Fairfield East — Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Assessments for Industrial Redevelopment
Confluence Environmental completed hazardous materials assessments across two adjoining properties in Fairfield East, Western Sydney, supporting Construction Certificate documentation and planning for industrial redevelopment.
The engagement covered a vacant hardstand property of approximately 2,625 m² and a separate approximately 750 m² property containing a former industrial warehouse.
About the project
The proposed redevelopment required an assessment of hazardous materials that could affect demolition and construction works.
The properties presented different conditions: one comprised exposed concrete hardstand with no remaining buildings, while the other contained a single-storey warehouse dating from approximately the 1960s, with fibre cement building materials and older electrical components.
Confluence documented accessible materials, assessed potential disturbance risks and prepared separate reports to inform the proposed works.
Project at a glance:
Properties assessed: Two adjoining industrial properties.
Vacant hardstand area: Approximately 2,625 m².
Warehouse property area: Approximately 750 m².
Building age: Approximately 1960s.
Deliverables: Two hazardous materials assessment reports, with register documentation and management recommendations.
Asbestos and hazardous materials investigation
Confluence inspected accessible areas and collected representative samples of suspect materials for analysis by a NATA-accredited laboratory.
The warehouse assessment considered asbestos-containing materials, suspected lead-based paint, synthetic mineral fibre insulation and electrical components potentially containing polychlorinated biphenyls.
Materials were assessed according to their condition, accessibility and likelihood of disturbance during the proposed works. The report distinguished laboratory-confirmed findings from materials assumed to contain hazardous substances pending further assessment.
Documenting asbestos before demolition
The warehouse survey identified asbestos-containing fibre cement materials, including approximately 225 m² of external wall lining, together with scattered fragments and other suspected asbestos-containing components.
The hazardous materials register recorded locations, estimated quantities, condition, risk ratings and recommended controls. This provided information to assist the project team and removal contractors in defining the scope of work before demolition.
The assessment also documented insulation and older electrical components requiring consideration during demolition planning.
Recommendations for removal and further assessment
Confluence’s recommendations addressed:
Removal of identified asbestos-containing materials before demolition.
Appropriate handling of insulation and other hazardous materials likely to be disturbed.
Inspection of older electrical components to establish whether PCB-containing capacitors were present.
Further assessment of concealed and inaccessible areas before disturbance.
Procedures for responding to unexpected suspect materials during works.
The reports identified the limits of the accessible inspection and the need for further intrusive assessment where concealed materials could be exposed during demolition.
Supporting industrial redevelopment
The assessments provided property-specific information to support demolition planning and Construction Certificate documentation.
By documenting material locations, estimated quantities and further assessment requirements, Confluence helped the project team define hazardous materials considerations before commencing the proposed works.
Planning an industrial demolition or redevelopment in Western Sydney? Contact Confluence Environmental for asbestos surveys, hazardous materials assessments and pre-demolition advice.