Elizabeth O'Brien

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