Hazardous Materials Survey
If your building requires council approval or planned works, protect occupants by identifying and managing hazardous building materials. SESA specialise in Hazardous Material Surveys to assess asbestos, lead paint, lead dust, synthetic mineral fibres (SMF), and ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). We provide detailed inspection reports and hazardous materials registers to meet council DA and WHS requirements. Contact SESA occupational hygiene team for hazardous materials survey and consulting services in Sydney, NSW and ACT.
What is a Hazardous Materials Survey?
A Hazardous Materials Survey assesses, identifies, locates, and documents hazardous building materials within a property. Usually done before renovation, demolition, or as part of compliance for workplace safety and council development applications.
Qualified hazardous materials consultants or occupational hygienists perform the survey, which typically includes:
- Inspection of the building – for hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint/dust, synthetic mineral fibres, PCBs, ozone-depleting substances).
- Sampling & testing – of suspect materials in a NATA-accredited laboratory.
- Survey report & hazardous materials register – detailing what was found, its condition, and recommendations for management or safe removal.
In short, A Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Survey ensures a building is safe, compliant, and that risks are properly managed before work begins.
Hazardous Building Materials
Hazardous building materials include substances used in construction that pose serious health or environmental risks if disturbed, damaged, or improperly managed. Older buildings often contain these materials, so professionals must identify, assess, and manage them in line with health & safety regulations, Australian Standards, Codes and Guidelines.
Common hazardous building materials include:
- Asbestos (ACM) – widely used for insulation, flooring, and roofing.
- Lead paint and lead dust – common in older paints and coatings.
- Synthetic mineral fibre (SMF) – used in insulation and fireproofing.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) – found in electrical equipment.
- Ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) – used in refrigerants and cooling systems.
Hazmat Services
Our hazardous materials consultants and occupational hygienists provide the following but not limited to the below hazmat surveys and related services across Sydney and NSW:
Hazardous Materials Inspection
Hazardous materials inspections covering all or nominated hazardous building materials (asbestos, lead paint / lead dust, SMF, PCBs and ODSs).
Hazardous Materials Survey
Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) surveys of buildings and structures at the site. It could be in part building or entire building. Access to all areas of the building is required as far as reasonably practicable.
Hazardous Materials Sampling & Testing
The hazardous materials testing includes onsite sampling of asbestos, lead paint, lead dust in nominated areas and locations and samples analysis by NATA accredited laboratory. The number of samples can vary from site to site depending on the size of the building and the hazardous materials present.
Hazardous Materials Report & Register
A hazardous materials report is compiled in comprehensive format which includes a hazardous materials register and recommendation for the in-situ management of hazardous building materials identified and/or recommendations for the safe removal where applicable.
Hazardous Materials Removal Management
We can project manage the safe and compliant removal of hazardous materials from the site and prepare hazardous materials removal specifications and removal/abatement control plans.
Clearance Inspections & Reports
Our occupational hygiene consultants provide clearance testing and clearance air monitoring for asbestos and lead, asbestos clearance certificates and lead clearance reports.
Hazardous Materials Air Monitoring
Air monitoring for the assessment or removal of asbestos, synthetic mineral fibre (SMF), lead and other hazardous air contaminants.
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Awareness Training
Our certified occupational hygienists offer training on asbestos, lead, and hazardous materials awareness to promote workplace safety and compliance.
Would You Like to Know More
About Our Services
Call us today on 02 9822 8406, email us , or use our online enquiry form for further information about our services, to arrange an obligation-free
phone consultation or to discuss your requirements with us.
Legislative Requirements for Hazardous Materials in Buildings
In Australia, strict laws apply to hazardous building materials such as asbestos, lead, synthetic mineral fibres (SMF), PCBs, and ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Key requirements include:
- WHS Regulation & Code of Practice – All workplaces built before 31 December 2003 must have an Asbestos Register and an Asbestos Management Plan.
- Australian Standard AS2601 (Demolition of Structures) – Professionals must inspect buildings for hazardous materials before renovation or demolition. Any identified materials must be safely removed under controlled conditions.
- Council Development Applications (DA) – Local councils require an Asbestos Survey Report or Hazardous Material’s Survey Report for buildings constructed prior to 1990.
- Asbestos Removal – Must comply with the Code of Practice “How to Safely Remove Asbestos.”
Other applicable standards and guidelines include:
- Australian Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Code of Good Practice (HB 40 Set-2005)
- ANZECC PCB Management Plan & PCB Capacitor Identification Guidelines
- Ozone Protection & Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
- AS4361.1–2017 & AS4361.2–2017 (Hazardous Paint & Lead Paint Management)
- NOHSC Standards & Codes: Inorganic Lead, Asbestos Fibre Monitoring, Synthetic Mineral Fibre
Why Choose SESA Hazardous Materials Survey Assessment Services?
At SESA, we specialise in asbestos and hazardous materials consulting across Sydney, NSW, and travel all over Australia and overseas as required. Our licensed asbestos assessors and qualified occupational hygienists are members of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH), ensuring the highest professional standards.
Every survey, inspection, and report is carried out in strict compliance with Australian legislation, codes of practice, and SESA’s quality management system. With proven expertise and a commitment to safety, we deliver reliable, compliant, and professional hazardous materials survey services.
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