Pyrmont NSW

EGA was engaged by our client to carry out airborne lead dust risk monitoring and clearances as part of a community centre upgrade works during construction phase scope, following identification of lead containing dust across ceiling and subfloor spaces across the site.

During construction phase works, EGA provided the client with a methodology to adequately address the lead dust identified within the subfloor and ceiling spaces within the site. The scope of works was made further sensitive by the presence of a childcare centre in an adjacent portion of the building, requiring careful consideration of controls, work timing and results / clearance activities.

Works were carried out over sequential weekends to reduce the risk of accidental lead dust exposure by day care children and staff members, with airborne lead and clearance samples analysed by the laboratory over the weekend. Results of the sample analysis and associated reporting were issued Sunday mornings to ensure the childcare centre could open safely on the Monday.

The following outcomes were achieved through careful planning and implementation of the lead dust removal methodology and airborne lead dust monitoring:

• The methodology prepared ensured removal works were undertaken per the current legislation, reducing potential exposure to both construction workers, day care centre children and staff, while taking into consideration the construction phase scope required to complete the upgrade works;
• Weekend works, including laboratory analysis and clearance reporting allowed for uninterrupted operations of the adjacent childcare centre; and
• The reduction in risk associated with the lead removal works, ensured timely delivery of the construction phase scope.